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In 2025, Asian ETF investments are experiencing a dramatic evolution driven by changing investor behaviors and accommodative reforms across the region. Asset managers report a surge from institutional clients—pension funds, insurers, sovereign wealth—who are now relying on ETFs as core strategic vehicles due to their liquidity, cost-efficiency, and intraday trading benefits. Notably, Asian equity ETFs pulled in US $33.3 billion  in April, surpassing inflows into both U.S. and European counterparts. Retail investors are also driving growth, embracing thematic ETFs focused on tech, semiconductors, ESG, AI, and digital infrastructure—particularly in markets like Taiwan and South Korea. Shift from Passive to Active A significant structural shift is underway: Asia’s ETF market is moving from passive index-tracking to active and thematic funds . According to BBH, 97% of global investors plan to increase active ETF allocations this year. Taiwan has even launched its first active ETF in May, signaling broader regional adoption . Regulatory Updates Fuel Integration Regulators are actively fostering ETF growth. China is considering granting Western market makers access to its $520 billion ETF market to enhance liquidity. Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan are broadening offerings to include active and multi-asset ETFs, while Singapore plans to revamp cross-border schemes with China. Asia-Pacific ETF Market Outlook According to Mordor Intelligence, Asia-Pacific ETFs currently manage USD 1.7 trillion, with projections reaching USD 2.36 trillion by 2030—growing at a CAGR of 6.8%. Key growth drivers include mobile-first trading platforms, retail adoption, cost-based savings reforms, and a maturing fixed-income ETF landscape. Investor Takeaways Diversification & yield : Investors are allocating more toward Asia as a way to hedge U.S. exposure and tap into value markets like Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia . Thematic focus : Tech, AI, semiconductors, and climate-themed ETFs are outpacing broad-market trackers. Regulatory tailwinds : Easier cross-border ETF access supports deeper and more liquid markets. _Daily Growth Insights

Wall Street’s major indices ended the day largely flat, reflecting cautious investor sentiment as the financial

The global economy in 2026 is defined by transition. Slower growth in mature economies, evolving trade relationships, and changing monetary policies are pushing attention toward emerging and strategically positioned markets . Investors, policymakers, and business leaders are closely watching countries that combine demographic strength, trade relevance, and currency stability—factors that may define economic performance in the years ahead. 1. India: Growth Anchored by Scale and Demand India remains one of the most closely watched economies in 2026. Strong domestic consumption, continued infrastructure investment, and its role as a global services and manufacturing hub position the country as a long-term growth engine. Trade diversification and a relatively resilient currency have helped India maintain investor confidence amid global volatility. Why it matters: Large internal demand reduces dependence on external shocks. 2. Vietnam: Manufacturing and Trade Momentum Vietnam continues to benefit from global supply chain realignment. As companies seek alternatives to concentrated manufacturing hubs, Vietnam’s export-driven economy, competitive labor force, and strategic trade agreements make it a standout. Currency management and export performance remain key factors to monitor in 2026. Why it matters: Vietnam sits at the center of Asia’s shifting trade flows. 3. Mexico: Nearshoring Advantage Mexico’s proximity to the United States has elevated its economic relevance. Nearshoring trends are driving foreign investment into manufacturing, logistics, and industrial infrastructure. The peso’s relative strength and strong trade integration make Mexico one of the most resilient emerging markets this year. Why it matters: Geography and trade ties are reshaping competitiveness. 4. Indonesia: Commodities and Domestic Stability Indonesia’s economic outlook in 2026 is supported by its commodities sector, expanding middle class, and strategic role in global supply chains—particularly in energy transition materials. While inflation and currency pressures remain considerations, Indonesia’s long-term fundamentals attract sustained interest. Why it matters: Resource security and population scale offer structural advantages. 5. Brazil: Balancing Reform and Volatility Brazil remains a market of opportunity and risk. Agricultural exports, energy resources, and regional leadership support growth potential, while fiscal discipline and currency stability remain under scrutiny. Policy clarity in 2026 will be a key driver of investor sentiment. Why it matters: Commodity cycles and reform progress influence global exposure. Trade Shifts Reshaping Economic Influence Trade patterns in 2026 are less about globalization and more about strategic alignment . Countries benefiting from: Regional trade agreements Nearshoring and friend-shoring Resource security and energy transition are gaining relevance in global markets. Currency Insights: A Key Watchpoint Currency performance is a major differentiator in 2026. Markets with prudent monetary policy, manageable debt, and stable capital flows are better positioned to weather volatility. Investors are increasingly selective, favoring countries with: Credible central banks Transparent fiscal policy Sustainable trade balances What This Means for Investors and Businesses? Economic leadership in 2026 is not limited to traditional powerhouses. Opportunity lies in understanding where growth aligns with policy, trade, and currency stability . Smart strategies focus on diversification, regional insight, and long-term fundamentals rather than short-term market noise. The countries to watch economically in 2026 are those navigating change with clarity and adaptability. As emerging markets evolve and trade patterns shift, understanding these dynamics will be essential for informed investment and strategic decision-making. In a world of uncertainty, economic insight becomes a competitive advantage . #EmergingMarket2026 _ Daily Growth Insights

