Over the next 25 years the global shipping fleet will make a massive transition from dirty bunker fuels to new clean energies to achieve Net-Zero. The technologies are evolving, but are now coming on line. Methanol fuelled ships are now in operation – and they are investible!

Smart pundits are buying Uranium. While China builds out its nuclear fleet, the US looks set to favour fossil fuels while the UK’s nuclear plans are over-engineered and slow. Future economic leadership will be determined by energy.  It’s a game the West could well lose.

Beryl is the fastest, strongest and earliest hurricane to hit the Caribbean. The price of the humble potato will see substantial inflation as miserable harvests come in. What do these two apparently unconnected events tell us about inflation and risk?

Next week I will be either stuck in the queues at Heathrow, or sailing round Greece. Time to unwind and think about the state of the World. Or… maybe not ruin my break by scaring myself! Some thoughts on Global Macro.

Very early start on the radio this morning, but Jamie Dimon and I are aligned; the global economy is at an inflection point as higher rates, stickflation, debt and climate costs hit the reset button. It doesn’t have to be a bear-reset and could present massive opportunities! Embrace change!

Assets Managers have gone quiet on ESG and Sustainability, under pressure from sceptical money and investors bored by climate change. That doesn’t mean the problem has gone away. The risks and the consequences for markets and prices remain enormous.

 The UK’s broken infrastructure will cost trillions to repair. Water needs £150-200 bln – roughly what Water Companies have paid (PV) in dividends since 1990. Thatcher sold water for £1 bln. Today we face a £200 bln repair bill. Discuss.

Blain’s Morning Porridge Feb 2nd  2024: The Energy crisis in [...]

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson is set to cross the Atlantic in a plane powered by unicorn farts. It’s marketing smoke and mirrors. The reality is Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an evolutionary dead end. Solving the Air Travel issue will require lots of capital.

What matters more; a new smart-phone or food security? Spending billions developing AI to make life more confusing, or improving the environment and social cohesion? Science and Technology can address humanity’s biggest problems – but how do we ensure they are focused on the right ones?