Core Viewpoint - The chief economist of KPMG, Diane Swonk, asserts that the Federal Reserve will not lower interest rates before the end of the year [1] Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's current stance indicates a continuation of interest rates, reflecting a cautious approach to economic conditions [1] - Swonk emphasizes that the decision to maintain rates is influenced by ongoing inflationary pressures and labor market dynamics [1] - The outlook suggests that any potential rate cuts are unlikely until there is a significant change in economic indicators [1]

Core Insights - The attractiveness of the United States as an investment destination for UK companies has significantly declined, with only +2% of CFOs considering it appealing, down from +59% at the end of 2024 [1] - UK executives are increasingly interested in domestic and nearby markets, with the net attractiveness of investing in the UK rising from -12% to +13%, making it equally attractive as India [1] Summary by Category Investment Sentiment - The survey indicates a drastic drop in the perception of the US as an investment location among UK CFOs, highlighting a shift in focus towards local opportunities [1] - The net attractiveness for investing in the UK has improved, suggesting a growing confidence in the domestic market [1] Comparative Analysis - The attractiveness of the UK market has now reached a level comparable to that of India, indicating a competitive landscape for investment opportunities [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that the A-share market in China is expected to see a 14% year-on-year increase in both the number of new stocks and total financing in the first half of 2025, with Hong Kong leading globally in new stock financing [1] - As of June 30, 2025, the A-share market is projected to have 50 new stocks listed, raising a total of 37.1 billion RMB, which is a 14% increase compared to the first half of 2024 [1] - The report highlights that 19 new stocks will be listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, raising 20.2 billion RMB, while the Shenzhen Stock Exchange will see 26 new stocks raising 15 billion RMB, and the Beijing Stock Exchange will have 5 new stocks raising 1.9 billion RMB [1] Group 2 - Hong Kong is expected to conclude the first half of 2025 with 40 new stocks and a total financing of 1,021 million HKD, marking a 33% increase in the number of new listings and a significant 673% increase in total financing compared to the same period last year [1] - The report anticipates that the Hong Kong new stock market will have 80 new stocks listed in 2025, raising a total of 2 billion HKD, with most listings expected to come from the technology, media, telecommunications, and consumer sectors [2] - Factors driving the Hong Kong new stock market include encouragement for leading mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong, simplification of the listing application process for A-share companies, and better market liquidity and valuation [2]

Group 1: Urbanization and Economic Development - The new urbanization target is set to approach 70% over the next five years[12] - Key actions include promoting the urbanization of agricultural transfer populations and enhancing urban renewal and resilience[12] - Emphasis on developing characteristic industrial clusters and optimizing regional layouts to invigorate potential areas[13] Group 2: State-Owned Enterprise Reform - Four key tasks for deepening state-owned enterprise reform include optimizing the layout of state-owned economy and enhancing management supervision mechanisms[14] - The introduction of Economic Value Added (EVA) accounting will guide state-owned enterprises to focus investments on strategic areas[15] - A new assessment system will be established to align performance indicators with core responsibilities and business objectives[15] Group 3: Green Transformation - A comprehensive green transformation strategy is being deployed, focusing on building a green industrial ecosystem and fulfilling corporate social responsibilities[24] - Increased investment in green technology and sustainable development projects is prioritized, along with international cooperation in green projects[25] Group 4: Market Value Management - The shift from "operating cash ratio" to "operating revenue collection rate" aims to provide a more accurate reflection of income quality[65] - A toolbox for market value management includes mergers and acquisitions, market reforms, and investor relations management[66] - Long-term strategies for market value management will be emphasized, particularly for companies with persistent undervaluation[67]