In a striking sign of renewed investor confidence in Asia, Malaysia attracted record foreign inflows into its bond market—nearly $3.15 billion—in May 2025, the highest monthly total since 2014  . This surge stems from multiple factors: a weaker U.S. dollar, expectations of interest rate cuts, stable regional currencies, and more attractive yields compared to Western markets  . Across Asia, May marked the strongest month for bond inflows in nearly a decade, totaling $15.29 billion, with Malaysia capturing a significant portion of that investment  . Malaysia’s appeal to investors is further enhanced by Bank Negara Malaysia’s cautious approach to rate cuts, alongside the robust ringgit and favorable economic outlook  . Meanwhile, regional data reveals more than $34 billion injected into Asian debt markets in the first five months of 2025—the most since at least 2016  . While liquidity concerns remain in some emerging markets, low inflation and modest foreign ownership are helping to cushion volatility  . Malaysia’s market now sees non-resident holdings reach about 22% of total government bonds, reflecting growing long-term foreign investor confidence  . Analysts believe that this trend—spurred by potential U.S. rate cuts and favorable Asian economic fundamentals—could reshape global bond portfolios, diversifying investment away from U.S. Treasuries toward Asian fixed-income assets. _Daily Growth Insights

In a sobering assessment, WPP Media has revised its 2025 global advertising growth forecast downward—from 7.7% to 6%—citing trade instability and geopolitical tensions that are prompting advertisers to pull back on commitments  . This adjustment reflects wider industry caution as brands navigate rising tariffs and fragmented supply chains. Despite the slowdown, digital ad spend continues to flourish. WPP forecasts that digital ads will account for an impressive 73.2% of the projected $1.08 trillion global ad spend in 2025  . Even more striking, user-generated content (UGC) is expected to outpace professionally produced media, following trends across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram  . 📈 Why Growth Is Slowing Trade Climate Uncertainty: Ongoing U.S. trade actions and tariff risks are discouraging long-term ad investments  . Deglobalization Pressures: Fragmented markets are pushing clients toward shorter-term, flexible ad plans that can be adjusted quickly  . What’s Driving the Future? AI-Powered Ads: From generative copy and visuals to predictive targeting, AI tools are now central to ad creation. Brands like Meta aim to fully automate ad crafting by 2026  . UGC Ascends: Creator content is not just popular—it’s lucrative. In 2025, UGC ad revenue is forecast to eclipse traditional media, with creator revenues expected to reach $376 billion by 2030  . Print Decline & Search Growth: Print ad revenue is predicted to slide by 3.1%, while search continues to grow steadily at 7.3%  . What It Means for Advertisers Double Down on Digital: Brands should lean into high-performing channels like AI-driven display and creator partnerships. Agile Budgeting is Key: With trade-related volatility, flexible ad strategies and shorter contracts are essential  . Align with UGC Ecosystems: Collaborate with everyday creators, build community-driven content, and inject authenticity through real voices over polished ads. While the global ad growth may dip, the digital transformation of ads remains unstoppable. AI and UGC are no longer experimental—they’re foundational. In a world defined by fluctuating economics, brands that embrace automated creativity and creator-led storytelling stand to lead the next wave of global advertising. _Daily Growth Insights

