Figured Figs -Turning Data to Financial Clarity

When headlines scream “war in the Middle East” or “major powers on the brink,” investors' first instinct is often to panic. Oil prices spike, global leaders scramble, and the world holds its breath. But what does history tell us about how stock markets behave when major geopolitical crises hit—especially wars that could shake up global oil supplies or power balances? Let’s dig into the numbers and see what the past has to say. The results might surprise you.   History’s Playbook: How SPY Reacted to Major Crises Here’s a look at how the S&P 500 ETF (SPY)—a popular proxy for the U.S. stock market—performed during some of the world’s most dramatic crises of the past few decades: Crisis Event Date of Crisis SPY Before SPY 5 Days Later Change (%) SPY 1 Month Later Change (%) Gulf War Begins (Iraq invades Kuwait) 02-Aug-90 $36.08 $33.81 -6.30% $33.00 ...

In recent years, the landscape of international finance has shifted dramatically.  Traditional stalwarts of U.S. Treasury investments—major economic powers such as China, Germany, and Japan—have consistently reduced their holdings, prompting the U.S. government to look for alternative, reliable investors.  Enter stablecoins: digital currencies designed specifically to maintain a steady value, increasingly stepping into this critical financial role, becoming major, unexpected buyers of U.S. government debt. A Changing Financial Landscape From 2018 through 2024, major global investors significantly altered their investment strategies regarding U.S. Treasuries: China , historically one of the largest holders of U.S. Treasuries, cut its holdings sharply from approximately $1.3 trillion down to about $800 billion by early 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions and strategic diversification. Germany , traditionally a strong ally and consistent investor in U.S. debt, reduced its holdi...

Unlike my all-time favorite in the AI space—Palantir—gene editing pioneers like CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) and Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) have taken a quieter, more patient path. Their growth is less a sudden rocket and more akin to the bamboo: silent, persistent, and soon, ready to shoot skyward. I started paying serious attention to this field after reading The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson, a gripping account of Jennifer Doudna and the birth of CRISPR technology. It struck me how gene editing is a lot like patching the code of an operating system—sometimes you fix a glitch, sometimes you rebuild from the root. But here, the “software” is human life itself. So why write about it now? Because just like bamboo, the moment when growth bursts into view is near. The recent, highly publicized “failed” trial at Intellia wasn’t a setback, but a historic leap. It marked the world’s first true gene insertion attempt inside a human body—a stepping stone that every innovator knows paves...

    Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield isn’t just a leap in defense—it’s a spark for a new stock market arms race. As the U.S. gears up for the world’s most advanced AI-driven missile defense, which companies stand to cash in, what exactly do they bring to the table, and why should investors care? Here’s your field guide to the companies that could define America’s next defense boom.   L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) What They Do: L3Harris is a heavyweight in advanced communications, space-based sensors, and defense electronics. The company builds everything from high-tech radios for the military to sophisticated satellite tracking systems. Golden Dome Role: Expect L3Harris to provide the “eyes” of the Golden Dome—satellites, sensors, and tracking gear that spot threats in real time. With recent investments in its Indiana space facility, L3Harris is positioning itself at the heart of the Dome’s surveillance backbone. Why Consider It: L3Harris isn...