Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, total revenues were $62.9 million, a 12% decrease from Q1 2025, primarily due to tenant defaults [18] - Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) for Q2 was $48.4 million or $1.71 per share, also a 12% decrease compared to Q1 2025 [18] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $2.6 billion in primarily unencumbered gross assets and a low debt to gross assets ratio of 11% [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on optimizing occupancy across its cannabis portfolio while facing challenges from tenant defaults [7][8] - The investment in IQHQ, a life science REIT, is expected to be highly accretive to AFFO with a blended yield exceeding 14% [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cannabis industry is forecasted to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 7% from 2024 to 2029, reaching $44 billion by 2029 [7] - The life science fundraising in 2025 is on track to be the highest since 2021, indicating strong investor confidence in the sector [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is diversifying its portfolio by investing in the life science sector through IQHQ, while continuing to evaluate opportunities in the cannabis industry [4][5] - The management team emphasizes the importance of maintaining a conservative financial profile and pursuing high-quality investments with attractive risk-adjusted returns [19][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the persistent macroeconomic uncertainty and regulatory challenges in the cannabis industry but remains optimistic about long-term growth [7][12] - The company is actively pursuing legal remedies to enhance the performance of its real estate portfolio amid tenant defaults [8][10] Other Important Information - The company has closed on a $7.8 million acquisition in Maryland and completed two dispositions totaling $10.8 million in Michigan and California [15] - The company repurchased 367,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $53.98 per share for a total cost of $19.8 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the real estate investment case specifically for IQHQ? - Management clarified that the investment is in an operating company within the life science sector, not directly in real estate, and highlighted the potential recovery in the life science industry [22][23] Question: What attracted you to IQHQ specifically? - The management noted that IQHQ's portfolio is well-positioned to capitalize on AI demand and the future growth of the life science industry [27][28] Question: How does the investment in IQHQ compare to share buybacks? - Management stated that the investment is expected to provide a higher return than the current dividend yield, emphasizing the importance of overall cost of capital [33][34] Question: How does the decision to diversify capital away from cannabis relate to dividends? - Management indicated that the investment in IQHQ was strategically evaluated to provide current income and yield while addressing underlying issues in the cannabis sector [41][44] Question: What is the current cash yield on the revolver investment? - The current cash yield on the investment is stated to be north of 10% [64]

