Are You a Human?

Are You a Human?
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/08/17/are-you-a-human
From branding irons to iris scans, the ancient business of proving who you are has never been stranger—or more lucrative.  

An Urban Oasis

The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh has 25,000 workers building his dream capital with waterways, bike lanes and a “Quantum Valley” tech hub.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/world/asia/one-mans-quest-to-build-indias-most-livable-city.html 

Hedging Market Risks

The Markets Have Been on a Roll. Is It Time to Hedge Your Bets?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/business/stock-market-ai-bonds-rally.html
The S&P 500 is in position for a rare fourth year of consecutive annual gains. Risks are rising, our columnist says, yet Wall Street is doubling down. 

Unwinding the Yen Carry Trade

When Japan buys yen, it unwinds a dangerous trade
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/08/13/when-japan-buys-yen-it-unwinds-a-dangerous-trade
The world’s biggest carry trader begins to exit its position. 

China and the Global Oil Market

China has wrested control of oil markets from OPEC
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/08/13/china-has-wrested-control-of-oil-markets-from-opec
When market power comes from buying power, oil importers can do better.
 
China is now the world’s great oil power
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/08/09/china-is-now-the-worlds-great-oil-power
Forget OPEC. The Chinese Communist Party calls the shots. 

Rise of the Surveillance State

Flock Cameras Can Track Every Car in America. Police Love Them. Citizens Don’t.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/us/flock-cameras-can-track-every-car-in-america-police-love-them-citizens-dont.html
In Texas, there’s one thing liberals and conservatives agree on: They don’t want cameras trained on their cars. 

Americans Abroad

The Rise of the Unstoppable American Tourist
https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-rise-of-the-unstoppable-american-tourist-485f025b
Once a nation of homebodies, Americans are now zealous international travelers, led by wealthy boomers and restless Gen Zers.