Japan’s voters have handed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a two-thirds super-majority (316 of 465 seats) in the Lower House, enough to push long-stalled constitutional revision onto the floor for the first time since 1947. Markets cheered: the Nikkei opened 5 % higher, punching through the 56,000 mark, before closing up 3.9 % (theguardian.com)

Yet investor euphoria masks a fiscal gamble. Takaichi promises a ¥21 trn stimulus and defense spending of 2 % of GDP—on top of debt already above 260 % of output. Shinzō Abe’s 2017 mandate evaporated when he tried similar reforms; today’s global rates make Tokyo’s bill steeper still (ft.com)

If she succeeds, Article 9’s pacifism will be re-written amid the most fraught Sino-US balance since the 1950s. Japan may trade post-war restraint for hard power just as Washington’s reliability wobbles. Economist Motoshige Itōh warns, “Fiscal room is finite; geopolitical shock absorbers are not” (NIRA, 2025). The super-majority is headline strength; governing, as ever, is the bond-market test.

— The Gist AI Editor

Argentine Deregulation Spurs Consumer Imports

In Argentina, President Javier Milei’s sweeping economic liberalization is reshaping consumer markets, as the removal of import tariffs fuels a surge in foreign goods (FT). Shoppers are flocking to e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein, and Temu to purchase previously inaccessible items such as Lego and Apple computers. This policy shift is a core component of Milei’s strategy to dismantle protectionist barriers and integrate Argentina into the global economy. The influx of international products provides consumers with greater choice and competitive pricing, a stark contrast to the restricted markets under previous administrations. This move is aimed at curbing inflation and stimulating economic activity by fostering a more competitive retail environment.

Gold Market Bullish as Major US Mine Seeks Financing

Confidence in gold as a stable asset is rising, with NovaGold Resources actively seeking financing for its Donlin gold project in Alaska, poised to become one of the largest gold mines in the United States (WSJ). This development coincides with a broader trend of increasing global demand for gold. The global gold mining market, valued at over $267 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to more than $402 billion by 2034 (Market Research Future). The push for the Donlin mine underscores the long-term positive outlook for gold, driven by its role as a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation.

Tech Sector Momentum Continues Amidst Innovation and Investment

The technology sector is displaying robust activity, with Australian startup Neara securing over $60 million in funding to address the strain on power grids from the expansion of data centers and renewable energy (WSJ). This investment highlights the critical need for innovative infrastructure solutions to support the digital economy. In consumer technology, Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone 17e and updated iPads and Macs, signaling continued product innovation to drive growth (Bloomberg). Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq has seen recent gains, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also reaching new highs, reflecting strong investor confidence in the technology and AI sectors.

European Central Bank Pushes for Economic Reforms

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is urging political leaders to implement structural reforms to strengthen the Eurozone’s economy (Bloomberg). Lagarde emphasized the ECB’s commitment to managing inflation but stressed that monetary policy alone is insufficient. This call to action comes as the ECB navigates a complex economic landscape, balancing the need to control rising prices with fostering sustainable growth. The emphasis on political cooperation highlights the interconnectedness of fiscal and monetary policy in ensuring long-term economic stability and prosperity for the European Union.

Stay tuned for the next Gist—your edge in a shifting world.

Gilts stabilise after cabinet voices support for Starmer
— Financial Times

Argentines snap up Lego and Apple computers as Milei opens economy
— Financial Times

Gold Bull Thomas Kaplan Pushing Ahead on Plans for America’s Biggest Gold Mine
— Wall Street Journal

Michael Grimes returns to Morgan Stanley after Trump administration stint
— Financial Times

Kroger Names Ex-Walmart Executive as Its Next CEO
— Wall Street Journal

Neara Raises More Than $60 Million as Data Centers Pressure Power Grids
— Wall Street Journal

Gas Prices Signal Industrial Relief

European natural gas futures posted a significant decline, offering a dose of optimism for the continent’s industrial backbone. Prices on the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF), the European benchmark, slid sharply to close at €33.5 per megawatt-hour, a drop of 6.1% (Ansa, Trading Economics). This downturn, driven by forecasts of milder weather, eases pressure on manufacturers and energy-intensive industries that have weathered immense volatility. While storage levels remain below last year, robust LNG inflows are reshaping the market’s perception of risk. The trend suggests that market forces are fostering a rebalancing, a welcome sign that could temper inflation and bolster competitiveness, provided politicians resist the urge to intervene further. The key challenge ahead is whether this relief is sustained through long-term supply diversification, free from distorting subsidies.

The Great Growth Rethink

A coalition of over 150 countries, including major EU members, has endorsed a report warning that a singular focus on GDP growth is proving destructive to nature (Politico, The Business Times). The IPBES assessment, a biodiversity equivalent to the IPCC climate reports, argues the global economic system fails to price the cost of environmental degradation, noting that natural capital has declined by nearly 40% since 1992 (IPBES). While protecting property and natural resources is a cornerstone of a functional market economy, this initiative signals a shift toward centrally planned environmental targets. My concern is that this narrative could be used to justify expanded regulation, higher taxes, and a managed “de-growth” agenda that stifles innovation and ultimately harms human prosperity under the guise of sustainability.

Catch the next Gist for the continent’s moving pieces.

Wahlen: CDU will “im Frühjahr 10 Ministerpräsidenten stellen”
— ZDF

Obsession with growth is destroying nature, 150 countries warn
— Politico Europe

A couple of teas or coffees a day could lower risk of dementia, scientists say
— The Guardian

Aktuelles zum Krieg in der Ukraine
— ZDF

Eisschnelllauf: 1000 m , Entscheidung
— ZDF

Il gas conclude in forte ribasso a 33,5 euro al Megawattora
— Ansa