A fast-moving roundup of this week's macro and market headlines: a possible partial U.S. government shutdown, a likely snap election in Japan pushing yen weakness and rising JGB yields, and strong corporate results from TSMC signaling robust AI demand.

Plus, Trump-era trade deals, banks’ upbeat earnings, and growing interest from major firms in event and prediction markets signal fresh market dynamics to watch.

The guys review 2025’s biggest market themes in a lively year-end episode: a messy US CPI release, debate over central-bank cuts, and political spin. They quiz each other on asset winners and losers — gold and NVIDIA among the standouts — and discuss Japan’s Nikkei outperforming major indexes.

The conversation covers sector performance (communications top, real estate worst), the US dollar’s decline with the Swedish krona’s strong gain, and the scale of AI infrastructure spending driving market moves into 2026.

Listeners get a spirited roundup, market convictions for the year ahead, and holiday well wishes from the team.

The guys review the week’s top market stories: standout retail earnings and campaigns, Nike’s leadership reshuffle, and MicroStrategy’s cash raise amid heavy Bitcoin exposure.

They debate what the ADP payroll print and next week’s Fed decision mean for year‑end market positioning.

The episode also covers the potential ripple effects of upcoming AI IPOs and broader investor sentiment going into the holidays, offering trade ideas, sector baskets, and a light-hearted take on market themes.