Governments and financial institutions across Asia, Europe, and the Americas are establishing stronger Major financial firms like BlackRock , Fidelity , and JPMorgan  are incorporating blockchain-based products and decentralized finance (DeFi) tools. In essence, 2025 is not about cryptocurrency’s comeback — it’s about its graduation into global finance aligning, cryptocurrency 2025  stands as the year blockchain technology finally earns its place at the financial

The year 2025 marks a turning point in global relations. Nations are no longer aligned solely by geography or ideology — they’re bound by technology, resources, and strategic necessity. From Asia’s economic rise to Western political recalibrations, geopolitics in 2025  is a complex dance of competition and cooperation. As global crises — from climate change to digital warfare — blur traditional borders, new alliances are forming to meet the moment. The post-pandemic era has revealed not just vulnerabilities but also possibilities for new power structures that redefine what global leadership means. The Rise of Strategic Regionalism While globalization continues to connect economies, regional alliances are becoming increasingly influential. In Asia, frameworks like ASEAN Plus  and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)  are solidifying the region’s position as a global economic powerhouse. Meanwhile, in Europe, the EU’s renewed defense cooperation  under the Strategic Compass initiative is reshaping its security narrative in response to new global threats. Across Africa and the Middle East, nations are banding together to build economic resilience and energy independence — signaling a shift from dependency to empowerment. These regional coalitions represent a pragmatic adaptation: smaller, focused alliances that act faster and serve mutual interests beyond traditional ideological lines. The U.S.–China Rivalry: A Defining Force in Geopolitics 2025 No discussion of geopolitics 2025  is complete without addressing the evolving dynamic between the United States and China. What was once a trade dispute has expanded into a full-spectrum rivalry — encompassing technology, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and even global influence through media and culture. Both powers are investing heavily in global partnerships. China continues its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)  with renewed focus on digital infrastructure, while the U.S. strengthens alliances in the Indo-Pacific through partnerships like AUKUS  and the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) . Rather than a single “Cold War 2.0,” the world is witnessing a series of strategic recalibrations — where middle powers like India, South Korea, and Indonesia are emerging as crucial balancing forces. The Role of Technology and Energy Technology is now the new currency of power. Nations leading in AI, quantum computing, and clean energy innovation  are setting the tone for the next decade. Data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and green transitions have become as important as military strength. In 2025, the global energy map is being rewritten. As the world accelerates toward carbon neutrality, resource-rich nations — from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to Indonesia’s nickel-based green economy — are gaining strategic relevance. The race for energy security  and technological supremacy  defines the essence of modern geopolitics. The Human Element: Diplomacy in a Divided World Amid growing polarization, diplomacy remains a critical bridge. Countries are learning that influence now depends less on hard power and more on soft power  — culture, communication, and cooperation. From climate negotiations to humanitarian efforts, global leaders are realizing that collaboration, not isolation, ensures long-term security. New global players — think Singapore’s mediation diplomacy or the UAE’s innovation-driven outreach — are showing that agility can often outweigh size in modern geopolitics. Beyond Power: The Call for Shared Responsibility Geopolitics 2025  isn’t just about power plays — it’s about priorities. Nations are increasingly judged not only by their strength but by their stewardship. How they respond to crises like climate change, digital ethics, and social inequality will determine their legitimacy on the world stage. The post-pandemic world demands not just dominance, but responsibility — a willingness to cooperate, innovate, and protect shared humanity in an era of uncertainty. As we move deeper into 2025, one truth stands out: global power is no longer centralized. It’s distributed, dynamic, and deeply interconnected. The alliances shaping our world today are not fixed — they are fluid, evolving in response to global challenges that transcend borders. In this landscape, success belongs to the nations — and the leaders — who can balance ambition with empathy, strategy with sustainability, and influence with integrity. Because in the new world order of geopolitics 2025 , power isn’t just about control — it’s about connection. #Geopolitics2025 _ Daily Growth Insights

