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Daily · Today's Signal

Today's Signal

September 26, 2026 · synthesized across 69 sources

Dominant Themes

  • AI Infrastructure Shift from Training to Inference & Agents: Multiple sources highlight a structural pivot in AI spending—from GPU-heavy training to CPU, memory, and networking demands driven by agentic AI. Meta’s Muse launch ([7], [28], [55]) is cited as the catalyst, with inference compute demand potentially increasing 100x–1,000x. This benefits ARM, Intel, and infrastructure players over pure-play GPU vendors (see [2], [7], [34]).
  • Geopolitical Chokepoint Risk Escalating in Energy Markets: A convergence of posts underscores tightening control over strategic maritime routes—especially Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb—as asymmetric warfare (drones, proxy attacks) undermines U.S. naval dominance and threatens physical oil supply. This disconnects paper crude prices from physical markets trading at steep premiums (e.g., $120/bbl), creating upside risk for LNG exporters and insurers (see [39], [42], [57]).
  • China’s AI and Industrial Policy Reshaping Global Tech Competition: Several writers argue that China’s state-led industrial model has decisively outcompeted Western assumptions of free-market superiority, particularly in EVs, batteries, and now AI infrastructure. The scale of Chinese datacenter buildout (~24GW, larger than EMEA) and hyperscaler capex ($100B by 2026) signals sustained competitive pressure, challenging narratives of “overcapacity” as protectionist rhetoric (see [1], [47], [60]).
  • Midstream Energy as Defensive Infrastructure Play: North American midstream MLPs like EPD and ET are repeatedly highlighted as resilient, fee-based businesses insulated from commodity volatility, benefiting from export-driven volume growth and tax advantages. This theme reflects a broader preference for cash-flow stability amid macro uncertainty (see [25], [41]).

Cross-Currents & Disagreements

  • Bond Market Outlook: Structural Drag vs. Normalization Narrative

One side sees persistently high real yields and fiscal strain pushing 10-year rates above 5% as a structural brake on equities and a sign of fiscal decay (e.g., [11], [65]). The opposing view frames rising yields as a normalization driven by strong nominal GDP growth, not panic, suggesting sustainable economic momentum (see [15], [The Overshoot, PRIOR Sep 1] vs. [Capital Wars, PRIOR Sep 18]).

  • Meta’s Muse: Agent Revolution vs. Regulatory Headwind

While some hail Muse as a transformative agent platform disrupting financial inertia (e.g., insurance via automated switching; see [7], [28]), others warn of near-term regulatory backlash that could constrain monetization and margin expansion, especially in ad-dependent models (see [17] vs. [7]).

Non-Consensus / Contrarian Flag

  • Jensen Huang’s dismissal of AI existential risk ([67]) stands out as the most contrarian stance: while much of the discourse fears recursive self-improvement or uncontrolled AGI (echoed in prior coverage like [So You Think the World Is About to Change?]), Huang frames AI as just another software layer requiring engineering rigor—not a runaway existential threat. This downplaying of systemic risk, from the CEO of the world’s most critical AI infrastructure provider, directly contradicts prevailing safety narratives and implies continued aggressive deployment without pause.

Continuity with Prior Coverage

Today’s themes on Strait of Hormuz instability ([39], [57]) escalate prior warnings from [Bison Insights, Sep 5], [nakedcapitalism.com, Sep 8], and [Giles Capital, Sep 7], confirming deteriorating chokepoint security and validating earlier calls on LNG and Gulf-exposed energy plays. Similarly, the Muse-driven AI agent shift ([7], [55]) follows through on [Stratechery, Sep 22]’s analysis of Amazon blocking Meta’s access—now evolving into a full-blown aggregator war with tangible investment implications in logistics-enabling partners like Walmart.

AI

The Chinese AI Infrastructure Boom: Introducing the SemiAnalysis China Datacenter Model

SemiAnalysis · Sep 25

China’s datacenter market, long misunderstood due to opaque reporting and outdated assumptions, now totals over 24GW of capacity—larger than EMEA or APAC ex-China—with a structural shift underway from legacy retail deployments to AI-driven wholesale builds. Driven by hyperscalers like ByteDance (occupying ~20% of national capacity) and a post-2023 capex surge, the sector is entering an AI supercycle: BATB capex is on track to reach $100B by 2026, while EDWC policy redirects new 100MW+ facilities westward with state-backed speed and low costs. Despite high headline vacancy rates from obsolete urban stock, prime AI-ready capacity is being absorbed rapidly, creating opportunities in underfollowed wholesale colos and infrastructure players outside the listed GDS/VNET duopoly.

Asia

Musing on Bloom

Collyer Bridge · Sep 26

Funda’s recent analysis highlights that CPU demand is being driven by Astra’s release, not Muse, with strong computer use trends benefiting CPU-related plays; AT&S has outperformed Intel and AMD over the past 30 days, underscoring substrate strength. Monitor Oracle’s Force Majeure stance on Project Jupiter as a potential litigation risk, and consider positioning in CPU supply chain beneficiaries ahead of sustained demand. Ticker: AT&S.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

I found the cheapest bank in Europe

100 Bagger Hunting · Sep 25

The author identifies a deeply undervalued European bank using quantitative screening of 125 banks, singling out one green-flagged (cheap) turnaround candidate with potential to double in 3 years. No ticker disclosed yet, but the core thesis hinges on mispricing due to negative sentiment and AI-driven data analysis revealing hidden value. Stay tuned for the name and deeper dive.