Core Insights - The report by KPMG indicates that respondents in China exhibit significantly higher trust and acceptance levels towards artificial intelligence compared to the global average [1] - Key areas for AI empowerment in China for the year include smart connected vehicles, AI smartphones and computers, and intelligent robots [1] - The survey reveals that 80% of global respondents have experienced the benefits of AI technology, such as automation of daily tasks and optimized operational costs [1] Group 1 - The public's demand for the credibility of AI systems is a prerequisite for technological transformation, emphasizing the need for trust in AI's sustainable development [1] - KPMG's unique "Trustworthy AI" assessment framework aims to convert abstract trust values into quantifiable and verifiable governance standards [1] - Emerging economies show higher adoption rates of AI in work and life, with greater trust and optimism regarding AI's future compared to developed economies [1] Group 2 - In emerging economies, self-assessed AI literacy (64%) and training coverage (50%) surpass those in developed economies (46% and 32% respectively) [2] - The perceived actual benefits of AI are more pronounced in emerging economies (82%) compared to developed economies (65%) [2] - KPMG emphasizes that AI's influence will permeate all sectors, enhancing collaboration across industries while prioritizing human-centric approaches and ethical safeguards [2]

Group 1 - The report by KPMG indicates that 83% of respondents recognize the broad benefits of AI, yet 58% still find it unreliable, highlighting a gap between AI adoption and trust [1][2] - In China, the usage rate of AI tools in the workplace is as high as 93%, significantly above the global average of 58%, demonstrating a leading advantage in AI application [1][2] - The study, conducted across 47 countries with 48,000 respondents, shows a notable increase in AI adoption since the release of ChatGPT, but a decline in public trust and rising concerns about AI risks [1][4] Group 2 - Over 50% of employees globally actively use AI tools, with 31% using them daily or weekly, while in China, 50% of users have normalized AI application [2][4] - KPMG's Asia-Pacific and China Chairman emphasizes that AI usage is becoming as essential as water and electricity, reflecting a strong foundation for AI development in China [2][5] - The report reveals that 48% of global companies have witnessed revenue growth due to AI, but nearly half of employees engage in improper AI usage, raising governance challenges [2][3] Group 3 - The report suggests that while AI enhances workplace efficiency, it also leads to blind reliance and lack of transparency, necessitating a governance framework that includes regulations, skill training, and a culture of transparency [3][4] - Emerging economies show a higher adoption rate of AI compared to developed economies, with 64% of respondents in emerging markets reporting AI literacy and training, surpassing the 46% and 32% in developed markets [4][5] - Trust in AI systems is higher in emerging economies, with nearly 60% of the population trusting AI, compared to about 40% in developed economies, indicating a more optimistic outlook on AI's future [5]

Group 1 - The survey indicates that UK employers are cautious about hiring intentions for the next three months due to recent tax increases and global economic uncertainty [1] - The CIPD reported a decline in the employment market expectation index from +13 to +8, reaching a historical low outside of the pandemic period [1] - Large private enterprises showed particularly poor performance this quarter, contributing to the overall decline in the index [1] Group 2 - KPMG's CEO noted that despite a slight recovery in recruitment activities, it does not indicate a market turnaround due to ongoing pressures such as rising costs and global economic uncertainty [2] - The Bank of England expressed concerns about the cooling labor market and the potential for strong wage growth to lead to sustained inflationary pressures [2]

Group 1: Economic Growth Factors - Asia's economic growth in 2017 exceeded expectations due to simultaneous increases in domestic demand and exports[12] - Major economies like China and India have successfully addressed significant issues, enhancing their growth prospects[13] - Infrastructure spending remains crucial for short-term economic activity and long-term productivity growth in the region[14] Group 2: Domestic Conditions - Many Asian economies are experiencing a rebound in domestic demand, particularly in India, the Philippines, and Thailand[14] - Internal trade is a primary driver of export growth, with over 50% of exports from Asian countries sold within the region[14] - Inflation stability allows for continued monetary policy support for economic recovery[14] Group 3: Infrastructure Initiatives - The "Belt and Road" initiative is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade links between Asia and Europe, with an investment total of $900 billion[79] - Governments across Asia are committing substantial funds to infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation[27] - India's government has launched a ₹7 trillion infrastructure project aimed at constructing over 80,000 kilometers of roads by March 2022[27] Group 4: Global Demand Recovery - Global economic growth is projected to rise from 3.2% in 2016 to 3.6% in 2017 and 3.7% in 2018, benefiting Asia's trade-driven economies[34] - Over 75% of the global economy is currently in recovery, supporting increased economic activity in the Asia-Pacific region[34] - The World Trade Organization reports a 5.1% increase in global trade volume in September 2017, indicating a robust recovery in exports[51]