Economist Podcasts

See how the Lai lands: Taiwan’s new president

4 snips
May 22, 2024
Join Alice Hsu, Senior China correspondent; Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor; and Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, as they dissect Taiwan's new president, William Lai. They discuss his struggle to unify a divided nation while navigating China's pressures. The conversation shifts to the shrinking stock market as firms favor private ownership over public listings. They also humorously explore the shift from lonely hearts ads to dating apps, reflecting on how technology shapes modern relationships amid persistent human loneliness.
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INSIGHT

Domestic Challenges

  • Despite his ambitions, Lai faces domestic challenges due to his party losing its parliamentary majority.
  • Divisions within parliament and protests highlight the difficulties Lai will face in governing.
INSIGHT

Shrinking Stock Markets

  • Despite rising stock prices, fewer companies are going public, bucking the law of supply and demand.
  • Companies like ByteDance and SpaceX are staying private longer, contributing to shrinking stock markets.
INSIGHT

Reasons for Staying Private

  • Companies stay private due to factors like ESG reporting, quarterly earnings pressure, and increased private funding options.
  • The rise of intangible assets makes valuations difficult for public markets, favoring private investment.
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