Cold War Disruptions, Fed Eyes Aussies, May's Struggle: Eco Day

(Bloomberg) -- Welcome to Monday, Asia. Here’s the latest news from Bloomberg Economics:

• The U.S. and China are on the brink of a new Cold War, with Hank Paulson warning of an “Economic Iron Curtain.” But even if they can resolve their strategic differences, it’s unlikely to bring immediate relief for firms
• Federal Reserve officials are looking to Australia’s record run of economic growth for hope that a U.S. recession may not be inevitable. Meantime, a debate is erupting in the Treasury market over inflation expectations as crude oil tumbles
• Theresa May is again battling to keep her Brexit plan alive. The main fight now is about whether guarantees the PM is offering to avoid checks at the border with Ireland will bind the U.K. to the EU’s rules indefinitely
• The docket in the coming week will provide an important glimpse into the tone of economic activity, inflation and even fedspeak through the end of the year, argues Carl Riccadonna. Former Fed No. 2 Stanley Fischer, who served on the front line of efforts to coax the economy back to post-recession health, says while growth is back, he isn’t declaring victory
• French President Emmanuel Macron said that the euro is not “a clear alternative” to the dollar thanks to the U.S. currency’s international “strengths.” Meantime, dollar bears may want to hibernate this winter
• The European Central Bank will only start increasing interest rates right at the tail end of 2019, UBS Group AG now says. Separately, Argentina’s central bank president Guido Sandleris met with ECB chief Mario Draghi to discuss his country’s new monetary plan
• Remember 2009? Here’s a look back at Singles’ Day and how the shopathon has grown

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