Economic Trends - The domestic economy is expected to show six major trends in the second half of 2025 under the backdrop of "stability and improvement" [1] Demographic Changes - A significant decline in the number of newborns is anticipated to continue, driven by young people's financial pressures, such as rising housing costs and high childcare expenses. This will pose unprecedented challenges for industries related to maternity, childcare, and early education [3] - The long-term implications include a shortage of young labor supply, diminishing demographic dividends, and increased pressure on the social security system as the aging population grows [3] Financial Market Dynamics - With declining interest rates, there will be a rapid increase in demand for wealth management products. Deposit rates are falling, with three-year rates dropping below 2% and one-year rates nearing 1.5%. This trend is expected to continue, leading to a significant influx of savings into the stock market, funds, and bank wealth management products [4] - However, in a deflationary environment, the pursuit of high returns often comes with high risks, necessitating caution among investors [4] Rural Development - A trend of returning to hometowns for development is emerging, driven by high urban living costs and decreasing job opportunities. The government's "rural revitalization" strategy provides a platform for returnees to engage in various entrepreneurial activities, such as e-commerce, farming, and rural tourism [6] Real Estate Market - The real estate market is expected to show more pronounced differentiation, with varying price trends across regions. Cities that have experienced significant price declines, such as second and third-tier cities, will have limited downward potential. In contrast, first-tier cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen may face inevitable price corrections due to high housing price-to-income ratios [7] Employment Challenges - Middle-aged individuals are facing increasing employment difficulties due to a sluggish real economy and shrinking recruitment demand. Age discrimination in hiring is becoming more prevalent, with many companies preferring to hire individuals under 35, making it challenging for those over 40 to find jobs [7] - As a result, more middle-aged unemployed individuals may turn to flexible employment options, such as temporary work or self-employment [7] Impact of Artificial Intelligence - The rapid penetration of artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting job markets across various industries. Companies are increasingly adopting AI technologies to replace human roles, such as customer service and delivery, leading to significant impacts on traditional employment [9]