Markets Happy Hour Podcast May 6, 2026: Model Comparisons - Live from Singapore

In today's Markets Happy Hour Podcast, which we held "salon style" in Singapore with a diverse group of guests, we bring you highlights from our multi-faceted discussion. First we track the spread of the inflation epidemic into this part of the world - note the divergence from economies with inflation at a six year high (Vietnam) and economies where inflation has succumbed to longer term deflationary expectations - as in Japan. We track the inflationary changes - which are impacting the region - in some areas more than others and ask whether affordability is an issue. This leads to a question as to whether an markets have the same K shape as the US market, and whether inequality is likely to persist and impact consumer demand – just as in the US a small percentage of the population (10%) are responsible for 50% of the consumer spending. We discuss recent equity market volatility and the new highs just reached, then assess the latest news regarding GameStop and E-Bay, as well as the consulting ventured being pursued separatelyThen we move to what investors are underestimating about this region - and the swiftness and dynamism behind AI rollouts, healthcare advances, and building from the ground up particularly in China are noted. The recent blocking of Meta's acquisition of Manus highlights the perceived threats to national security as well as IP and the protectionist responses that this is inducing.