Sound Economies with Mel & Peter

Two key themes are driving inflation higher for longer, which we expect to persist into early 2027. In this video podcast, we also share our expectations on the converging global middle class, the future of tech stocks, and our global outlook coming into the next year.Timestamp:(00:00) - Intro(00:29) - Quick updates(01:26) - Episode rundown(01:46) - Twin headlines for inflation(12:56) - Lundgreen's Invest - High-Tech Defence Fund secures quadruple exit (13:23) - Shifting megatrends(27:29) - 2027 global outlook(28:00) - Poll: How soon do you think oil prices will normalize?

We dive into two exciting IPO stories from the Philippines and Australia, where we take some lessons from the GCash and Firmus Grid listings. Getting the timing right is one big issue, but another point of sensitivity is price. This episode also looks at upcoming EU import quotas on China-made hybrid cars and JPMorgan turning bullish on alternative investments in Europe.Timestamp:(00:00) - Episode rundown(00:22) - Intro(00:50) - Quick updates(02:05) - Philippine mobile wallet GCash raising USD 1.5 billion in listing debut(07:46) - Learnings from the cancelled IPO of Firmus Grid, an Australian data centre developer (13:27) - EU limits China-made car imports(18:46) - JP Morgan upbeat on EU, UK alternative investments(21:09) - Our global outlook(24:19) - Lundgreen's Invest - High-Tech Defence Fund secures quadruple exit

Several global pension funds are reducing their exposures to US tech stocks amid fears of a looming correction, which we discuss in this episode. We also talk about the shutdown of over 600 banks in China, and suggestions from the IMF and World Bank on government deficits.Timestamp:(00:00) - Episode rundown(00:21) - Intro(00:49) - Quick updates(02:31) - China shuts down over 600 banks in 2025(07:28) - Health public finance advice from IMF and World Bank (18:08) - Global pension funds wind down US tech stock holdings(23:14) - Our global outlook(25:58) - Lundgreen's Invest - High-Tech Defence Fund secures quadruple exit(26:28) - Lundgreen's Capital - Next big step: IPO in 2 years

Japan plans to set up a state-backed fund to invest in drone manufacturers and defence startups, but we are not sold on the idea. This episode also looks at the Philippines bracing for a Godzilla El Niño, China’s new stimulus for even cheaper consumer loans, and Turkey’s possible MSCI downgrade as local stocks bleed.Timestamp:(00:00) - Episode rundown(00:19) - Intro(00:48) - Quick updates(02:55) - Philippines braces for a "Godzilla" El Niño(11:01) - Japan looks to set up state investment fund to develop its defence industry(19:28) - Chinese government attempts to stimulate more household spending(23:40) - MSCI: Turkey may lose emerging market status(27:13) - Our global outlook(30:19) - Lundgreen's Invest - High-Tech Defence Fund secures quadruple exit(30:49) - Lundgreen's Capital - Next big step: IPO in 2 years

A severe El Niño is set to compound challenges faced by Developing Asia, but countries well into the AI supply chain may feel less burdened. As our podcast marks its second year, we also assess potential gains from a Philippines-EU free trade deal, OECD’s warning over rising bond yields, and the stormy autumn descending upon Germany and France.Timestamp:(00:00) - Episode rundown(00:25) - Intro(00:54) - Quick updates(02:50) - ADB warns of extreme drought dampening Asia growth prospects(08:39) - Philippines and EU one step closer to a free trade agreement(14:01) - OECD on rising bond yields, public debt(17:17) - Political shakeups in Germany and France(27:01) - Our global outlook(29:20) - Lundgreen's Invest - High-Tech Defence Fund secures quadruple exit(29:50) - Lundgreen's Capital - Next big step: IPO in 2 years