● The Coming Storm: Power, Conflict, and Warnings from History
Odd Arne Westad
Interview with author via Keen on America podcast
“If we let things continue in the direction that they are taking now, I think it is more likely than not that we will end up in some kind of Great Power war within the foreseeable future.” — Arne Westad
This conversation was recorded before the invasion of Iran, which makes what you are about to hear even more chilling. In new book, The Coming Storm: Power, Conflict, and Warnings from History, Yale historian Arne Westad warns that the structural parallels between our multipolar 2020s and the world before the First World War are too striking to ignore—and he names the Middle East as one of the flashpoints that could spark a much broader conflagration.
Early Impact of Iran War Is Low, But Economic Risks Are Rising
The economic fallout from the war in Iran has been limited for the US so far. But as the conflict continues, the effects will become increasingly clear.
Energy Stocks Are Soaring, Too
The war in Iran has upended expectations about winners and losers in the US stock market, redirecting equity investment flows into energy, materials, and industrials. How long this leadership rotation lasts will likely be determined by the course and duration of the war. Meantime, old‑economy stocks are back in vogue.
Energy Prices Are Soaring. How Long Will It Last?
The Iran war has slowed oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz to a crawl, leading to the expected result: a surge in energy prices. So far, so expected. The bigger, more important question: How long will the spike last? The stakes surrounding the answer are high since the path of energy prices could influence an array of macro factors, including economic activity, interest rates and monetary policy.
Total Return Forecasts: Major Asset Classes | 3 March 2026
The Iran war is roiling financial markets, but the impact on long‑term expected returns will likely be limited. Even in the worst‑case scenario, the methodology outlined below for developing performance estimates is relatively immune to short‑term events.
Major Asset Classes | February 2026 | Performance Review
Foreign securities and US real estate investment trusts led a broad-based rally for the major asset classes in February, based on a set of ETF proxies. US stocks, however, didn’t participate in last month’s gains.
Iran Risk Threatens The Everything Rally
All the major asset classes are posting year-to-date gains, as of Friday’s close. But a lot can happen over one weekend.
Book Bits: 28 February 2026
● Plastic Inc.: The Secret History and Shocking Future of Big Oil’s Biggest Bet
Beth Gardiner
Summary via publisher (Avery/Penguin Random House)
Plastic, the foundational material of modern consumerism, is everywhere in our daily lives. But the oil and petrochemical companies making it are hiding in plain sight. Because for all the vivid coverage of where plastic ends up, there is remarkably little discussion of where it comes from. Today, industry is pouring billions of dollars into plans to double, or even triple, the amount it churns out, even as individuals concerned about plastic’s out-of-control proliferation try to use less. As Big Oil stares down a future of diminishing demand for fossil fuels, plastic has become its financial lifeline.
CEOs vs. the Treasury Market
CEO confidence for the economic outlook has improved, but the Treasury market is still pricing in rate cuts.
Bullish Momentum Holds Firm in Global Asset Allocation
Optimism may seem scarce in the headlines, but a bullish trend still powers global asset‑allocation strategies, based on a set of ETFs through yesterday’s close (Feb. 25).