This week’s links include the announcement of a US$1mn prize for deciphering the Harappan script, a transcript of BoJ deputy governor Ryozo Himono’s recent speech on Japan’s economic and monetary policy, Palliser Capital’s objections to the proposed takeover of Great Eastern by OCBC, Nathan Anderson’s letter announcing the disbanding of Hindenburg Research, a recent research paper on how swings in building permits can help predict financial downturns, a podcast interview with Swen Lorenz, founder of Sarnia Asset Management, and Nintendo (finally!) announces the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2.

• BBC: A million-dollar challenge to crack the script of early Indians.
• Ryozo Himono: A recent speech by the BoJ deputy governor on Japan’s economic and monetary policy (this is an excellent read for those less familiar with the economic history of Japan).
• FT: British activist investor seeks to disrupt Singapore’s Great Eastern takeover.
• Hindenburg Research: A personal note from our founder.
• Yale SOM: Swings in building permits can help predict financial downturns‌.
• The Value Perspective: Conversation with Swen Lorenz.
• Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 to be released in 2025.