Aug. 14, 2025 12:07 PM ETSPDR® S&P 500® ETF (SPY), SP500, NDX, DJI, QQQ, DIA, IVV, VOO, IWM, SPXIEO, SHLD, GD, VVV, DAX, DAX:IND, SHCOMP, NSEASI, FTSEMIB, CAC:IND, SPY, SP500, NDX, DJI, QQQ, DIA, IVV, VOO, IWM, SPXAPAC Investment News376 FollowersSummaryTrump-Putin Alaska talks could reshape the Ukraine conflict, with major implications for global markets, defense stocks, and energy prices depending on peace or escalation.A breakthrough toward peace would likely boost European and Russian equities, lower energy prices, and cool defense stocks, though European defense spending may ultimately fall short of lofty commitments.If negotiations fail, heightened tensions could drive up defense and energy stocks, depress global markets, and increase volatility, especially if the U.S. re-engages or withdraws support for Ukraine.Political outcomes remain highly uncertain, but investors must recognize that geopolitics and markets are deeply intertwined, with Friday's summit poised to trigger significant market moves.Jacob Boomsma/iStock via Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump is heading to Alaska, meeting with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, and the fate of Ukraine and the prospect of peace in Europe may be on the line. Given that President Trump has statedThis article was written byAPAC Investment News376 FollowersMarkets rise and fall, booms come and go, and the world keeps ticking. Ultimately, I believe observing megatrends, as difficult as they can be to spot, let alone fully comprehend, can yield insights into the advance of human society, which in turn could pave the way for many useful investment insights. As society and technologies evolve, companies and other stakeholders will seize advantages. Figuring out which companies will take the best advantage of any given opportunities is not easy. I am especially interested in macrotrends, futurism, and increasingly, emerging technologies. However, as far as investing is concerned, it’s crucial to pay attention to the fundamentals, quality of leadership, product pipeline, and all the other details. In recent years, I have focused on marketing and business strategy, primarily for medium sized companies and startups. I have worked in international development, including overseas for a foreign Prime Minister’s office, as well as non-profit work in the United States. Among other tasks, I evaluated startups and emerging industries/technologies. I have also moonlighted as a technology and economic news journalist. Now I’m looking to tie everything together. While my personal interests will always keep megatrends and technological developments in mind, I do believe fundamentals and technicals are vital to uncovering opportunities.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SHLD either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.CommentsRecommended For You