Tensions between China and Taiwan have reached alarming heights as a surge in military activity from Beijing heightens the possibility of warfare. A key instigator is the 2024 election of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who describes himself  as a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence.” Lai’s election coincides with an exacerbation in Chinese aggression, including a 300 percent increase in military flights around Taiwan since May and a major October drill involving Chinese army, navy, air, and rocket forces that encircled the island. Most recently, in early November, over 35 Chinese military aircraft, including nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and drones, were detected flying to the south of Taiwan for two consecutive days.

Post COVID-19, the luxury industry has taken hits after hits from multiple angles and aspects. The novelty is wearing off for entry-level consumers which discourages mass purchases,  and the purchase power weakening amongst a massive revenue source - Chinese customers - waning economic prospects.

Southwest Airlines shares jumped 4.7% last week, after board member Rakesh Gangwal made over $100 million in investments in the company between Sept 30th and Oct 1st. This is a rare occasion where Southwest has seen such positive news since the pandemic in 2020.

As part of an initiative to enhance its economic prowess, China is strategizing its auto-exports to grow its global consumer market share and increase the country’s diplomatic influence.

For the past few months, the US economy has been poised in a precarious position: core inflation stubbornly persistent at a smidge above 3% YoY (above the Fed’s target of 2%), job market showing signs of weakness, and unemployment jumping to 4.3% in July (a three-year high).

On Sept. 12, North Korea revealed a glimpse into their uranium enrichment facilities, boasting to the world the speed of their nuclear technology advancement despite the sanctions placed on them by the international community.