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.