Global Markets Face Shifts in Trade, Investment, and Regulation

Global markets are undergoing significant shifts in trade, investment, and regulation, with emerging markets, tariffs, and food production policies taking center stage. In the world of finance, a new hedge fund focused on emerging market opportunities is set to launch, while a leading chemicals company is expecting customers to demand payback for tariff costs. Meanwhile, countries like Nigeria and India are implementing policies aimed at boosting domestic processing and regulating genetically modified food crops.

Arif Joshi, the former co-head of emerging-market debt at Lazard Asset Management, is joining Bramshill Investments LLC to help launch a hedge fund focused on opportunities across the developing world. This move comes as investors increasingly seek to tap into the growth potential of emerging markets. According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emerging markets are expected to drive global economic growth in the coming years, with countries like China, India, and Brazil leading the charge.

In the wake of the US Supreme Court's ruling that declared Donald Trump's global tariffs under economic emergency powers law to be illegal, Swiss chemicals company Clariant is expecting customers to demand payback for tariff costs. CEO Conrad Keijzer told Bloomberg's Francine Lacqua on 'The Pulse' that the company is preparing for a potential surge in customer demands for reimbursement. This development highlights the ongoing impact of trade tensions on global businesses and the need for companies to adapt to shifting regulatory landscapes.

Nigeria has extended a ban on shea nut exports by a year, reinforcing a drive to curb raw commodity shipments and boost local value addition. This move is part of the country's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports. By promoting domestic processing, Nigeria aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase its competitiveness in the global market.

In the private equity space, Carlyle Group Inc. is seeking to raise at least $200 billion of capital over the next three years as it looks to build on Chief Executive Officer Harvey Schwartz's momentum in the alternative asset manager's turnaround. This ambitious target reflects the growing demand for alternative investment strategies and the need for private equity firms to adapt to changing market conditions.

Meanwhile, in India, a panel of ministers is set to examine a key genetically modified food crop with a view to agreeing government policy. This development has significant implications for the country's agricultural sector and could potentially open up one of the world's largest markets to engineered varieties. The use of genetically modified crops is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing that it can improve crop yields and reduce pesticide use, while opponents raise concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts.

As global markets navigate these shifts in trade, investment, and regulation, one thing is clear: the need for adaptability and innovation will be crucial for businesses and governments alike. Whether it's tapping into emerging market opportunities, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, or promoting domestic processing and value addition, the ability to respond to changing market conditions will be essential for success in the years to come.

Sources:
- Lazard Veteran to Launch Hedge Fund for EM Bets at Bramshill
- Clariant: Customers Expecting Tariff Payback
- Nigeria Extends Shea-Nut Export Ban to Boost Domestic Processing
- Carlyle Seeks $200 Billion of Inflows as Schwartz Charts Growth
- India Government Panel Said to Review Future of Key GM Food Crop