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A significant majority of sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East are poised to increase their investments in Chinese assets over the coming five years, according to the latest findings from Invesco’s Global Sovereign Asset Management Study. This shift places China at the forefront of strategic allocation decisions, reflecting growing confidence in its innovation-led sectors.

The study, conducted between January and March and covering funds and central banks managing a combined US$27 trillion, reveals that around 60% of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are planning to boost exposure to China. This places the region only behind Asia‑Pacific and Africa, where 88% and 80% of funds respectively intend to raise allocations. North American counterparts also show strong interest, with approximately 73% signalling intent to increase investment in China.

Funds across regions cited strong returns—identified by 71% of respondents—as a key motivator, alongside diversification goals cited by 63% and improved market access for foreigners mentioned by 45%. Chinese innovation sectors, including digital technology, software, advanced manufacturing, automation, and clean energy, are particularly attractive, with 89% indicating interest in digital tech and software, and 70% each for manufacturing and green energy.

Participants in the study included 141 senior investment professionals—chief investment officers, asset-class heads and portfolio strategists—drawn from 83 sovereign wealth funds and 58 central banks globally. The high participation rate lends weight to the findings: China is now ranked as a high or moderate priority for 59% of funds, a notable jump from the previous year.

Despite geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing, sovereign funds appear more focused on structural opportunities. North American allocations towards China are framed as strategic, long-term bets in innovation rather than reactive moves to policy friction. As one Invesco executive described, investors appear driven by fear of missing out on China’s strides in semiconductors, AI, EVs and renewable energy—“a strategic urgency they once directed toward Silicon Valley”.

A regional lens reveals the Middle Eastern shift as part of a larger recalibration. Sovereign funds in the Gulf and from oil-rich neighbours are increasingly turning to China not just for commodity trades but for diversified returns and access to high-growth sectors. One Middle Eastern fund commented that the credit spectrum in fixed income markets currently offers more attractive risk-adjusted returns than public equities, underlining a broader repositioning.

Globally, sovereign investors are embracing active management, allocating more to fixed income and private credit as markets normalise post ultra-low interest rate era. Thirty‑nine per cent of funds plan to increase fixed income exposure, underscoring a pivot towards liquidity management and resilience. Private credit usage has expanded sharply, from 30% to 44% in direct or co-investments, reflecting growing appetite for yield and portfolio diversification.

Central banks are also reshaping strategy, with 64% planning to grow reserve holdings and 53% aiming to diversify further within two years. Gold remains a popular hedge: almost half intend to expand allocations over the next three years. The dominance of the US dollar persists, with 78% expecting no credible alternative supply within the next two decades.

A modest entrant in the digital asset space, sovereign wealth funds are gradually increasing exposure to digital currencies. Direct allocations rose to 11% from 7% in 2022, most pronounced in the Middle East, Asia‑Pacific and North America. Stablecoins, viewed as more accessible than traditional crypto, are gaining attention among emerging market funds.

China remains a focal point for global sovereign investors seeking exposure to growth-critical sectors and structural diversification. The convergence of strong returns, market access improvements, and sectoral opportunities is driving Middle Eastern and other funds to recalibrate their portfolios. China has transitioned from an optional allocation into a central pillar of future-focused asset strategies, marking a calculated investment pivot amid an evolving global landscape.

The U. S. House of Representatives has approved the GENIUS Act, the inaugural federal regulatory framework targeting fiat‑backed stablecoins, with a decisive 308–122 bipartisan vote on 17 July 2025. With Senate approval secured in June by a 68–30 margin, the legislation now advances to President Trump’s desk for signature, anticipated as early as tomorrow.

The GENIUS Act mandates that issuers—including banks, credit unions, fintech firms, and select non‑bank entities—maintain one‑to‑one reserves in cash or low‑risk assets such as U. S. Treasury bills, with mandatory monthly public disclosures of reserve composition. It also institutes anti‑money laundering controls, requires issuance organisations to obtain licences from federal or state financial regulators, and prohibits paying interest directly to stablecoin holders.

The legislation forms part of a broader “Crypto Week” effort in the House, which also included passage of the CLARITY Act—allocating oversight of digital asset classification between the SEC and CFTC—and the Anti‑CBDC Surveillance State Act, barring the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency. Both now await Senate consideration.