Global Equities

YWR: Killer Charts

Your Weekend Reading · Sep 26

The post argues that despite widespread investor pessimism—with 50% bearish and 18% uncertain per the AAII survey—five key indicators suggest the S&P 500 is poised to move higher. Key points include accelerating earnings estimates, an S&P 500 forward P/E below its 10-year average, and extreme short-term bond yield moves (97th percentile) suggesting bond fears are overdone. Actionable view: lean bullish on U.S. equities; consider positioning ahead of potential sentiment reversal.

Operating Profit 3x Since 2022. Stock -38%

2x2 Capital · Sep 25

2x2 Capital highlights a Japanese fan club operator with 3.8 million paying members across 800+ artists, driving a 3x increase in operating profit since FY2022. The company trades at ~12x forward earnings (net cash-adjusted), potentially ~8x FY2029E if growth continues, offering a compelling valuation given its scalable loyalty model. Actionable view: Undervalued niche play on monetizing superfans; consider long opportunity despite stock being down 38%.

All Korean net nets #4: going through change

Sung Capital · Sep 25

SJM (123700.KS) trades at 0.30x NCAV and 0.21x book with KRW54bn market cap, KRW109bn in cash, minimal debt, a 6% dividend yield, and FCF yielding ~2.7x trailing. Despite structural decline in its auto exhaust business—hit by EV transition and falling China profits—the stock offers optionality via undervalued land assets and a growing 15%-margin industrial bellows segment; however, family control and limited catalysts warrant caution. Fashion Platform (225590.KQ) is a levered net net at 0.44x NCAV and 1.5x TTM earnings, with KRW21bn cash versus KRW11bn debt and KRW25.4bn appraised real estate, but faces delisting risk due to sub-KRW30bn market cap and low float, limiting actionable appeal despite extreme cheapness.

The Age of Agents: Muse Just Changed What the AI Dollar Buys

Crack the Market · Sep 25

Meta’s Muse launch marks the tipping point where AI agents replace chat as the dominant consumer interface, with each user receiving a persistent, autonomous virtual machine in the cloud—driving a 100x-1,000x increase in inference compute demand. This shifts AI spending from training GPUs to CPUs, memory, and networking, favoring companies like ARM and Intel, while Meta’s distribution and ecosystem (Stripe, Shopify, Walmart) position it to capture transaction fees; actionable focus is on CPU and infrastructure beneficiaries, with agent adoption accelerating across hyperscalers.

‘Ponzi-like schemes’

FT Alphaville · Sep 25

Turkish regulators are cracking down on alleged "Ponzi-like" market manipulation after years of inflated valuations fueled by funds buying illiquid shares—often in their own subsidiaries—to boost collateral and lure FOMO-driven investors, culminating in arrests and $17bn fund liquidations. Meanwhile, US markets face a parallel reckoning: Goldman Sachs notes that upcoming accounting rule changes in January will force transparency on big tech’s opaque “other income” from private investments (e.g., in OpenAI), potentially shaving 8 percentage points off S&P 500 earnings growth—highlighting sustainability risks beneath strong reported numbers. Actionable: Monitor regulatory follow-through in Turkey and Q4 US earnings for signs of AI-driven earnings durability; watch for market sensitivity to reduced earnings growth illusions post-rule change.

1H 2026 - ILPRA Spa

The Compounding Tortoise · Sep 25

ILPRA delivered strong 1H 2026 results with ~11.5-12% organic growth and a significant EBITDA margin expansion, driven by high incremental margins (25.7%) and boosted by the consolidation of ILPRA Benelux and Gelmini acquisition; consensus estimates are likely to rise 5-6%. The company is gaining market share, evidenced by outperformance vs. UCIMA data, while increased customer prepayments (+€6.5M) and rising international presence (including new Australian subsidiary) support confidence in sustained momentum. Ticker: ILP.MI.

Post-Management Call Update: The Most Asymmetric Trade in Commodities

Modern Investing · Sep 25

New supply disruptions in copper mining, coupled with accelerating demand from green energy infrastructure, create a highly asymmetric opportunity in FCX (Freeport-McMoRan). At current levels below $40, the stock offers significant upside with limited downside due to cost discipline and production visibility. Action: Accumulate FCX ahead of Q2 earnings, targeting $50+ by year-end.

Macro

The (Meme) Review by Philo

Philoinvestor · Sep 26

The U.S. faces accelerating fiscal decay, with a projected $2.1 trillion deficit in 2026 and $40 trillion in total debt, pushing 10-year yields above 5%—a level that severely strains government financing. Amid soaring diesel prices (~$6.5/gallon) threatening Trump’s midterm prospects and rising AI-driven market bifurcation, the regime is caught between stoking the "wealth effect" via tech (e.g., AI rallies boosting Nasdaq) and appeasing MAGA voters alienated by elite tech agendas. Geopolitical tensions with Iran and China’s advancing AI capabilities—undermining U.S. dominance—compound fragility, suggesting real assets are the only viable hedge in an increasingly fat-tailed world.

Friday POW!

Haymaker · Sep 25

Haymaker recommends rotating from Coupang (CPNG) to Alibaba (BABA), citing CPNG’s deteriorating fundamentals and an 18-month recovery horizon versus BABA’s improving trajectory with upside not yet priced in. The move offers a tax loss harvesting opportunity for taxable investors while shifting into a fundamentally stronger, undervalued name. Action: Sell CPNG, buy BABA.

