Status: Draft — Not PublishedWill be live at 11/17/2025 09:30
November 17, 2025
In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Ashok Bhundia, IIF Deputy Chief Economist and Head of Asia Macroeconomic Research, to discuss Asia’s global economic and geopolitical trends.
The conversation focuses on how Asian economies are responding to evolving U.S.–China trade negotiations and strategic competition. Clay and Ashok explore the increasing importance of digital finance in shaping regional priorities, as well as the surge in investment and innovation in artificial intelligence and stablecoins. They also consider which countries are best positioned to benefit from the AI boom amid intensifying technology rivalry.
The episode addresses currency trends and whether Asian currencies could appreciate against the U.S. dollar as part of broader efforts to rebalance trade. Finally, Clay and Ashok discuss whether Asia will lead global growth and innovation or face pressure to choose sides between the United States and China.