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Headlines promised breakthroughs; markets priced stalemates. We step onto the so‑called international merry-go-round and examine how Ukraine, Gaza, and Taiwan shaped 2025’s volatility—then we connect the dots to where risk and return may actually meet in 2026. Rather than reheating talking points, we look at what moved capital: elusive ceasefires, frayed Middle East ties, and a supply chain reality where rare earths and energy intensity dictate who has leverage and for how long.

We dig into why China’s grip on critical minerals remains a structural headwind for chips, EVs, and defense—and why the fastest path to resilience may run through Canada’s hydropower-backed smelting, not wishful reshoring. We talk through the European dimension of any Ukraine settlement, outlining a cleaner role for the U.S. that supports capacity without sidelining the countries most exposed. Along the way, we trace how policy style—short attention spans and photo-op diplomacy—filters into premiums for defense contractors, stretched lead times for industrial components, and a higher floor for commodity and freight volatility.

Looking ahead, we map credible 2026 scenarios: Russian hybrid operations testing NATO’s gray zones, tighter pressure on Taiwan and a more forward-leaning Japan, and rhetorical truces with China that stabilize vibes but not supply chains. Our takeaway is practical: position for sustained European rearmament, watch permitting, power, and processing as the real bottlenecks, and keep dry powder for dislocations that panic will misprice. If peace and prosperity still command the best multiples, portfolios need shock absorbers until diplomacy catches up.

If this kind of clear-eyed, market-first analysis helps you navigate uncertainty, follow the show, share it with a friend who invests, and leave a quick review so others can find us. What risk are you most focused on for 2026?

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None

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Disclaimer - These podcasts are not intended as investment advice. Individuals please consult your own investment, tax and legal advisors. They provide these insights for educational purposes only.