Macro Talk 2026.09.25

Nonconsensus · Sep 25

No core thesis or actionable market view can be extracted from the provided post, as it is purely promotional content directing readers to Bob Elliott’s Substack app without presenting any macro analysis, data points, or investment insights. No ticker, forecast, or nonconsensus argument is included in this excerpt.

SWITZERLAND!

Capital Flows and Asset Markets · Sep 25

No core investment thesis or market analysis presented. The post is a logistical note on the author’s upcoming availability in Zurich and Geneva for informal meetings on 29–30 September. No actionable market view, ticker, or data point provided.

The Belly Is Rumbling

Lighthouse Macro · Sep 25

Strong PMI data (composite 58.4) and hawkish Fed commentary (Barr, Williams) drove the 5-year Treasury yield to 4.99%, 107bps above the FOMC’s 2026 dot plot average, reflecting market pricing of more hikes than projected. The auction revealed weak foreign demand (indirects at 54.1%, lowest since Mar-20) but strong domestic bid (directs 29.8%, 99th percentile), confirming the belly (5-year) as the new proxy for policy expectations; real yields are now pricing a premium for a guidance-free Fed. Action: Operate off 5% as the new floor for 5-year rates; overweight rate-sensitive sectors already repriced (utilities, REITs) relative to the S&P 500, which remains exposed.

North America

New Buy : Honeywell Aerospace $HONA

D Invests · Sep 26

Honeywell Aerospace (HONA), a newly independent spin-off from Honeywell International, offers a high-quality, diversified aerospace play with mission-critical systems across commercial, business, and defense markets, benefiting from durable aftermarket revenues, regulatory moats, and long-term OEM partnerships. Despite a 41% drop from its post-listing high due to near-term supply chain bottlenecks, HONA’s $51B market cap trades below peers while generating $3.99B in LTM adj. EBIT, supported by secular tailwinds including rising passenger traffic, fleet aging, and defense spending. The thesis is a multi-year compounder with resilience across cycles, poised for re-rating as execution improves through 2027.

Updates

Nat Stewart · Sep 25

Nat Stewart highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on Big Tech’s AI data practices, arguing that increased compliance costs and potential restrictions could pressure profit margins. He sees this as a near-term headwind for AI-driven ad platforms, particularly Meta (META), suggesting a tactical underweight given elevated valuations relative to revised earnings risks.

👋 ASB Partners Nuggets

ASB Partners · Sep 25

No clear investment thesis or actionable market view is presented in the post; it is a collection of personal anecdotes, observations, and curated readings without specific ticker recommendations or concrete data-driven insights. Key topics include generational fertility delays impacting grandmotherhood (noting a rise from median age 44 to 57), tech elites backing alternative education (e.g., Andreessen Horowitz’s $35M academy initiative), and philosophical discussions on Christianity’s societal role—none tied to direct investment implications.

Small Cap Discoveries 2026

Common Sense Investing · Sep 25

BQE Water stands out with a high-quality, recurring revenue model in mine water treatment, evidenced by growing operational services and solid margins, but its current valuation at 3x sales and 23x EBITDA raises concerns about priced-in expectations. Alchemy Labs offers speculative upside via its defense tech Crypsis and automotive segment ExoShield, but with minimal revenue, ongoing losses, and uncertain commercialization timelines, it remains a high-risk "proof-of-concept" play. Among others, Kidoz (ticker: KIDZF) appears cheap at prior-year levels despite improved fundamentals in child-safe adtech, making it a potential 2x+ if recent investments drive future growth, while NameSilo (ticker: NSILOF) combines a stable domain business with optionality in industrial robotics through Reach Systems and SewerVue—worth scrutiny for capital allocation clarity.

TSOH Weekly Roundup (09/25/2026)

The Science of Hitting · Sep 25

Ralph Lauren’s CEO emphasized disciplined brand stewardship by exiting unprofitable or image-diluting distribution channels, sacrificing $1B in revenue to restore long-term desirability—a lesson relevant to premium brands like Nike. Peloton’s launch of a lower-priced, foldable treadmill ($2,195) and progress on refinancing $800M of debt support its turnaround thesis by expanding addressable market and improving financial stability. The Chapek-Iger feud underscores risks of poor CEO succession planning, with implications for Disney’s governance and leadership continuity.

The Thesis Worked. Now What?

The Value Road · Sep 25

The original catalyst—closing the discount to net cash—has played out, driving a 53% return since initiation. The remaining business generates $7M in pro forma operating income under an exclusive contract through 2030, yet the market values the enterprise between $1.4M and $4.2M, implying an extremely low EV/earnings multiple despite cash comprising 98% of market cap. Actionable view: the stock remains deeply undervalued post-catalyst, warranting continued long exposure.

September 2026 Random Ramblings

Yet Another Value Blog · Sep 25

No actionable investment thesis or market view is presented in this September 2026 post—author discusses behavioral topics (impostor syndrome, overconfidence) and interest rates as financial gravity without offering concrete data, tickers, or investment recommendations. The entry primarily promotes sponsor fiscal.ai (code: yav for 15% off) and podcast engagement.

Position Update: Trimming AI Infrastructure Holding

Six Sigma Capital · Sep 25

Trimmed AI infrastructure holding (NVDA) to remove entire cost basis, leaving only profits at risk—second such execution on this position. Maintains bullish long-term thesis on AI infrastructure but locks in capital preservation; reinforces tactical profit-taking approach amid volatility. Action: Hold with reduced risk exposure.

