We Didn't Start the Fire

Just this morning, I was listening to Billy Joel's song, We Didn't Start the Fire, on radio and then I stumbled upon the news that Korean Air is spending millions to acquire fellow rival Asiana Airlines Inc..

 

So what is going on? 

 

Well...this year we will see a lot of intense rivalry going on as well as companies buying over others.

 

In the area of intense rivalry, we see AI companies competing to launch their version of ChatGPT or improving to be better. As we speak, Alibaba has launched its version of AI language model, Tongyi Qianwen.  As for ChatGPT, the company plans to have a branch in Japan and is in talks with the new Prime Minister to discuss the matter.

 

On the global front, the BRICS are moving faster to form their alliance with many other countries working speedily to join.  As a result, the US$ will face intense competition with other currencies as many countries are ready to dump the dollar. 

 

Some example big movers we see  which are familiar to us as the average consumers are:

• L’oreal has acquired Aesop for $2.5 billion which is the biggest ever.
• Japan Industrial Partners Inc., Suzuki Motor Corp., and ROHM Co. Ltd is in talks to acquire Toshiba Corporation and take it private.
• Elon Musk has transformed Twitter and plans to make it a one stop shop ad for many other functions.

Did we start the fire or the fire started us burning?

I am unsure if you find that many things around us are moving fast and furious. I feel it especially strong even from the end of 2022.  These are sure signs that the Li Gua is upon us and will be taking over. There will be more dry spells this year and temperatures will inch up fast.  Please protect yourselves if you live in a place void of water.  The summer months ahead will be more unbearable.

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments.

Be kinder to yourself and to others.  (anger is certainly on the rise)

Namaste!