With geopolitical tensions remaining at the most elevated levels in modern times, the Asian-Pacific region is finding itself the centre of attention. As China continues to try to enforce its will upon it’s closest neighbours, by virtue of military presence (see: South China Sea) or via ‘economic development initiatives’ (see: AIIB’s ‘friendly lending’ to neighbours) – the watchful eye of the US is never far away.
Critics would argue that a recent announcement by the US Treasury Department that Thailand and Taiwan were at risk of being labelled ‘currency manipulators’ is another way of testing alliances within the region. We always find it oddly amusing that the world’s dominant currency manipulator, the US, is regarded as the arbiter of currency manipulation. Read more…..

Chart of the Day
Icarus TV
Dr. Kanika Monga, a rheumatologist in Houston, Texas discusses the new nasal treatment that may help treat COVID-19.