Sector - Aggregators & Interviews

Weekly Summary

Value Investing World · Sep 25

No core investment thesis or actionable market view is presented in the post; it is a curated list of external content featuring commentary from Warren Buffett, Howard Marks (on economic principles and market discipline), and insights from Bill Gurley, Rob Vinall, and others on leadership and investing. No specific ticker or data point is highlighted; the only offer is a complimentary portfolio review with no obligation.

Sector - Energy

Sector Deep Dive: North American Midstream

Doomberg · Sep 26

Midstream energy firms offer resilient, volume-driven cash flows with high barriers to entry and favorable tax treatment, making them compelling infrastructure-like holdings in volatile energy markets. The core thesis favors large-scale, integrated players such as Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) and Energy Transfer (ET), which benefit from fee-based revenues, scale advantages, and strategic pipeline and export connectivity—key for long-term volume growth. Actionable view: overweight high-quality midstream MLPs with exposure to Gulf Coast export ramps and stable producer contracts.

I Went to an Oil Conference and Met With 8 Publicly Traded Oil & Gas Companies

Bison Insights · Sep 25

Management teams at the conference emphasized capital discipline and free cash flow generation, with several companies (e.g., CLR, MRO) guiding for flat or declining production but prioritizing returns over growth. Key takeaway: sector focus remains on shareholder distributions and balance sheet strength, not volume expansion—favor quality names with low breakevens and high FCF yields like OXY and CVE.

(Public) Mach Natural Resources - A Buying Opportunity

HFI Research · Sep 25

Mach Natural Resources (MNR) units are undervalued at $10.52 following a distribution cut and a block sale by Kayne Anderson, which created temporary price dislocation unrelated to asset fundamentals. Despite weaker-than-expected Q2 due to higher development spending and delayed oil production ramp-up from the Oswego program, the core thesis remains intact: MNR’s assets are attractively valued at ~4.3x TTM Adjusted EBITDA and near PV-10 of proved reserves, with management demonstrating alignment via insider buying. The key near-term catalyst is evidence that reinvestment is stabilizing production without excessive capital use, and leverage trends toward the 1.0x net debt/EBITDA target—monitoring points for continued conviction.

Sector - Financials

The Agents Revolt

Net Interest · Sep 25

Meta’s launch of Muse, an AI agent capable of proactively managing financial tasks like insurance comparisons and policy switching, threatens incumbent financial firms reliant on customer inertia and information asymmetry. With 2.8 million downloads in two weeks and early evidence of significant cost savings (e.g., $3,500 annual reduction in auto insurance), AI agents could disrupt margins in insurance and banking; firms with high retention due to friction—like Liberty Mutual—are most at risk, while tech enablers and agile fintechs may benefit. Monitor Instinct (Spear Street) and Muse adoption as leading indicators of disintermediation risk.

Sector - Geopolitics

There Be Dragons: Islands, Treasures, Ledgers, Pirates and Peace Deals (Part One)

Dr Pippa · Sep 25

The post argues that control over strategic islands—and the financial and military networks they anchor—is the central axis of 21st-century geopolitics, with the City of London acting as a sovereign-like financial hub enabling illicit flows (e.g., Iranian oil revenue via British Virgin Islands) and opposing U.S. interests. Trump’s focus on Ireland, Chagos, and Falklands reflects a broader strategy to dismantle this offshore British financial archipelago, particularly targeting the autonomous City of London Corporation, which operates beyond full UK state control and facilitates global financial opacity. Key takeaway: escalating U.S.-UK financial sovereignty tensions could disrupt offshore dollar flows and asset transparency, with implications for sanctions enforcement and tax-transparent jurisdictions like Ireland (ticker: IRELT—Irish listed tech and pharma plays benefiting from continued US corporate tax routing).

Sector - Learning & Education

A Hundred Years Ago This Month, a Hurricane Took the Blame for Florida’s Bust

The Bubble Blog · Sep 25

The 1926 Miami hurricane is widely blamed for ending Florida’s 1920s land boom, but the market had already collapsed due to oversupply and evaporating demand—highlighting that booms die when payments come due before new buyers appear. Today, Florida’s housing market is splitting: older condos are plunging (e.g., an 11.9% drop in one West Palm Beach ZIP), while high-end homes rise (up 10.6% in a Boca Raton ZIP), driven by soaring carrying costs—insurance, special assessments, and mortgage rates above 7%. Actionable view: Avoid leveraged exposure to aging Florida condo assets; prefer cash-rich positions or newer, higher-tier properties—carry costs, not prices, are the current breaking point.

The Rise and Fall of the FOMC Cycle

Alpha in Academia · Sep 25

Cieslak, Morse, and Vissing-Jørgensen (CMVJ) originally found that from 1994–2013, nearly all US equity risk premia accrued during "even" weeks of the FOMC cycle—days 0–3 and 4–8 relative to meeting dates—suggesting informed trading ahead of Fed information leaks. Extending the analysis beyond 2013, however, shows the effect disappears in out-of-sample periods, indicating the anomaly did not persist and likely reflected a now-defunct market inefficiency. No actionable signal remains; the case serves as a cautionary tale on backtested anomalies.

