Meanwhile... Power is shifting in Vietnam, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Here's why you should pay attention.
Vietnam’s new president, To Lam, has consolidated both party and state leadership — a first in decades. This move signals faster decision-making, deeper reforms, and a more centralized vision for growth. What’s happening: • Stronger leadership control • Aggressive anti-corruption drive • Government restructuring at scale (150,000 bureaucratic jobs cut; 8 ministries abolished) • Private sector pushed to the forefront. 10%+ GDP growth targeted. And he’s just getting started. Why it matters: Vietnam is a critical node in global supply chains and a key alternative to China. But with rising reliance on the US and external shocks (energy, geopolitics), the stakes are higher than ever. The big question: Can centralized power accelerate growth — without losing internal consensus? This is not the Vietnam of 10 years ago. This is a nation that has found its footing — and is now running. Vietnam is entering a defining chapter. Source: FT
Yen at a critical juncture intervention looms
The Japanese Yen is once again near 160 USD/JPY, the level that triggered massive government interventions in 2024, with trillions of yen spent to defend the currency. Top official Atsushi Mimura warns that “all possible measures” could be taken. Rising oil dependence and record gas prices are straining the economy, making a weak yen more than a market issue it threatens daily life and inflation. History shows that a break above 160 would likely trigger swift intervention. Source: Global Markets Investor, Bloomberg
Asian nations rely more on energy imports from the Strait of Hormuz than Europe, the US, or Oceania.
Source: Simon Kuestenmacher @simongerman600
America ALLOWS Modi Regime purchase oil from Russia temporarily.
American EXPECTS, India will purchase costlier oil from it. Narendra Modi’s regime is a puppet in the hands of America who has TRADED ‘India’ in return for support to Rule over India. Source: Raju Parulekar
How many days of oil does Asia have in reserve?
Our 2025 AI Job Impacts Analysis found that starting in 2028-2029, AI will create more jobs than it eliminates. Yet, each year, over 32 million jobs will be significantly transformedAcross Asia, reserves range from more than 250 days in some countries to just a few weeks in others. In times of geopolitical tension, energy security is firmly back in focus. Source: Khaosod English
Kospi -6%, bigger drop than Liberation day, worst day since August 2024 carry trade unwind
Source: www.zerohedge.com, Bloomberg
TRILLION DOLLAR BABY
Samsung becomes the first Korean company to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization. Source: Jukan @jukan05
Korean stock market FOMO risks crash
"The Bank of Korea noted rising market volatility and investor anxiety, with VKOSPI spiking to levels typical of market crashes" It's very unusual for implied options volatility to rise during a rally unless there is extreme reach for call options. Normally volatility spikes at the lows not the highs. Imagine what volatility will be like at these lows... Source: Mac10
