Weather patterns across Southeast Asia in early 2026 have been uneven with early rainfall giving way to drier conditions, setting the stage for potential supply impacts in natural rubber.

Vinod Nedumudy joins Pranav Rao to unpack:

• How shifting rainfall patterns are affecting rubber-producing regions

• Why El Niño typically leads to weaker latex yields over time

• The lagged impact of drought on rubber production cycles

• What rising temperatures and below-normal rainfall could mean for the rest of 2026

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Listen to the full conversation and access Vinod's Insight here: skr.ma/aWd8j

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

Recent growth at ASICS has been strong, but much of it has been driven by tourism rather than domestic demand.

Michael Causton joins Pranav Rao to unpack:

• Why tourist spending especially for Onitsuka Tiger has driven recent growth in Japan

• The structural challenges in ASICS' traditional wholesale model

• Risks from shifting tourism trends and geopolitical factors

Like what you heard? Share this episode and follow us for more Smart Calls.

Listen to the full conversation and access Michael's Insight here: skr.ma/ALnCU

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

The performance gap between SITC International Holdings and Orient Overseas International Limited continues to widen, reinforcing the pair trade thesis.

Osbert Tang joins Pranav Rao to unpack:

• Why SITC continues to outperform OOIL on profitability and returns

• How intra-Asia trade strength is supporting SITC's growth

• The impact of China–US trade softness on OOIL

• How oil prices and Middle East developments could shift the balance

Like what you heard? Share this episode and follow us for more Smart Calls.

Access Osbert's Insight here: skr.ma/I8n7M

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.