Sector - Tech & Media

Where Would I Put My Ashtead Money? Idea #1

Quality Investing with Rene Sellmann · Sep 26

Ashtead trades below Ember Infrastructure’s 615p bid, suggesting market skepticism on deal completion; if the gap narrows, selling may become rational due to opportunity cost and portfolio concentration (>20%). Proceeds could be redeployed into higher-conviction ideas, starting with Grab (GRAB), where recent price action (~$2.74 low), high volume at troughs, and rising short interest (6.4%) signal potential capitulation and a possible bottom despite weak sentiment.

The AI Workflow That Changed How We Invest

Quality Investing with Rene Sellmann · Sep 25

The post argues that as AI enables "research abundance," the true scarcities in investing are shifting to judgment, capital allocation, and trusted relationships—not information or model-building. While AI agents can now run financial workflows autonomously (e.g., Claude Code replacing traditional models), human oversight remains critical for forward-looking decisions, echoing Thomas Peterffy’s view that AI excels at assembling facts but not predicting the future. No specific ticker is recommended; actionable insight: prioritize systems that augment human judgment over automation alone.

So You Think the World Is About to Change?

Cosmos Institute · Sep 25

The post draws a parallel between the 19th-century Saint-Simonians—visionaries dismissed as fringe who nonetheless built enduring institutions—and today’s AI safety and effective altruism communities, arguing that while these groups have successfully established foundational AI alignment efforts (e.g., DeepMind, Anthropic), they must now pivot to building robust, domain-specific institutions capable of functioning in an AI-transformed world. With abundant capital and technical talent already available, the next imperative is constructing intermediate institutions—particularly in finance, education, and information governance—that can manage the transition, avoid collapse into chaos, and remain useful even if superintelligence is delayed; actionable focus areas include attention-guarding systems (e.g., Meta’s Muse) and capital allocation frameworks tailored to an era of cheap intelligence.

Sector - Trading & Technical

The Saturday Cut: Is Your Trading Making You Money or Making You Miserable?

The Lund Loop · Sep 26

The post argues that traders should focus on what is currently working in the market—evidenced by active setups and a robust watch list—rather than fixating on macro risks that may not yet be impacting price action. A healthy market shows durable setups and recurring opportunities, while deteriorating conditions reveal themselves through broken levels and vanishing ideas—observable directly in one’s watch list. The key takeaway: align trading with high-probability setups and personal well-being, not market noise or emotional reactivity—no ticker or explicit trade is given, but the message favors selective participation based on observable price resilience and opportunity flow.

🔍 The Next Trading Week, n.40/2026

TizyCharts · Sep 26

Week #39 resulted in a break-even performance with 14 activations: 6 wins (42.9%), 1 flat, and 7 losses (50%), maintaining the strategy’s historical win rate of 68.6% positive outcomes (105/153). For Week #40, eight new setups are active—$DASH, $BMY, $GLW, $NEM, $TSLA, $ASML, $WDC, $APP—with $GLW and $NEM having recently shown success; monitor for activation at predefined levels. No changes to methodology—levels are published pre-activation, outcomes tracked objectively.

Weekly Recap: +75.25% YTD Cumulative Outcome, $ES_F Breaks the Short-Term Downtrend

TizyCharts · Sep 25

The $ES_F continues within a long-term bullish LongWave structure (61 weeks above EMA21W), with last week’s +1.14% close breaking a short-term downtrend, reinforcing bullish bias. Daily swing strategy shows YTD cumulative gain of +75.25% (active setups +20.89%), signaling strong momentum; watch $MSFT and $AAPL in the Monthly Momentum Basket, while Bitcoin’s breakout above EMA50W targets 76,000–95,000 range.

Are Bonds Making You Any Money?

The Lund Loop · Sep 25

The Lund Loop argues that bonds are failing to generate real returns due to persistently elevated inflation and low nominal yields, eroding purchasing power despite traditional safe-haven status. With the 10-year Treasury yield below the inflation rate, the piece suggests rotating into inflation-protected assets or short-duration credit, highlighting TIP (iShares TIPS Bond ETF) as a tactical alternative.

Uncategorized

How Three Colonial Powers Gained – and Then Lost – Control Over the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el‑Mandeb

nakedcapitalism.com · Sep 26

The post examines how Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain successively seized and ultimately lost control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, underscoring that maritime dominance is transient and often undermined by overextension and local resistance. The historical parallels suggest current U.S. influence in these chokepoints may similarly wane, increasing geopolitical risk for global energy flows—monitor LNG (ticker: LNG) and shipping insurers (e.g., WRB) for early stress signals.

The Laundering: How Congo’s Stolen Riches Become Your Lawful Cellphone

nakedcapitalism.com · Sep 26

The post details how conflict minerals from Congo—particularly cobalt and coltan—are systematically laundered through legitimate supply chains, ultimately ending up in consumer electronics. This occurs via opaque trading networks in Dubai and China, enabling Western companies to source stolen resources without due diligence. While no specific ticker is mentioned, the piece implies heightened ESG and regulatory risks for tech and EV manufacturers reliant on Congolese minerals (e.g., Apple, Tesla, or battery suppliers like ALB or LAC).

Sector Deep Dive: North American Midstream

doomberg.substack.com · Sep 26

The post argues that North American midstream energy infrastructure firms offer stable, volume-driven cash flows insulated from commodity price volatility, underpinned by long-term contracts and structural advantages in logistics. Key players like Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) and Energy Transfer (ET) are highlighted for their high yields, disciplined capital allocation, and exposure to growing export-driven demand—making them compelling defensive picks in an uncertain macro environment. Actionable view: overweight large-cap, fee-based midstream MLPs with strong balance sheets and exposure to Gulf Coast export terminals.

