Markets aren’t much concerned about Iran. US Military might is expected to prevail, cowing the Ayatollahs into acceptance of Trump’s maximalist demands. What could possibly go wrong? Trump is no student of history, and may not understand the gamut of military, logistical and geopolitical risks aligned against him.

Concepts about global law and order were left by the wayside over the weekend – Trump’s administration delivered what it said it would in terms of America First, Western Hemisphere focus. Do Venezuela and Iran raise or diminish the risks of Global Conflict in 2026. What comes next?

Yesterday tremblors rocked global markets again after Israel bombed Qatar and Trump demanded Europe enact 100% tariffs on China and India. As America lashes out, It feels the world is tumbling towards chronic trade conflict and disruption – yet, yesterday the US stock market made yet another record high.

Global Oil Markets have shrugged off the supply threats. Markets seen unfazed by the economic consequences of trade ructions and tariffs. Rising instability elicits little more than yawns. Are we walking into a crisis?

The Israeli strike on Iran has roiled markets. Not unexpected, but the consequences could have been much worse if the Israelis had used low-yield Tactical Nuclear Bunker Busters.

The irresistible force of Trump has hit the immovable rock of Economic and Market Reality. The inconsistencies of Trump’s tariff policies - the centre-plank of his economic understanding - have been exposed as bogus. It begs the question – What Next? Which is why markets are braced for even more dislocation.

Up, down, shake it all about. Current markets are driven by short-term rumour and sigh about what Trump might do or say next on tariffs. However, the real threats are longer-term – how the global economy is increasingly vulnerable not just to trade and economics, but also the growing weakness and unravelling of US military might. The implications for global security could change everything.

I’m delighted to announce we’ve signed an agreement in Cairo to build a new $7 bln private sector petrochemicals plant in Egypt, a development that could herald a new era of economic growth and the emergence of the future Middle Sea economy for the Middle East, Europe and North Africa.

 Who would possibly want to be a billionaire? Hated by the mob, a victim of evil governments holding you back with tax threats while denying your basic human rights – like a platinum gold bank account! Give me poverty anytime…

Valuations in the USA look insane. Surely stock prices must be a bubble? Maybe. Maybe not – the USA has created a self-driving technology machine, a conveyor belt of tech innovation that’s set to continue delivering value and corporate profits. To understand it – ditch traditional thinking about economies.