Grand Theft Alpha: Shane Obata’s Bet on Gaming Glory
Gaming, entertainment, and utilities: Shane Obata breaks down his top stock picks in a stabilizing global market.

In a global market that’s shown remarkable resilience and renewed optimism, Shane Obata of Middlefield Limited offers his latest insights and top stock selections. Obata, a portfolio manager known for his strategic focus on global large-cap equities, is bullish on three key names: Take-Two Interactive, Sony, and National Grid. His picks reflect a sharp eye for value, momentum, and transformative potential across gaming, entertainment, and utilities.
A Calmer Market Driven by Political Calculus
According to Obata, the market mood has shifted significantly. What was a volatile and uncertain landscape a few weeks ago has now become relatively stable. The reason? A recalibration of aggressive trade policies out of Washington. The Biden administration has subtly drawn a line in the sand, signaling it won’t allow markets to spiral into chaos.
We’ve seen a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs (excluding China), carve-outs for sensitive sectors like electronics and auto parts, and a retreat from threats aimed at Federal Reserve leadership. These moves have soothed investor nerves. Add to that the early signs of a diplomatic thaw with China, including an upcoming meeting in Switzerland between U.S. and Chinese trade officials, and there’s reason to believe we’ve passed the peak of policy-induced volatility.
Obata sees the White House now playing sentiment management—releasing symbolic but soothing announcements of trade agreements or MOUs with strategic partners like the U.K., India, Japan, and South Korea. Even if mostly ceremonial, these gestures help instill confidence, particularly in sectors sensitive to global trade dynamics.