Advocates argue that the GENIUS Act addresses long-standing regulatory uncertainty, providing market stability and consumer safeguards within a $260 billion-plus stablecoin ecosystem. Senior figures from institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citi, Walmart, and Amazon have reportedly expressed interest in issuing stablecoins under the new regime. Market sentiment reflects optimism: crypto‑linked equities and assets rose when the House vote was finalised, with Bitcoin nearing record highs above $119,000.

Nonetheless, critics highlight significant concerns. Consumer advocates emphasise that stablecoins remain outside FDIC protection and could pose redemption risks or obscure hidden fees. Others express unease over potential weak guardrails: the SEC’s Paul Atkins cautioned that regulatory innovation must still ensure sufficient market safeguards.

Ethics debates spotlight former President Trump’s extensive ties to the crypto industry, including investments in World Liberty Financial and a meme coin touted as generating over $300 million in related revenues. Opponents claim this raises conflict‑of‑interest questions and risks favouring Trump‑linked enterprises, though the White House has asserted asset segregation via a family trust.

In Congress, both Democratic and Republican proponents defended the legislation for delivering much‑needed structure. Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer remarked that introducing “some rules of the road” was preferable to having none. Opposing voices like Rep. Maxine Waters cautioned that the law might “signal tolerance for corruption” without closing presidential exemptions from conflict‑of‑interest prohibitions. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats, including Richard Blumenthal, criticised the bill’s failure to eliminate loopholes or demand stronger consumer protection standards.

Beyond federal oversight, the GENIUS Act introduces a layered supervisory model: federal agencies will regulate larger issuers and interstate entities, while state regulators handle smaller players—those issuing under $10 billion annually. The legislation sets out implementation timelines, including one‑year deadlines for rule‑making and an 18‑month effective date, with a three‑year transition period before enforcement on custody and transaction restrictions.

Industry stakeholders anticipate dramatic market growth. Scott Bessent, Treasury secretary, projected the stablecoin market could swell from around $195 billion to over $2 trillion following the GENIUS Act’s implementation. Christian Catalini of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab predicted fierce competition as banks and fintechs join traditional issuers with consumer trust bolstered by regulation.

The crypto sector, stung by past regulatory setbacks under the prior administration’s enforcement actions, now views the GENIUS Act as a turning point. Major players like Circle and Coinbase backed the measure after directing substantial lobbying resources toward lawmakers. Jennifer Nolan, head of the Blockchain Association, described it as a “defining moment in the evolution of U. S. digital asset policy”.

With presidential signature expected imminently, the GENIUS Act is poised to redefine the U. S. approach to stablecoins—ushering in regulated issuance, enhanced transparency, and heightened institutional involvement. Its progress also spotlights ongoing debates about market oversight, political influence, and financial stability in an increasingly digital economy.

Swatch Group’s first‑half figures underscore a deepening crisis in its key Asian markets after the Swiss watch‑maker disclosed a 7.1 per cent drop in sales, generating CHF 3.059 billion, falling short of market forecasts of CHF 3.2 billion. Operating profit plunged 67 per cent year‑on‑year to CHF 68 million, signalling an urgent warning to investors and management alike.

China, alongside Hong Kong and Macau, remains the primary weak spot, contributing 27 per cent of total revenues. Falling demand across these regions continues to undermine core sales and profit performance. Despite encouraging double‑digit growth in North America and market share gains in countries such as Japan, India and the Middle East, these gains have yet to compensate for the shortfall from Greater China.

Net profit attributable to owners collapsed to CHF 3 million, compared with CHF 136 million during the same six‑month period last year. This dramatic decline illustrates the scale of the downturn, making it Swatch’s worst half‑year performance in recent memory.

Analyst commentary has been scathing: Vontobel described this period as “an ugly half year for Swatch Group in all respects”. The fallout from slowed Chinese consumer activity has been compounded by negative currency effects—Swiss franc appreciation cut CHF 113 million from turnover relative to constant‑currency comparisons.

Adding fresh complexity, new U. S. tariffs threaten to raise costs on Swiss watch imports by up to 31 per cent. Industry stakeholders now warn that these levies could further weigh on margins, with retailers like Watches of Switzerland projecting a margin squeeze in the year ahead.