business finances can easily blur. In short, good finance management turns survival into scalability. 1. Separate Business and Personal Finances Mixing personal and business accounts is one of the most common SME finance mistakes. Seek Smart Financing Options When scaling, SMEs often need external funding.

It’s about awareness, intention, and giving your finances the same gentle attention you give your mental A Sunday money review is a short weekly check-in with your finances. Reviewing your finances on Sunday helps you: Close the financial chapter of the week Reduce money anxiety Many people find that this habit improves not just finances, but overall work-life balance. By giving your finances 30 intentional minutes each week, you replace anxiety with understanding and

than 300 million users , India’s digital payment ecosystem is a case study in scale, innovation, and financial Street vendors, local shops, and gig workers now widely accept UPI QR codes, fostering financial inclusion across Asia, Africa, and Latin America look to replicate this model, India’s experience highlights that financial

For generations, the UK Fish and Chip  shop has been more than just a place to eat—it’s been a cultural staple, a taste of comfort, and a symbol of community. But today, this long-standing tradition is in jeopardy. According to industry reports, nearly half of Britain’s fish and chip shops are at risk of closure in the coming years. The reasons are layered Rising energy costs have eaten into profits, with some small shops seeing bills increase by more than double since 2022. On top of that, the price of imported white fish, especially cod and haddock, has surged due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Even cooking oil, another essential, has faced price volatility linked to global shortages. Beyond costs, consumer behavior has shifted. Health-conscious eating trends and increased competition from fast-casual and delivery dining options have also contributed to declining sales. Industry leaders warn that without government intervention or relief on energy and import tariffs, the UK could lose a huge portion of its fish and chip heritage. Communities would not only lose local businesses but also part of their cultural fabric. For now, many shop owners are innovating—introducing new menu items, adopting sustainable fish sourcing, and using digital tools to attract younger customers. Whether these efforts will be enough to save Britain’s most iconic meal remains to be seen. #UKFishAndChip _ Daily Growth Insights

Bali, long known as a tropical paradise for travelers, is now facing a growing economic dilemma: the island is becoming too expensive —not only for tourists but also for the locals who live there. While luxury resorts and cafes keep booming, the minimum salary in Bali remains very low , creating a widening gap between wages and the cost of living. For locals, daily expenses such as housing, food, and transportation are rising much faster than their salaries. Many Balinese workers in tourism earn the equivalent of only a few hundred dollars per month, while prices in restaurants, beach clubs, and supermarkets keep climbing. This mismatch has left many residents struggling, forcing them into long working hours or side jobs just to get by. On the other side, tourists are starting to notice  the shift. What was once considered a budget-friendly destination now feels overpriced in certain areas , with food, entertainment, and transportation costs rivaling those of major cities. Some visitors have expressed frustration online, saying that Bali no longer feels like the affordable paradise it used to be. Critics argue that this rising cost of living is not a natural occurrence but a result of economic mismanagement . Many point out that the government’s focus on attracting high-spending tourists and luxury development has indirectly inflated prices, leaving locals and budget travelers behind. The key question now is: " What will the government do about it?"   Will Bali adjust its minimum wage to match the cost of living, or will regulations be put in place to control rapid price inflation? Without action, Bali risks damaging its reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination. As the situation unfolds, both locals and travelers are watching closely to see whether Bali can strike a balance between tourism growth and economic fairness. #BaliTooExpensive _ Daily Growth Insights