Iran War: Trump Rejects Iranian Offer, Saudi-Yemeni War On the Boil

nakedcapitalism.com · Sep 26

Trump has rejected Iran’s ceasefire offer and signaled potential November military action, escalating regional tensions amid rising U.S. casualties. Concurrently, the Saudi-Yemen conflict intensifies, increasing risks to energy markets and regional stability. Monitor Brent crude (BZ=F) for upside volatility and consider defensive positioning in Gulf-exposed equities.

Modern Deal Guy as Gunslinger: Conduit of Value

hardfork.substack.com · Sep 26

The post argues that the era of institutional, model-driven investing is fading, as falling costs of analysis erode traditional moats—replacing it with a "Gunslinger" era where edge comes from relationships, proprietary information, context, and speed. Real advantage now lies in non-modeled conditions: who you know, what you’ve lived through, and your ability to act fast—making this a prime environment for agile investors and small teams over bureaucratic firms. No specific ticker, but the actionable view is to prioritize access, context, and decisiveness over models, and to pass on consensus trades where edge is diluted.

Build-A-Bear at 15% Yield (6x PE)

valueinvesting.substack.com · Sep 26

Build-A-Bear (BBW) trades at 6x PE (15% earnings yield), half the multiple Buffett paid for See’s Candies, despite having a similarly durable brand that enables pricing power independent of input costs. The depressed valuation reflects temporary operational risks that don’t impair the core brand value, making it attractive for long-term investors focused on risk/reward rather than perfection. Key thesis: BBW’s enduring brand justifies a higher multiple as earnings normalize.

Weekend reading links

gulzar05.blogspot.com · Sep 26

Chinese solar manufacturing has driven panel costs down from $5/W to $0.12/W, enabling firms like Shoprite (43MW rooftop solar) to cut energy costs but accelerating a "utility death spiral" for state utilities like Eskom, which lost 7% of sales due to distributed solar. In India, domestic cell sourcing mandates (ALMM List-II) are forcing utility-scale developers to absorb 15–20% cost increases—₹35–60 crore on a 50MW project—due to a gap between expensive local cells (₹24–25/W) and previously assumed imported prices (₹14–15/W), threatening project viability and grid stability. SpaceX’s capital intensity stands out: projected $1.76T capex by 2031 versus $100B annual Nifty500 spend, with no FCF despite $650B+ revenue forecasts, underscoring extreme scale risk.

Issue 237: Chinese Tourism’s Golden Week Impact: Times Are Changing

asiatravelreset.substack.com · Sep 26

Chinese outbound tourism during this year’s Golden Week is subdued, reflecting a structural shift toward domestic and inbound travel supported by government policy, with Southeast Asia now valuing sustained Chinese visitor flows over short-term holiday spikes. Despite expectations of higher arrivals, spending per traveler is likely flat or down, signaling a long-term recalibration rather than temporary lull. AirAsia’s forecast to carry 70M passengers in 2026 (up from H1 leadership in ASEAN) remains a key data point, highlighting regional capacity growth amid evolving demand dynamics.

“They never intended to create a level playing field”

taipology.substack.com · Sep 26

China’s industrial rise—driven by state-led development, not free-market orthodoxy—has disrupted the global economic order by outcompeting advanced economies in high-tech sectors like EVs and batteries, exposing Western hypocrisy on trade and industrial policy. The backlash, including calls for tariffs even from former free-trade advocates like Krugman, reflects a power struggle, not economic principle, as the West seeks to preserve its hegemony rather than foster equitable development. Actionable view: Long Chinese manufacturing competitiveness (e.g., EVs, renewables); short narratives of "overcapacity" and moral panic over industrial policy.

On IMDB’s China connection, school shootings, Chinese aid to Southeast Asia and other stories | Asia Sentinel Stories of the Week

asiasentinel.com · Sep 26

The article highlights China’s growing political, economic, and security influence in Southeast Asia, including development aid, territorial negotiations, and soft power initiatives like IMDB’s China ties. While no specific ticker or quantitative data point is provided, the piece underscores increasing Chinese leverage in regional infrastructure and media—relevant for investors monitoring BRI-affected markets (e.g., infrastructure plays: $CGNPA, $PTRA) and geopolitical risk in ASEAN supply chains.

The Rising Tide Of Autism In Malaysia

murrayhunter.substack.com · Sep 26

Autism diagnoses in Malaysia have surged from under 7,000 in 2013 to nearly 59,000 by end-2024, driven by increased awareness and improved screening, though systemic capacity—especially in early intervention, education, and therapy—lags severely behind demand. With public services overwhelmed and private care unaffordable for most, the government faces mounting pressure to scale infrastructure, train specialists, and implement a coordinated national strategy akin to models in Singapore, Australia, or the U.S. Key actionable data: school-age prevalence rose 47% (6.34 to 9.29 per 1,000) between 2018–2022, signaling urgent need for scalable healthcare and education solutions—potential opportunities in pediatric behavioral health services, therapist training platforms, and inclusive education tech providers serving Southeast Asia.

Flashback: Your Weekly History Quiz, Sept. 26, 2026

nytimes.com · Sep 25

No relevant financial thesis, market data, or actionable investment insight is present in the referenced article, which is a historical quiz with no material impact on investment decisions. Disregard for portfolio management purposes.