Beyond external pressures, a growing number of investors are scrutinising Swatch’s internal governance. Shareholder activism has surfaced, with calls for more oversight of the centrally controlled Hayek family, whose dual‑class voting structure remains a source of contention. Net profits collapsed by 75 per cent to CHF 219 million in 2024, but critics assert that this malaise runs deeper. GreenWood Investors, led by Steven Wood, has launched a push to join the board, advocating for brand revitalisation, governance reforms and a strategy pivot toward luxury exclusivity akin to Hermès and Ferrari.

Management, though addressing short‑term volatility, emphasises Swatch’s entrenched strengths. Its vertically integrated manufacturing, with over 150 production sites, and the success of the affordable MoonSwatch line demonstrate resilience. The company has pledged that cost‑cutting measures and a pipeline of new product launches—particularly in the U. S. and Japan—should drive a rebound in the second half of the year.

The first‑half slump follows broader downturns last year, when revenue declined 12.2 per cent to CHF 6.74 billion in 2024, and operating profit fell 75 per cent to CHF 304 million. That drop reinforced trading floor rumours of governance fatigue and brand dilution at high‑end labels like Omega and Breguet.

Economically, China’s consumer landscape remains unsettled. A combination of property market stress, slower GDP growth and official campaigns discouraging conspicuous consumption have dampened luxury spending. Swiss watch exports to China and Hong Kong plunged by double digits in early 2024, while only the lower‑priced Swatch line bucked the trend in the region, gaining 10 per cent in sales volume.

Swatch Group’s corporate ambition to maintain full production capacity and avoid layoffs during weak demand, while strategically commendable, has weighed on margins—especially in the production segment. Management asserts this decision safeguards long‑term capabilities and is now beginning to bear fruit, with production margins improving since June.

Mixed signs beyond China offer guarded optimism. North America posted record sales, Japan recorded robust growth, and emerging markets like India and the Middle East offered upside. These regions now form the central axis of Swatch’s recovery strategy.

DP World, Deendayal Port Authority and Polish tech firm Nevomo have formalised an agreement to pilot Nevomo’s MagRail system—a self-propelled, electric linear‑motor freight train—on a 750‑metre stretch at the port in Kandla. Signed on 15 July 2025 by top executives from each organisation, the deal marks India’s first experiment with autonomous magnetic rail freight within an operational port environment.

The partnership will pilot MagRail technology on existing railway tracks to autonomously transport containerised and bulk goods. Powered by electric linear motors, MagRail wagons eliminate diesel use, promising reductions in logistics time, operational costs and CO₂ emissions. The trial is designed to enhance port-hinterland connectivity and support India’s broader logistics modernisation under the National Logistics Policy and the PM‑Gati Shakti agenda.

DP World, a global supply chain specialist, is leading efforts to integrate this advanced freight solution. The Deendayal Port Authority—a significant multi‑cargo terminal under central government jurisdiction—is hosting the pilot to assess real‑world viability. Nevomo will provide its proprietary MagRailBooster system, designed for seamless integration with existing port rail networks. This three‑way collaboration reflects an alignment of private innovation and public logistics priorities.

According to Sushil Kumar Singh, chair of the port authority, the initiative represents “a strategic advancement in port infrastructure, enhancing capacity and operational efficiency to support growing cargo demands,” signalling strong institutional backing. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s group chairman and CEO, emphasised that MagRail will “reduce transit times and optimise infrastructure use,” adding value for customers while promoting sustainability.

Nevomo’s CEO, Przemek “Ben” Paczek, said the project would “showcase MagRail’s real‑world potential in boosting freight efficiency,” reflecting confidence in the technology’s applicability to closed‑loop logistics systems. Harj Dhaliwal, Nevomo’s Chief Business & Capital Programmes Officer, was credited with advancing the partnership. European rail specialists have already acknowledged MagRail’s promise in port and metro-campus settings.

Industry experts note that MagRail addresses several persistent bottlenecks in freight logistics: it offers rapid container shunting without the need for diesel road vehicles, improves yard cycle times, and integrates with existing rail infrastructure, minimising capital expenditure. The pilot’s green credentials also align with global port decarbonisation targets.