Group 1 - Taiwanese investors are reassessing their long-standing preference for US dollar assets and shifting focus towards European investments, with total assets in European funds reaching NT$13.7 billion (approximately US$463 million), the highest level since 2019 [1] - In the first half of 2025, Taiwanese investors are projected to invest NT$14.1 billion in overseas funds focused on Europe, marking the largest semi-annual investment scale since 2021 [1] Group 2 - The total assets of US-focused local funds in Taiwan decreased by NT$538 billion in the first half of 2025, the largest semi-annual decline since records began in 2003 [3] - The assets held by Taiwanese investors in US-focused overseas funds also dropped by NT$121.6 billion, representing the largest decline since records began in 2006 [3] - As of the end of May, Taiwan held US$292.9 billion in US Treasury bonds, a decrease of US$5.9 billion from April, marking the largest single-month decline since September 2022 [3] Group 3 - The shift in investment strategy among Taiwanese high-net-worth institutional investors reflects a broader trend among Asian export economies seeking to diversify away from US markets, driven by factors such as trade wars and increasing political polarization in the US [3] - Morgan Stanley's market strategist Agnes Lin noted that institutional investors are rapidly reallocating their assets, indicating a long-term diversification strategy [3] Group 4 - Over 90% of the NT$22 trillion in overseas investments by Taiwanese life insurance companies are in US dollar assets, exposing them to significant currency risk [4] - The New Taiwan Dollar has appreciated over 11% against the US dollar this year, leading to exchange losses exceeding NT$145 billion for local insurance companies [4] - Discussions are emerging in Taiwan regarding the need for broader asset diversification due to the volatility of the New Taiwan Dollar, with affluent families increasingly inquiring about diversifying into other currencies, particularly the euro [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Bond Connect has significantly enhanced the international appeal and influence of China's bond market, with over 80 of the world's top 100 asset management firms now investing in it, reflecting a strong demand for connectivity between global and onshore markets [1][3]. Group 1: Bond Connect Overview - The Bond Connect, launched in 2017, serves as a crucial mechanism for connecting the bond markets of Hong Kong and mainland China, facilitating trading for both domestic and international investors [3]. - As of May 2025, the onshore bond market has attracted 1,169 international investors from over 70 countries and regions, with foreign institutions holding onshore bonds worth 4.35 trillion yuan, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 12% over the past five years [3][4]. Group 2: Increasing Attractiveness for Foreign Investment - The bond market's appeal is rising amid a complex international landscape, with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission emphasizing the importance of developing the RMB fixed income market [6][7]. - Factors contributing to the attractiveness of Chinese bonds include the market's size (second largest globally), low government debt-to-GDP ratio, low correlation with major global markets, and favorable risk-adjusted returns [7]. Group 3: Recent Optimizations and Measures - On July 8, new measures were announced to optimize and expand the Bond Connect, including broadening the scope of participants in the southbound channel to include non-bank institutions such as brokerages and funds [9][13]. - The People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority introduced enhancements to the offshore RMB bond repurchase mechanism, allowing for greater liquidity management and operational convenience [14]. Group 4: Future Growth Potential - Despite the current low proportion of international investors in the Chinese bond market (approximately 3%), there is significant growth potential as global investors seek diversified asset allocations [10][12]. - The Bond Connect is expected to facilitate easier access for global investors to capitalize on China's growth opportunities, with ongoing developments in derivative products to enhance risk management [10][11].

Core Insights - The Bond Connect has significantly enhanced the connectivity between the Hong Kong and mainland China bond markets since its launch in 2017, with ongoing improvements leading to increased international participation [1][2] - As of May 2025, over 70 countries and regions have engaged with the Chinese interbank bond market, with foreign institutions holding approximately 4.35 trillion yuan in onshore bonds, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of about 12% over the past five years [2] - The recent measures announced by the People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority aim to optimize and expand the Bond Connect, enhancing liquidity and competitiveness in the offshore RMB business [7][8] Group 1: Bond Connect Development - The Bond Connect has become the preferred channel for international investors to access the mainland interbank bond market, indicating a strong demand for deeper connectivity between global and onshore markets [2] - The total number of international investors participating in the Chinese interbank bond market has reached 1,169, with significant trading volumes recorded [2] - The Northbound Swap Connect has attracted 82 foreign institutions, with a total nominal principal amount of approximately 6.9 trillion yuan, showcasing substantial growth in trading activity [2] Group 2: Attractiveness of Chinese Bonds - The Chinese bond market is now the second largest globally, characterized by ample depth and liquidity, making it increasingly important in global asset allocation [4] - China's government debt-to-GDP ratio is relatively low compared to major developed economies, enhancing the appeal of its bonds [4] - The annualized volatility of onshore RMB bonds is approximately 1.3%, significantly lower than that of other developed markets, making them attractive for risk-adjusted returns [4] Group 3: Future Growth Potential - Over 30% of central banks surveyed plan to increase their holdings of RMB assets in the next five years, indicating a growing interest in Chinese bonds [5] - The expansion of the Southbound Connect is expected to facilitate greater overseas asset allocation by domestic investors, further driving growth in the bond market [5] - The current international investor participation in the Chinese bond market is only about 3%, suggesting significant room for growth as global investors seek diversification [8]

