The Other Hand Looking backwards, looking forwards.
Dec 29, 2025
A brisk review of global political risks from Russia, China and looming elections. Discussion of data centers and AI driving surging electricity demand. Reflections on market quirks: tariffs, bond vulnerabilities and why non-US markets sometimes outperform. A look at widening US inequality, UK political shifts, and Ireland’s economic pressures.
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Humility About Market Timing
- Chris Johns admits he mis-timed the US stock market and sold equities in summer, showing forecasting fallibility.
- He plans to cover investing more in 2026 and discuss personal portfolio decisions on future episodes.
Global Markets Outperformed The US
- Non-US equity markets outperformed US markets in 2025, an unexpected global shift.
- The US tech dominance is questioned as other countries posted stronger equity returns.
K-Shaped Recovery And Political Risk
- The US economy shows a K-shaped recovery where wealthy consumers drive growth while middle and lower incomes lag.
- This inequality may hurt Donald Trump's support among middle and lower-income voters.