In the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitics, the world finds itself at a pivotal juncture marked by structural shifts that redefine global dynamics. The emergence of competing economic and geopolitical blocs stands out as a prominent feature reshaping alliances and influencing international relations. Catherine Kress, head of Geopolitical Research and Strategy at BlackRock, joins Oscar to explore the macro and investment dimensions of this megaforce, the complex interplay of geopolitics and global markets and provide insights for investors navigating this new era.

Sources: ‘With Highest Number of Violent Conflicts Since Second World War, United Nations Must Rethink Efforts to Achieve, Sustain Peace, Speakers Tell Security Council’ UN Press Release January 26th 2023; ‘2024 Is the Biggest Election Year In History, The Economist Nov 13th 2023; These Five Countries Are Key Economic ‘Connectors’ in a Fragmenting World, Bloomberg November 2nd 2023; The Larger Geopolitical Shift Behind Iran’s Drone Sales to Russia, Carnegie Endowment For International Peace, October 26th 2022; War in Ukraine Has China Cashing In, New York Times, December 21st 2023, Robin Brooks, X; China-Russia 2023 trade value hits record high of $240 bln - Chinese customs, Reuters, January 12, 2024; “Gauging geopolitics”, BlackRock Investment Institute; The Global Economy Enters an Era of Upheaval, Bloomberg, September 18th 2023

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