Gold has been an absolute portfolio star this year. It’s ridden the markets rising fears on sovereign debt, inflation and political incompetency. What will drive it back down? It seems unlikely fears will lessen, especially if predictions of rising instability and stagflation prove founded.

Political stresses are undermining the West. While Europe bickers and America reinvents itself, the Asian century has begun. Yet, Modi and Xi embracing in Tianjin does not herald a new China-India axis, but that India has moved firmly into the new Asia camp. How these two nations compete will be the key to 21st Century investment opportunities.

Everyone knows Europe is finished. Over-regulation, bureaucracy, a demographic bust, dusty old industries and the prospect of slow lingering decline.. Nonsense. The Sun may shortly rise on new prospects and growth as geopolitics and new trade develops. Might be time for the great rotation back across The Pond.

Ozzy Osbourne was an unlikely Prince of Darkness… but who’s US President? The “Trade Agreement” with Japan is a massive pre-emptive strike opportunity for Japanese Automakers. Will it benefit US Manufacturing? No way! And don’t forget your “Bullsh*t Bingo Card” for tonight’s Tesla numbers.

Trade tensions are set to dominate this week – particularly for Europe and Japan. While Trump upsets his allies, the global nexus is moving to the wealth concentration in South East Asia and the future evolution of tech – nothing lasts forever.

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 UK and Europe have signed a framework deal which should prove massively positive for both economies. It resets the UK’s place as a financial and politically sovereign nation close to the heart of Europe. That’s what Brexit always should have been – it’s going to trigger growth because it will boost CONFIDENCE!

Lots of stuff going on this week! Top of the list is how hard-line Republican Hawks in Washington have reset Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill. Don’t make him angry… We also have the UK doing a deal with Europe. And, Mark Blyth gives a masterclass in how we should think about inflation.

Trump was right: NATO had become an American Umbrella. Europe needs time to re-establish its own defence capacity – and that requires respect on both sides of the Atlantic to achieve security without further destabilising global peace. These are “interesting” times indeed.

Trump’s efforts to broker a Ukraine peace with Russia over the heads of Europe and Ukraine was never anything but posturing. Europe should step up and take control – it’s a risk strategy, but would be the making of Europe. Rearmament could give Europe the economic boost and purpose it requires, and discourage further conflict.