💥 Will the Center of the World be Hong Kong?

In this explosive episode of The Next Decade, financial consultant Laurent Lequeu, aka The Macro Butler, breaks down the tectonic shifts happening in the global economy—from stagflation risks and capital controls in Europe to the rise of the Russia-China-India triangle and the economic boom around Hong Kong.

We dive into:

• Why Western democracies are seen as chaotic circuses from an Eastern lens
• How Trump's tariffs and trade wars could backfire
• Whether Europe is heading toward economic collapse and capital controls
• The return of gold as the only antifragile asset
• Why Hong Kong may replace New York as the world’s financial center
• And why Laurent believes Bitcoin is a trap

Laurent also shares bold 10-year investment ideas, his framework for macro investing using simple ratios, and why the next energy bull run may surprise everyone.

📈 Insightful. 🔥 Provocative. 🌍 Global in scope.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below — What do YOU think is the next global economic epicenter?

00:00 Introduction to Laurent Lecu and His Work

00:16 Eastern vs. Western Perspectives on Politics

02:10 Journey into Macroeconomic Analysis

04:23 Analyzing the Macroeconomic World

06:03 Current Economic Environment: Risk On or Risk Off?

08:25 Understanding Stagflation

10:22 The Disruptive Role of Donald Trump

11:10 The Russia-India-China Triangle

14:02 Pessimism About Europe's Economic Future

16:19 Implications of Capital Controls in Europe

19:14 Hope for Europe: A U-Turn?

20:20 The US-China Trade War

21:18 Future of Manufacturing in the US

28:13 Investing in the Valéry-Pierre Circle

29:13 Hong Kong as the Next Financial Center

32:15 Potential Proxy War in Korea

35:21 Energy Sector Outlook for the Next Decade

38:12 Global Economic Trends and Recession Risks

42:24 Interest Rates and the Future of Bonds

46:11 Gold vs. Bitcoin: The Investment Debate

#Macroeconomics #Geopolitics #GoldVsBitcoin #TrumpEconomy #USChinaTradeWar #FinancialCrisis #TheNextDecade

Just in time for "Liberation Day" and Donald Trump's reciprocal tarifs, we receive Michael Every, global strategist at Rabobank for this second episode of The Next Decade.

With Michael, we dive into the complexities of geopolitical analysis, focusing on the evolving nature of grand strategy in a contested world.

We discuss the implications of GDP beyond mere numbers by asking : "What is GDP for?" as well as the impact of political leadership on national strategy, and the historical shifts in global power dynamics.

The conversation also touches on the responses of second-tier powers like Canada and Europe to US policies, how national security concerns now trump (pun intented) mere economic policy.

We also ask : "What is China's grand strategy?"

Lastly, Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context and preparing for geopolitical changes in an increasingly uncertain world.

A few takeaways :

The middle class's radicalization can lead to significant political shifts.

Understanding GDP's purpose is crucial for effective national strategy.

Grand strategy encompasses national interests beyond economic metrics.

Political leadership significantly influences a country's strategic direction.

The US is navigating a complex global landscape with rising powers like China.

Historical events shape current geopolitical dynamics and strategies.

Nationalism is resurging, impacting international relations and alliances.

Canada and Europe must adapt to a changing US foreign policy.

The state may increasingly dictate economic priorities for national security.

China's grand strategy aims to expand its global influence and manufacturing dominance.

00:00 Introduction to Geopolitical Dynamics

04:28 Understanding Grand Macro Strategy

07:34 The Role of GDP in National Security

10:28 The Impact of Political Leadership on Strategy

13:32 Shifts in American Foreign Policy

16:25 The Evolving Global Landscape

19:16 Canada and Europe's Response to US Policy

22:11 The Future of State and Market Relations

31:40 Navigating North American Supply Chains

32:30 Understanding China's Grand Strategy

35:41 China's Export Efficiency and Global Impact

37:19 China's Response to US Tariffs

40:47 Potential Scenarios: Trade War to Kinetic Conflict

42:23 The Future of Second Tier Powers

50:03 Preparing for Macro Changes: The Average Person's Role

57:23 The Importance of Geopolitical Analysis

Should Canada "merge" with the United States of America?

Diane Francis, author of Merger of The Century: Why Canada and the United States Should Become One Country, thinks it's inevitable.

This question may be the most important geopolitical thought experiment for North America's future since the end of WWII.

Branded a traitor in Canada for suggesting the integration of Canada and the United States a decade ago with her book, we discuss Donald Trump's comments and that very idea in a contemporary context with Francis.

How would such a "merger" take place? Are we talking about making a large US-Canada single market with no border between the two countries? Would Canada simply be annexed and become a series of US States? What would be the steps towards such a political union?

Further, Francis highlights geopolitical and economic implications, emphasizing the vast natural resources and strategic advantages of a united North American superpower.

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion about national identity, geopolitical strategy as Donald Trump is about to take office in the White House and threatens Canada with high tariffs.

00:00 Starting the Debate: Canada's Future with the U.S.

01:53 Introducing Diane Francis: A Voice on Geopolitics

03:07 Exploring Singularity University and AI

07:04 Trump's Comments and the Idea of a U.S.-Canada Merger

09:58 Historical Context: Mackenzie King's Vision

15:11 The Case for a North American Political Union

23:01 Regional Cultures and Political Differences

23:23 Economic Impact of French Language Protection

23:50 Customs Union and NAFTA

25:32 Geopolitical Reasons for a Canada-U.S. Merger

26:37 Canada's Resource Wealth

28:14 Foreign Influence and Espionage

30:51 Canada's Political Leadership

36:56 Canada's Economic Downturn

44:12 Future of Canada-U.S. Relations

44:58 Diane Francis' Publications