Situated at Kandla, which recently welcomed a large satellite terminal by DP World with a TEU capacity of 2.19 million, the trial supports the port’s expansion strategy. Officials hope that MagRail can help optimise operations across the new and existing facilities.

Planning documents suggest a phased implementation: initial tests on a limited 750 m section within the yard, followed by performance metrics on speed, energy use, reliability, and integration before broader deployment. Results from this pilot are expected to influence decisions on port rail automation nationwide.

This initiative positions India at the forefront of port logistics innovation within Asia. Similar systems have been deployed or tested in Europe, but this marks India’s first on‑site demonstration combining magnetic propulsion and autonomy in a live port. Industry observers see potential for replication at other major ports, boosting capacity and reducing carbon footprints across maritime‑logistics hubs.

Adoption of MagRail could revolutionise short‑haul freight by enabling fast, consistent and emissions‑free movement of containers between berths, storage yards, and hinterland connections. For DP World and the port authority, a successful trial could translate into scalable technology upgrades and competitive advantages in trade facilitation.

China has introduced the world’s first oil tanker equipped with adjustable sails, marking a notable step in maritime decarbonisation. The 250‑metre vessel features automated sails that harness wind power, cutting diesel use by up to 14.5 tonnes per day—equivalent to around 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The ship was launched at a major Chinese port on 13 July 2025. Naval engineers report that the sails adjust in real time to wind conditions, seamlessly integrating with traditional propulsion systems. Under favourable conditions, the sails alone can provide up to 10% of the vessel’s forward thrust, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and trimming operational costs.

Industry experts describe this as a breakthrough. Dr Li Wei, a maritime technology specialist at a prominent Chinese university, observed that “this marks the first large‑scale application of intelligent sail technology in an oil tanker” and said that the design “could serve as a blueprint for future green tankers”. While alternative zero‑carbon fuels remain the focus of long‑term strategies, sail augmentation presents a practical interim solution.

The initiative aligns with global regulatory pressures. The International Maritime Organization has committed to halving greenhouse‑gas emissions from shipping by 2050. Flettner‑style rotor sails—used on vessels like the Viking Grace ferry—have shown up to 20% fuel savings on optimal routes. China’s innovation refines that concept by adding adjustable sail arrays tailored for large oil carriers, suggesting broader applicability.

Major energy and shipping firms are reportedly evaluating roll‑outs. A senior executive at a state‑affiliated shipping group noted plans to retrofit a fleet of oil and chemical tankers with adjustable sails by 2027, contingent on performance data. Initial trials aim to quantify actual fuel savings, spreadsheeting data on fuel burn, wind usage hours, and analytics from the ship’s sail‑control system.

Yet questions remain. Retrofit costs, structural modifications, and maintenance demand rigorous cost‑benefit analysis. Port infrastructure adaptation—such as clearance for sails and crew training—must also be addressed. Critics argue that, while useful, sail technology cannot fully eliminate emissions without complementary measures like low‑carbon fuels and electrification.

Nevertheless, China’s venture may shift the conversation. Shipbuilders in Europe, Japan and South Korea are racing to develop hydrogen‑ or ammonia‑powered vessels. China’s move showcases an alternative decarbonisation route by optimising existing diesel‑powered fleets. Multi‑source interviews show growing interest from global charterers, some of whom are signalling willingness to pay premium freight rates for lower‑emission vessels.

Maritime insurers are recalibrating risk models, acknowledging that adjustable sails could affect stability and route safety. The new tanker reportedly features advanced ballast‑control systems to compensate for wind forces and automated cut‑out mechanisms during storms.

Trade analysts say China’s state‑backed strategy gives it leverage in global standards talks. Should pilot data validate the 14.5‑tonne daily fuel savings estimate, Chinese shipyards could license or export the design. Such a trend could trigger wider international adoption, pressuring other nations to follow suit.

Shipowners are watching. A European tanker operator, examining images and footage, expressed interest but noted the need for “transparent data on lifecycle emission reductions and economic viability over 20‑year vessel lifetimes.”

Current trials will last six months to a year, tracking metrics like fuel consumption, sail uptime, and maintenance costs. A detailed performance report is expected by mid‑2026, after which retrofit plans may accelerate.