Group 1 - The U.S. stock market has rebounded strongly from tariff turmoil, with the S&P 500 index soaring 10% in Q2, significantly outperforming the European Stoxx 600 index, which rose less than 2% [1] - Despite a 7% increase in the Stoxx 600 index year-to-date, concerns are growing about the sustainability of Germany's trillion-euro defense and infrastructure plans, which are critical for European market performance [1] - U.S. economic data remains robust, with strong employment figures and stable unemployment rates, contrasting with declining business confidence in the EU and eurozone [1] Group 2 - Retail investors continue to buy on dips, while companies are engaging in record-scale stock buybacks, providing dual support for the U.S. stock market [3] - Tech stocks are leading the market rally, with companies like Nvidia reaching historical highs and Palantir's stock surging 50% in Q2, indicating ongoing investor interest in technology and crypto assets [4] - Despite the narrowing performance gap in Q2, the dollar remains 13% lower against the euro, and U.S. bonds are under pressure due to debt issues, leading analysts to caution about high valuations in the U.S. stock market [5]

Group 1 - The European Central Bank (ECB) report indicates that gold has surpassed the euro to become the world's second-largest reserve asset, highlighting a trend of diversification in central bank assets [1][2] - As of the end of 2024, gold is projected to account for 20% of global official reserves, compared to the euro's 16%, driven by central bank purchases and record gold prices [2] - In 2024, central banks are expected to purchase over 1,000 tons of gold for the third consecutive year, with demand significantly influenced by geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility [2][3] Group 2 - The report reveals that approximately two-thirds of central banks invest in gold for asset diversification, while about 40% do so to hedge against geopolitical risks [3] - Countries affected by Western sanctions have seen a notable increase in gold's share of their official reserves, with these economies contributing to 50% of the largest annual growth in gold holdings since 1999 [3] - Several African nations are actively seeking to reduce reliance on the dollar by increasing gold purchases, with Tanzania investing $400 million in 6 tons of gold to stabilize its currency [3] Group 3 - The dollar's share of global foreign exchange reserves has declined by 2 percentage points in 2024, despite a slight increase in the euro's share, with the dollar now holding 46% of the market [4] - Over the past decade, the dollar's market share has decreased by 10 percentage points, indicating a sustained trend of de-dollarization [4] Group 4 - The ECB notes that since April, there are signs that euro assets may benefit from the declining confidence in the dollar, as U.S. Treasury yields rise while the dollar depreciates against the euro [9] - The instability of U.S. economic policy has led to accelerated sales of dollar assets, providing an opportunity for the euro, contingent on further integration steps within the Eurozone [9]

Group 1 - The European Central Bank (ECB) reports that gold has surpassed the euro to become the second-largest official reserve asset globally, accounting for approximately 20% of total official reserves by the end of 2024, compared to the euro's 16% [1] - The increase in gold's share is driven by significant gold purchases by central banks and record-high gold prices, with central banks buying over 1,000 tons of gold for the third consecutive year in 2024, which is double the average level of the 2010s [3][4] - Gold prices have surged nearly 62% since the beginning of 2024, reaching a historical high of over $3,500 per ounce in mid-April, surpassing the peak during the 1979 oil crisis when adjusted for inflation [3] Group 2 - Approximately two-thirds of central bank gold purchases are for asset diversification, while about 40% are to hedge against geopolitical risks, with demand for gold rising sharply since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 [3] - The total amount of gold held by global central banks is projected to be around 36,000 tons by the end of 2024, nearing the historical high of 38,000 tons set in 1965 [4] - Despite the increase in gold holdings, the US dollar remains the dominant global reserve asset, accounting for 46% of total reserves in 2024, while the euro's share in global foreign exchange reserves remains stable at 20% [3][5] Group 3 - The ECB notes a break in the historical correlation where gold becomes cheaper when the real yields of other assets rise, as investors increasingly view gold as a tool for hedging political risks rather than inflation [5] - The euro's international role remains stable, with a significant increase in euro-denominated bond and loan issuance, growing over 40% to approximately $900 billion, with bonds making up two-thirds of this issuance [5]