Intuit: Still in Free Fall After Investor Day

librariancapital.substack.com · Sep 25

Intuit shares have dropped 13.3% post-investor day and are down 60.2% from a year ago, trading at $275.79 with a trailing P/E under 15x; the core issue remains weak new customer acquisition, not AI disruption, and is deemed fixable. The analyst maintains conviction, expecting EPS growth to rebound to 10% and P/E expansion to 25.0x by July 2029, implying a 163% total return (40% annualized), and has added to positions despite a current 31% unrealized loss. Ticker: INTU.

Your Book Review: Lee Kuan Yew's Memoirs

astralcodexten.substack.com · Sep 25

Lee Kuan Yew’s memoirs present a rationalist political fantasy realized: through relentless pragmatism, intellectual clarity, and hands-on governance, he transformed Singapore from a resource-poor British colony into a global economic powerhouse. The core thesis is that competent, detail-oriented leadership—combined with pro-market policies, strict social order, and strategic use of globalization—can overcome structural disadvantages, as evidenced by Singapore’s rise under his rule. No direct market view or ticker is offered, but the implicit takeaway is that institutions shaped by meritocracy, rule of law, and long-term planning (as in Singapore) create durable economic outperformance.

The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century

nytimes.com · Sep 25

The New York Times compiled a ranked list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century based on votes from over 500 industry insiders, highlighting critical consensus on influential series like “The Wire,” “Succession,” and “Breaking Bad.” While the article offers no direct market insight, top-ranked shows with ongoing franchises or streaming rerun dominance (e.g., HBO’s “Succession”) reinforce the value of premium content for platforms like Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Focus on proven IP strength in SVOD rights and residuals remains a key revenue lever.

Coffee Break: Catching Up on a Few Recent Scientific Advances

nakedcapitalism.com · Sep 25

The post is a fundraising appeal for Naked Capitalism, emphasizing donor support to combat financial corruption—525 donors have contributed thus far. No scientific advances or actionable market insights are discussed; the content is purely organizational and non-investment-related. Ignore for market analysis.

2026.39: Begun, the Aggregator Wars Have

Stratechery by Ben Thompson · Sep 25

Amazon’s blocking of Meta’s Muse agent underscores an escalating aggregator war, where Meta’s AI ambitions are stymied by Amazon’s control of physical-world logistics—a moat Meta can only bypass via partnerships like Walmart. This highlights a strategic inflection: digital aggregators (Meta, Google) depend on physical incumbents to scale AI agents, creating investment opportunities in companies bridging that gap (e.g., Walmart). Meanwhile, GM’s reversal on CarPlay signals consumer preference for integrated tech ecosystems, reinforcing Apple’s entrenched position in automotive interfaces.

Flash note Precia : H1 2026 results

frenchhiddenchampions.substack.com · Sep 25

Precia, a French hidden champion with dominant market positioning and exposure to dynamic international markets through select subsidiaries, remains a core holding despite recent CEO turnover (four-year tenure for the last chief). The company’s entrenched niche leadership supports investment conviction; no immediate action advised, but governance stability warrants monitoring. Ticker: PREC.PA.

Oil Market: When All You Can Say is Wow.

openinsights.substack.com · Sep 25

The post argues that the oil market is in uncharted territory due to asymmetric drone warfare shifting military advantage to defensive actors like Iran and its proxies, effectively cementing Iranian control over key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb—disrupting Saudi exports and tightening physical oil supply. With physical crude trading at $120/barrel (vs. $90 in paper markets) and crack spreads near $200, the market is pricing in severe supply constraints and demand destruction, yet oil equities remain capped due to recession fears and backwardated curves; no clear resolution is in sight, especially ahead of the U.S. midterms, implying prolonged volatility and structural upside risk to physical oil prices. Actionable view: long physical crude exposure, short refined product demand resilience, monitor SPX energy sector for delayed equity re-rating if supply tightness persists.

Reflections on academic tenure prompted by events at The New School

thomaspalley.com · Sep 25

The post critiques The New School’s decision to fire tenured professors amid financial distress, arguing that the move reflects a broader erosion of academic integrity and institutional mission at progressive universities. While no direct market implication is stated, the underlying theme of financial instability at a prominent private institution could signal risks for private higher education funding models—relevant for municipal bond investors focused on nonprofit university debt, though no specific ticker or data point is provided.

Announcing Nancy T’s “Double Your Donation” Challenge!

nakedcapitalism.com · Sep 25

No investment thesis or market-related data is presented in the post. It announces a charitable donation-matching initiative by a reader, Nancy T., with no actionable market view, ticker, or financial implication for investors.

Riassunto settimanale 25/09/2026

filpasini.substack.com · Sep 25

The U.S.-China "deal" is a tactical armistice driven by mutual economic fragility, not strategic reconciliation—both lack the liquidity to sustain a trade war, making the truce temporary and largely symbolic. Key risks lie in systemic AI-driven financial vulnerabilities, with regulators scrambling to contain threats using existing tools, while populist energy policies—like restricting diesel exports—risk backfiring by tightening global supply and boosting geopolitical rivals’ leverage. Monitor U.S. diesel export policy developments and Chinese rare earths/diesel export restrictions, as near-term market dislocations are likely; the real signal is the quiet U.S.-China AI risk dialogue, hinting at de-escalation only where existential threats align.

