Episode 125 – India and Korea in the Whirlwind of U.S. Tariffs, China’s Dynamics and the Future of Finance

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Ashok Bhundia, IIF Deputy Chief Economist and Head of Asia Macroeconomic Research, to discuss Asia’s global economic and geopolitical trends. The conversation focuses on how Asian economies are responding to evolving U.S.–China trade negotiations and strategic competition. Clay and Ashok explore the increasing importance of digital finance in shaping regional priorities, as well as the surge in investment and innovation in artificial intelligence and stablecoins. They also consider which countries are best positioned to benefit from the AI boom amid intensifying technology rivalry. The episode addresses currency trends and whether Asian currencies could appreciate against the U.S. dollar as part of broader efforts to rebalance trade. Finally, Clay and Ashok discuss whether Asia will lead global growth and innovation or face pressure to choose sides between the United States and China. This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.