Group 1 - The article discusses the growing belief in Bitcoin as a form of faith among its advocates, questioning their true motivations and the potential for market manipulation [1] - The total U.S. national debt has surpassed $34 trillion, with China significantly reducing its holdings of U.S. Treasury bonds to $816 billion, the lowest in 14 years, indicating a potential shift in the financial landscape [3] - U.S. politicians and financial influencers are promoting decentralization and cryptocurrency, but major financial figures like Ray Dalio, Jamie Dimon, and Warren Buffett are not supporting these views, suggesting a divide in the financial community [4][6] Group 2 - The article highlights the risk of ordinary investors being used as scapegoats in a potential market crash, as large holders of Bitcoin (whales) control the market and may sell off their assets, leading to a significant price drop [6][10] - Data shows that over 74% of Bitcoin is held in less than 2.5% of addresses, indicating a concentration of wealth and power among a small group, which undermines the notion of transparency and freedom in the cryptocurrency market [10] - There is a growing trend of cryptocurrency marketing targeting developing countries, which raises concerns about exploitation and manipulation rather than genuine financial empowerment [12][14]

美国国际贸易法院。视觉中国 资料图 5月28日，美国国际贸易法院裁定禁止执行特朗普政府多个关税行政令。彭博社称，这项裁决是特朗普政府本届任期内遭遇的最大司法挫折之一。 特朗普政府在裁决发布几分钟后就提起了上诉。一天后，联邦巡回上诉法院批准了特朗普政府的请求，暂时中止国际贸易法院禁止执行美政府多个 关税行政令的裁决。 在这两天的迅速反转之间，金融市场曾短暂提振，但美元依旧低迷，政策博弈加剧市场动荡，市场异动频现，预示金融格局深刻调整。 关税乱象 4月2日，特朗普在其所谓的"解放日"大幅加征关税，覆盖面广泛，包括钢铁、铝制品、电子产品及农产品等，旨在保护美国本土产业并减少贸易逆 差。然而，该政策迅速引发全球市场剧烈震荡，股市暴跌，美元汇率波动剧烈，全球供应链受到重创。多个国家对此表示强烈不满，指责美国单边 主义破坏全球贸易秩序。中国、欧盟、加拿大等主要经济体纷纷发表声明，批评关税政策违背世贸组织（WTO）规则。部分国家，如英国、日 本、墨西哥和印度，为避免进一步经济损失，迫于压力与美国展开紧急贸易谈判，寻求豁免或妥协方案。 与此同时，美国国内反应两极分化。美国制造业和农业部分利益集团表示支持，认为关税将刺激本土生 ...

Core Insights - Investors are increasingly alert to fiscal deficits, leading to a surge in long-term government bond yields globally [1] - Concerns over government financing needs exceeding investor demand are driving the upward trend in bond yields [1] - The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield has risen significantly, influenced by Moody's downgrade of the U.S. sovereign credit rating [1][4] Group 1: U.S. Market Dynamics - The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield increased over 12 basis points to 5.089%, marking a new high since October 2023 [4] - The U.S. Congress is reviewing budget legislation that includes spending cuts and tax increases, focusing on the federal government's substantial deficit [1] - The market is reassessing tolerance for fiscal easing across countries, with the bond market now dictating the pace [1][4] Group 2: Global Bond Market Trends - Japan's bond market is experiencing a "market uprising," with the worst performance in 20 years for a recent bond auction [7] - Japan faces dual pressures of economic contraction and high debt levels, shifting the focus of debt crisis concerns from the U.S. to Japan [7] - The U.K. is still recovering from the turmoil caused by the "mini-budget" proposed by former Prime Minister Truss, which led to increased risk premiums [9] Group 3: Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to consider the exchange rate risks when diversifying globally, with suggestions to use actively managed bond funds [10] - The Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF includes some overseas bond assets, while the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF offers passive exposure to hedged investment-grade bonds [10] - Year-to-date returns show the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF at 0.4%, compared to 1.2% for its U.S. counterpart [10]