Insight Asia

The conflict in the Middle East creates both economic and geopolitical turmoil, not least in Asia. Over 80 percent of the traffic through Hormuz is destined for Asia and some countries are hit harder than others. Fredrik Hahnel and Sean Yokota discuss the implications for companies and countries in the vast region. 

In this Christmas Special Fredrik Hahnel and Sean Yokota line up 6 potential surprises in the coming year that may affect Asia and the world. Not all of them are positive and the likelihood of a lot of them seem low in the short term. But as black swans and surprises they will tickle your knowledge and imagination. And of course they check off last years surprises... From the SEB office in Singapore.

The price of gold has surged this year. SEB's Sean Yokota is joined by Shaokai Fan, Head of Asia Pacific at the World Gold Council, to discuss how the gold market works, China's impact on it, and how gold is used both globally and in Asia. You'll also learn how much gold exists in the world, where it is stored, and how much gold Shaokai Fan keeps at home. Recorded online.

Host Sean Yokota is joined by Fredrik Hännel and Peter Ling-Vannerus in this episode.  They delve into the evolving geopolitical landscape in Asia, the challenges of involution in Chinese industry, and the rapid developments in artificial intelligence across the region. The experts provide perspectives and engaging analysis on the forces impacting Asia today. 

Japan's economic situation is in this episode's spotlight:  A weak yen, booming tourism, a nice recovery after Covid and a good position in the geopolitical turmoil as a long-time US ally. But at the same time, an ageing and shrinking population, deflation and a sky-high debt per capita. SEB's chief economist, Jens Magnusson, joins Fredrik Hahnel and Sean Yokota in the discussion after visiting Japan this week.

What do Chinese people think of the tariffs, and how they are handled? Are they behind President Xi's counterattacks "till the bitter end"? And how is the Chinese economy holding up? Sean Yokota and Fredrik Hahnel are joined by the SEB chief in Shanghai, Juliette Lascoux, to check the Chinese pulse in this trade war. (Recorded over the Internet from our offices in Singapore and Shanghai).

In this Christmas Special Fredrik Hahnel and Sean Yokota line up 10 potential surprises in the coming year that may affect Asia and the world. Not all of them are positive and the likelihood of a lot of them seem low. But as with black swans and surprises, it's good to know about their potential beforehand... From the SEB office in Singapore.

The recent Chinese stimulus package of around one trillion yuan – how will it play out? Is it enough to turn the Chinese economy around or not? How have foreign investments fared recently, what do companies on the ground say and will Chinese consumers start to spend again? A lot of questions – and answers – when SEB Head of Markets Sean Yokota and Head of Asia Fredrik Hähnel in Singapore are joined by the SEB chief in Beijing, Peter Ling-Vannerus. In a recording over the Internet.

The Vietnamese economy is doing well due to international trade. The country has also successfully juggled geopolitical tensions and alliances. But what effect will a new term for Donald Trump have? SEB's Asia economists Sean Yokota and Eugenia Victorino discuss Vietnam's economy and review the latest developments in China.

Soon, the year of the Dragon begins, and China is facing more headwinds than ever. Like the Taiwanese election result, trade tensions with the EU and the property sector crisis. And how does Chinese manufacturing stand up? Sean Yokota and Fredrik Hähnel dive into the hard questions. From the SEB office in Singapore.