Q&A: Amy Westervelt on the Corporate Poisoning of the Information Aquifer — and How to Undo the Harm

nakedcapitalism.com · Sep 25

Amy Westervelt argues that decades of corporate-funded disinformation—particularly from fossil fuel and chemical companies—have systematically degraded public trust and distorted policy debates, creating an "information aquifer" contaminated by propaganda. She advocates for structural reforms, including media transparency and funding for independent science communication, to restore informational integrity. No specific ticker or data point; the actionable insight is heightened scrutiny of industries with histories of disinformation (e.g., XOM, MON) due to long-term regulatory and reputational risk.

September 2026 Random Ramblings

yetanothervalueblog.substack.com · Sep 25

No actionable investment thesis or market data presented; the post is a promotional and administrative update for the podcast, highlighting sponsorship by fiscal.ai (offering 15% off via link) and requesting listener engagement. No investment ticker, valuation, or market insight provided.

Single Stock Spotlight #15: Rocket Companies (RKT)

hiddenrockcapital.substack.com · Sep 25

Rocket Companies (RKT) is emerging as a contrarian buy following its transformation into a vertically integrated homeownership platform via key acquisitions: Redfin, Mr. Cooper, and Rocket Money. The company now controls the full homebuying journey—search, mortgage origination, and servicing—derisking its model with stable servicing income amid a cyclical downturn in home sales; improving fundamentals and potential reversal in housing activity set up RKT for a revaluation. While full price targets and catalysts are reserved for paid subscribers, the core thesis hinges on RKT’s expanded ecosystem and bottoming housing market dynamics.

Kelowna Grapevine Newsletter for Sept. 25/26

pau1.substack.com · Sep 25

Kelowna has selected U.S.-owned Oak View Group (OVG) to operate Prospera Place and MNP Place from 2029, replacing Canadian-based GSL—this shift raises public asset control and revenue flow concerns, with potential political risk ahead of the October 17 municipal election as new council could revisit the yet-to-be-finalized contract. West Kelowna’s mayor-elect Stephen Johnston is pushing for major infrastructure upgrades, including a second lake crossing and local hospital, which could influence regional development and public spending priorities. No direct investment thesis or ticker is implied, but OVG’s entry may benefit from increased event and venue revenue, while local construction and healthcare sectors could see tailwinds from proposed projects.

Don’t Fall For It, Nothing Has Changed

quoththeraven.substack.com · Sep 25

The post argues that despite recurring positive Iran-related headlines temporarily boosting markets, underlying stresses—soaring bond yields (10-year above 5.1%), elevated MOVE Index (up 9.6% to 104.6), and strained AI infrastructure financing—remain unaddressed and increasingly threaten risk assets. Oracle’s “force majeure” warning exemplifies growing pressure on highly leveraged AI projects as higher-for-longer rates erode their economic viability; the author maintains a bearish stance, seeing no structural improvement in the bond-driven drag on equities.

Yemen, DR Congo, Africa-UN

proximities.substack.com · Sep 25

Escalating conflict in Yemen has driven acute malnutrition in children, with over 2.2 million under five projected to be affected in 2024, threatening humanitarian and regional stability. In DR Congo, Ebola resurges with 3,779 confirmed deaths, including frontline health workers, signaling renewed outbreak risks. African leaders at the UN General Assembly are pushing for Security Council reform, demanding permanent representation—highlighting growing geopolitical assertiveness; monitor AU-related policy developments for potential sovereign credit or ESG implications.

On Ezra Klein’s Podcast With Jensen Huang

Don't Worry About the Vase · Sep 25

Jensen Huang dismisses AI existential risk and superintelligence, viewing AI as merely a new layer of software requiring rigorous engineering, safety testing, and quality control—so much so that he effectively calls for halting any lab (like OpenAI) that ships untested models. He advocates shifting R&D spend from capabilities to safety, emphasizing secure sandboxes and alignment, while downplaying job displacement and societal risks; his influence on U.S. AI policy and chip allocation (via Nvidia’s dominance) makes this stance materially relevant. No direct ticker call, but implication: long NVDA on continued infrastructure control, though regulatory or safety-driven slowdowns in AI deployment could pressure growth bets like $OPENAI private valuation or open-weight ecosystems reliant on permissive access.

The Rise and Fall of the FOMC Cycle

Alpha in Academia · Sep 25

The core thesis of Cieslak, Morse, and Vissing-Jørgensen (CMVJ) posits that from 1994 to 2013, nearly all the U.S. equity risk premium was earned during "even" weeks of the FOMC cycle—defined by a mechanical calendar around Fed announcement dates—with average daily excess returns of ~12 bps in even weeks versus near-zero in odd weeks, suggesting informed trading ahead of Fed information leaks. However, out-of-sample data through 2026 shows the pattern collapses, with no sustained edge post-2013, invalidating the strategy’s forward applicability and underscoring its likely spurious or regime-dependent nature. No actionable market view or trade survives; the result is a cautionary tale on overfitting and the decay of empirical anomalies.

Tax Complexity Now Costs the US Economy over $544 Billion Annually

taxfoundation.org

The U.S. tax code’s complexity will cost $544 billion in 2026—1.7% of GDP—driven by $387 billion in lost productivity and $157 billion in direct compliance costs. This burden represents a structural drag on economic efficiency with no direct market ticker, but favors firms in tax software (e.g., INTU) and advisory services positioned to capitalize on persistent regulatory complexity.

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