Core Insights - The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly reshape global trade, with projections indicating that AI could drive global service trade growth by nearly 40% and global GDP growth by 12% to 13% by 2040 [1][12]. Group 1: AI and Trade Growth - AI-related goods trade reached $2.9 trillion in 2022 but slightly decreased to $2.3 trillion in 2023, with a notable increase in imports driven by intermediate goods such as computer components [2]. - The trade growth of AI-related goods was robust in the first half of 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 20%, despite AI goods accounting for less than 10% of total global goods trade [2][3]. - The majority of AI-related trade growth is concentrated in Asia, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total growth in AI-related trade in the first half of 2025 [3]. Group 2: Cost Reduction and Efficiency - AI is recognized as a crucial catalyst for trade-driven growth, optimizing supply chains, automating customs clearance, and reducing language barriers, thereby lowering trade costs [11]. - A joint survey by WTO and ICC revealed that 70% of businesses expect AI to reduce trade costs, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being more optimistic than larger firms [11]. - In logistics, compliance, and communication, a significant percentage of SMEs anticipate substantial cost reductions due to AI, with 44% expecting at least a 25% reduction in logistics costs [11]. Group 3: Trade Policy and Digital Divide - The report highlights an increase in non-tariff measures, particularly quantity restrictions on AI-related goods, which are projected to reach nearly 500 by 2024 [15]. - There is a notable digital divide, with low-income economies lagging in internet access and AI application, as over 26 billion people globally remain unconnected, primarily in developing regions [15][16]. - To bridge the digital divide, international cooperation is deemed essential, with WTO planning to expand the scope of the Information Technology Agreement and promote data rule coordination [16].

Market Overview - The Shanghai Composite Index experienced a slight increase of 0.01% at the close, after reaching a peak of 1.3% during the day, while the Shenzhen Component Index rose by 0.61% and the ChiNext Index increased by 0.80% [1] - The total trading volume in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets exceeded 1.7 trillion yuan, an increase of over 200 billion yuan compared to the previous day [1] Sector Performance - The rare earth and fintech sectors showed strong performance, with several rare earth ETFs leading the gains [1][2] - The top-performing ETFs included the Yifangda Rare Earth ETF (159715) with a rise of 6.31%, and the Jiashi Rare Earth ETF (516150) with a rise of 6.26% [1] Rare Earth Pricing - Major domestic rare earth companies, Northern Rare Earth and Baotou Steel, announced a price increase for rare earth concentrates to 19,109 yuan per ton, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous quarter and a cumulative increase of 13.8% since Q2 2024 [2] Fintech Sector Insights - The fintech sector is gaining attention due to the ongoing interest in stablecoin ecosystems, with companies disclosing business progress through investor relations activities [2] - The development of stablecoin ecosystems is supported by the software industry, which is expected to bring business growth to related listed companies [2] Banking Sector Performance - The banking sector faced a pullback, with several bank ETFs showing declines, including the Bank ETF (512800) which fell by 1.99% [3] - Analysts suggest that "stable return" assets, characterized by low volatility and consistent earnings, are becoming increasingly attractive in the current market environment [3][4] ETF Trading Activity - The Hong Kong Securities ETF (513090) led in trading volume with 38.204 billion yuan, followed by other ETFs exceeding 10 billion yuan in trading volume [5] - The Hong Kong Securities ETF also had the highest turnover rate at 334.06%, indicating strong market interest [6][7] Upcoming ETF Launches - Four new ETFs are set to launch on July 14, 2025, including the Cloud Computing ETF and various innovative drug ETFs, which will track indices related to cloud computing and innovative pharmaceuticals [7][8][9][10][11]