The Economist Magazine (March 21, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Israel Alone’ – At a moment of military might, Israel looks deeply; ‘How To Trade An Election’ – It is getting harder for investors to ignore politics; China, Iran and Russia versus The West – Assessing the economic threat posed by the anti-Western axis…

At a moment of military might, Israel looks deeply vulnerable

America should help it find a better strategy

There is still a narrow path out of the hellscape of Gaza. A temporary ceasefire and hostage release could cause a change of Israel’s government; the rump of Hamas fighters in south Gaza could be contained or fade away; and from the rubble, talks on a two-state solution could begin, underwritten by America and its Gulf allies. It is just as likely, however, that ceasefire talks will fail. That could leave Israel locked in the bleakest trajectory of its 75-year existence, featuring endless occupation, hard-right politics and isolation. Today many Israelis are in denial about this, but a political reckoning will come eventually. It will determine not only the fate of Palestinians, but also whether Israel thrives in the next 75 years.

How to trade an election

It is becoming harder for investors to ignore politics

Investors differ in their approach to elections. Some see politics as an edge to exploit; others as noise to block out. Even for those without a financial interest, markets offer a brutally frank perspective on the economic stakes. As elections approach in America and Britain, as well as plenty of other countries, that is especially valuable.

The Economist Magazine (March 7, 2024): The latest issue features Three big risks that might tip America’s presidential election – Third parties, the Trump trials and the candidates’ age introduce a high degree of uncertainty; Xi Jinping’s hunger for power is hurting China’s economy; How to fix the Ivy League – Its supremacy is being undermined by bad leadership…

And they’re off. What could upend America’s election?

• Folly and the Ivies – America’s elite universities are bloated, complacent and illiberal
• The Oscars go global – Hollywood’s growing love of foreign films says a lot about the insular industry
• Slimming drugs, fat profits – Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are making blockbuster drugs. Can they maintain their lead?
• China’s fantasy growth plan – China’s parliament is being used to highlight Xi Jinping’s power

The Economist Magazine (February 22, 2024): The latest issue features ‘How high can markets go?; Le Pen prepares for power; India’s north-south divide; A plan for Russia’s assets…

How high can markets go?

• How high can markets go? – Stocks are booming. But their golden age is drawing to a close
• Le Pen prepares for power – France’s National Rally has its eyes not on protest but on the presidency
• India’s north-south divide – India could be ruined by its political and economic divisions
• A plan for Russia’s frozen assets – Exploit them to the full, but legally