Nicholas Spiro

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that China is weathering the Iran war oil shock better than others in Asia. As the conflict threatens Asian economies, the best protected are those that can leverage import diversification and energy independence. scmp.com/opinion/china-…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that Asia’s crisis-hardened hotel sector can endure the Iran war shock. While higher energy prices pose a threat to global travel, Asia’s strong regional travel demand and diversified source markets offer resilience. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

The Iran war disruption just one of many threats to global markets, writes Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro). The conflict's danger can't be assessed in isolation. Rather, it is one of several major vulnerabilities that could trigger a much sharper sell-off. scmp.com/opinion/world-…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes about four reasons Asia’s property will endure despite Iran war headwinds. Asian property’s sources of resilience are potent and multifaceted, with the drivers of sentiment distinct from those in financial markets. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

The Iran war shows markets can’t ignore every geopolitical shock, writes Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro). Investors have grown used to brushing off geopolitical threats, but turmoil in the Middle East poses a greater risk to the global economy. scmp.com/opinion/world-…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that the unique resilience of Australia’s retail property merits attention. Several factors contribute to the outperformance of the Australian retail sector, including its relative insulation from digital disruption. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that AI disruption isn’t a major threat to #India’s booming office market. Tech disruption is unlikely to spoil India’s commercial real estate party. If anything, the world’s hottest office market is too hot. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

US dollar weakness is no game changer for a globalised yuan, writes Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro). Beijing will seize on the crisis to promote the yuan, but without capital account liberalisation, the currency's rise will remain limited. scmp.com/opinion/china-…

Japan will soon learn how far Sanae Takaichi can ride her luck, writes Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro). While Japan is unlikely to have its own Liz Truss moment, high debt levels and an empowered populist in charge are still reasons for concern. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that Asian property markets’ supply constraints are a double-edged sword. The narrow pool of high-quality assets benefits landlords and affluent investors but poses a challenge to prospective buyers and renters. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that Trump, not Asian investors, is to blame for #gold and #silver volatility. The global uncertainty stemming from Trump’s behaviour is roiling precious metals markets far more than any investment from Asia. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

The @WashPost has now laid off its Asia editor, its New Delhi bureau chief, its Sydney bureau chief, its Cairo bureau chief, the entire Middle East reporting team, China correspondents, Iran correspondents, Turkey correspondents, and many more. The world is becoming less America-centric by the minute while the United States is becoming more America-centric than ever. It is just a depressing yet somehow perfect summation of our current moment that one of the most important newspapers in the history of the country - one that has actually shaped the history of the United States - doesn't think reporting on the world is of any use anymore. What an utterly perfect encapsulation of where we have arrived.

Hong Kong’s housing market recovery rests on solid foundations, writes Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro). Unlike the commercial property sector, the city’s residential market is supported by multiple factors helping to drive demand. scmp.com/opinion/hong-k…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that the fracturing of the global economy is in full swing, as #Canada has recognised. Policymakers and businesses should expect it to continue scmp.com/opinion/world-…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that #Thailand’s resilience in the face of an eventful 2025, #India’s uneven boom in branded hotel supply and #Japan’s record visitor numbers amid a row with China are deserving of attention #property scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…

Despite being equipped with powerful tools in its economic arsenal, the #EU lacks the leverage needed to keep the US in check, writes Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) scmp.com/opinion/world-…

.@alexstubb is simply excellent. World class. Should think about the presidency of the European Commission

Watching Mark Carney's Davos speech and his total clarity and gravity about the world having turned fills me with embarrassment about Keir Starmer's self-abasement to Trump. It doesn't work!

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that it's traders, not "Taco" Trump, who are chickening out now. Markets, especially bond markets, are meant to be a disciplining force, but their inaction will only embolden Trump to act more recklessly. scmp.com/opinion/world-…

Nicholas Spiro (@NicholasSpiro) writes that affordability, Japan and data centres will drive Asian property in 2026. Asia might have dodged the worst of Trump’s tariffs, but investors should focus on price growth and the data centre boom's sustainability. scmp.com/opinion/asia-o…