Geoeconomic Trends - Geoeconomics are increasingly influencing business leaders and investors, leading to a reality check on managing uncertainty while focusing on long-term trends [1] - Despite geopolitical noise, markets and businesses are progressing, with the global economy expected to grow at around 2.9% entering 2026 [2][3] Capital Flows and Regional Focus - There is a noticeable shift in capital flows towards Asia, particularly China, India, Japan, and Korea, driven by technological advancements and resilient economies [5][6] - The incremental investment decisions are increasingly favoring Asia without a significant rotation out of the United States [7] Market Performance in North Asia - Korea's market has reached historic highs, with the Kospi index surpassing 5,000, benefiting from geopolitical tailwinds and advancements in technology, especially in the semiconductor sector [8][9] - Taiwan is experiencing renewed confidence in its technology sector, while Japan is focusing on corporate governance reforms to enhance market activity [10][11] Economic Growth Projections - China’s GDP growth is projected at 4.8%, supported by a strong export model and record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion [16][18] - The sluggishness in the property sector remains a drag on growth but is diminishing over time, with expectations of reduced impact in the coming years [19][20] Hong Kong Market Activity - Hong Kong has seen a significant increase in IPO activity, raising $37 billion last year, with over 300 companies in the pipeline for this year [23][24] - The market is currently able to digest new capital, supported by strong aftermarket performance of IPOs and substantial liquidity from the South Connect [25][26] M&A Outlook - The M&A landscape is expected to be constructive in 2026, driven by financing for mega deals, interest in AI, and favorable credit conditions [27][28] - Corporate activity is a key driver of M&A, with expectations of increased participation from sponsors in the near future [30][31]

Economic Growth and Geoeconomics - India's economic strength is increasingly recognized, with its economy growing from $1.5 trillion to nearly $4 trillion in recent years, showcasing a strong growth narrative [2][12] - Geoeconomics is fundamentally linked to economic power, with trade negotiations and supply chains influenced by a country's production capabilities and competitiveness, exemplified by China's manufacturing and the US's $30 trillion consumption-led economy [1][12] Infrastructure Development - Significant investments in infrastructure over the past decade, including the construction of approximately 50,000 km of national highways, have structurally reduced logistics costs and improved productivity [3][12] - The integration of physical infrastructure with a digital backbone, including cloud, data, and 5G technologies, is enhancing India's growth potential, contributing to its status as the fastest-growing major economy [4][12] Financial Sector Dynamics - The banking system's net worth has increased to ₹29–30 lakh crore, with system-wide loans expanding to about ₹180 lakh crore, reflecting a 2.8 times growth over the last decade despite various economic disruptions [6][12] - Deposits have reached around ₹240 lakh crore, growing at approximately 10% annually, while mutual fund assets have surged from ₹11 lakh crore to ₹66 lakh crore over the past decade [7][12] - Alternative investment funds (AIFs) and portfolio management services (PMS) assets have increased tenfold to ₹23 lakh crore, indicating robust capital formation driven by nominal GDP growth and systemic liquidity [7][12] Capital Formation and Market Infrastructure - India is experiencing a unique combination of low inflation and high growth, creating an optimal environment for capital formation, with significant equity capital raised by IDFC First Bank in recent years [8][12] - The importance of India's market infrastructure, including faster settlement cycles and improved credit systems, is critical for sustained growth and attracting global investor confidence [9][12] Digital Financial Ecosystem - The digital financial ecosystem in India, which includes digital identity, fraud monitoring, and algorithm-driven credit evaluation, is transforming financial inclusion, particularly in small business lending and rural credit [10][12] - The bank is now disbursing over one million loans monthly, showcasing the effectiveness of the digital financial infrastructure in reaching underserved markets [10][12] Summary of Economic Position - India's macroeconomic stability, depth of capital, and advancements in infrastructure and digital systems have significantly altered its growth trajectory, positioning the country favorably in geoeconomics and geopolitics [12]