Archive - Leading Thoughts

Why is Xi Jinping Mad at Europe?

An "excerpt" from the Chinese leader's personal diary.

Jul 21 •

Christopher Smart

Crypto Week: Congress Hits the Accelerator and the Brake at the Same Time

But careful, passions run high on this topic

Jul 18 •

Christopher Smart

Bracing for Escalation in Ukraine

If markets no longer expect a quick settlement, they aren’t pricing in an expansion of the conflict either.

Jul 14 •

Christopher Smart

Ready for "TACO" Tuesday

Whether Trump makes concessions for a better deal or “always chickens out,” America’s new trade strategy makes it impossible to plan.

Jul 6 •

Christopher Smart

June 2025

Are Trade Wars an 'Aberration' in an Alliance?

Not always, but this time feels different.

Jun 30 •

Christopher Smart

Will Anything Stop This Market?

Neither wars, nor tariffs, nor attacks on the Fed, nor more wars, nor runaway budgets have kept stocks from rising.

Jun 26 •

Christopher Smart

Is NATO Still a Buy?

Yes, if Europe seizes the moment and America understands the risks.

Jun 23 •

Christopher Smart

So much for the "Axis of Evil"

It's an unpredictable war in a volatile region, but markets are probably right that the global consequences of Israel's attacks on Iran look contained.

Jun 19 •

Christopher Smart

Middle East Shocks Beyond the Middle East

Israel’s attack on Iran will shift the geopolitical and economic calculus around the world.

Jun 16 •

Christopher Smart

Pressure ... Pain ... Ouch!

Now that negotiators in Beijing and Washington have identified each other's greatest vulnerabilities, will they do more than just torture each other?

Jun 12 •

Christopher Smart

More Than Just the Yips

As market doubts about the dollar’s status rise, investors should start contemplating a confusing world of competing safe havens.

Jun 9 •

Christopher Smart

You Can Be a Trade Negotiator, Too!

With a call possible soon between presidents Trump and Xi, what would you consider a deal that would set the U.S.-China relationship on a better course.

Jun 5 •

Christopher Smart

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