Investment Trends Research Articles

FACTORS INFLUENCING INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING IN GENERATION Z

This study aims to provide empirical evidence about the factors that affect investment decision-making in generation Z. The sampling method used is a non-probability purposive sampling method with generation Z students as a research sample. The age range included in the category of generation Z students is those aged 18-26 years. The analysis method used is Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of the study show that financial literacy, attitude towards investment, and risk perception have a significant influence on investment decision-making among Generation Z students. Financial literacy and attitude towards investment have a positive effect, while risk perception has a negative effect on investment decisions. Although herding does not have a direct effect on investment decision-making, it does affect attitudes towards investment, which then influences investment decisions. This shows that the investment trends and investment decisions of others can shape students' investment attitudes, which ultimately influences their decision to invest. Technological advances and broad access to information, particularly through social media, seem to reduce the direct influence of herding but increase the role of influencers in shaping investment attitudes.

Trilateral Dynamics of India–China–Nepal: Assessing Geo-strategic Relations in South Asia

The strategic importance of South Asia stems from its natural resources and advantageous location. However, in recent years, China and India’s rivalry in the subcontinent has altered the geo-strategic landscape in the region. Though much had been explored in the trilateral dynamics of India–China–Nepal, comparative analyses to empirically assess the relative strength of the relationships have been overlooked. Hence, the current paper examined the dynamics of these three countries by evaluating their ability to uphold their ties. It looked at India’s neighbourhood first policy with a particular focus on Nepal, and it further examined how China uses the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a springboard to utilise it as a geopolitical manoeuvre to offset India’s hegemony in the area. On the empirical front, the paper examined the pattern of investment from China’s BRI in Nepal and contrasted it with China’s overall investment trends in Nepal. The paper argues that although BRI investment in Nepal is increasing, there is a significant decline in the overall investment from China. In contrast, India’s investment in Nepal had an upward trajectory that surpassed China’s investment volume. The paper discussed potential ways to achieve trilateral relations among these three countries by promoting sustained cooperation.

Trends and opportunities in renewable energy investment in Saudi Arabia: Insights for achieving vision 2030 and enhancing environmental sustainability

Renewable energy has emerged as a critical alternative to traditional energy sources due to growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy development. Saudi Arabia, driven by its Vision 2030, has strongly committed to shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. Despite significant progress, existing investment methods often focus narrowly on financial returns and do not adequately address the risks and uncertainties associated with renewable energy projects, such as policy changes, technological challenges, and fluctuating energy prices. This paper aims to highlight and compare the trends in renewable energy investments and incorporate a risk analysis matrix to address the economic, environmental, and social aspects of Saudi Arabia’s environment. The details used in the study are obtained from Kaggle, while the adopted analysis technique involves multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). It provides a fresh qualitative approach that allows an all-sided assessment of the investment prospects by focusing on appropriate weight for different factors. The analysis results show that using the proposed framework can help effectively prioritize investment opportunities identifying major trends and risks in developing renewable energy sources in Saudi Arabia. Current investment trends have been reviewed systematically; experts have been interviewed; MCDM techniques have been employed, as the methodology effectiveness improves the comprehension of investment tendencies and contributes to strategic management in the renewable energy market stakeholder’s activity. The MCDM analysis results show that the solar energy system has the highest investment index in the Saudi Arabian cities; the first place belongs to Abha with an investment index of 0.93, the second place belongs to Jeddah with an investment index of 0.85, and the third place belongs to Dammam with an investment index of 0.75. From these outcomes, we can easily conclude that Abha is the best place to place a solar energy project, probably because of environmental and legal factors. The analysis underscores geographic factors in deploying renewable energy, directing investors and policymakers to cities with favourable solar power generation about sustainability and economic objectives. The results are expected to enhance investment awareness among local and international stakeholders, support the strategic goals of Vision 2030, and contribute to a more sustainable and diversified energy future for Saudi Arabia. This study provides a strategic framework for optimizing renewable energy investments, promoting sustainable development, and achieving long-term economic growth. Data AvailabilityData sharing is not applicable to this article as no data sets were generated during the current study.

Governmental Expenditures and the Challenges to Improve Road Safety in Brazil

This article addresses governmental actions to improve road safety through the analysis of road traffic fatalities and expenditures in education, engineering, and enforcement (the 3E’s approach) in Brazil between 2011 and 2021 from the Fundo Nacional de Segurança e Educação de Trânsito (Funset), a public fund to support actions in safety, education, and engineering to improve Brazilian road safety. Graphical analysis was conducted, Pearson correlation coefficient was used for the variables of Funset expenditures (lnpay) and road deaths in Brazil (lndeaths), and a linear regression model was built to estimate the variation in road fatalities as a function of Funset expenditures. The results show a decrease in road deaths in Brazil with a slight upward trend and a reduction in Funset expenditures for road safety improvement. There is a positive correlation between the downward trend in Funset public investments in education, engineering, and enforcement and fatalities on roads of 0.79. Funset expenditures are inadequately allocated with low expenditure execution average (16.8%). There are many challenges for the Brazilian public administration to ensure road safety, however, it is important to maintain financial support for road safety strategies to improve it and save lives.

Analysis of Market Diversification Trends and Network Characteristics Based on M&A Transactions in North America

Despite the increasing investment opportunities in emerging technologies, strategic alliance and dynamic investment strategy suffer from a limited understanding of the market investment trends and industry convergence. Therefore, this study aims to develop a structured framework to examine the market diversification trend and the industry-to-industry influential degree. The proposed framework utilizes M&A transaction activities from the interests of buyer and target industries from 2009 to 2018 in North America. The M&A network is then examined for the difference in the structural characteristics between the buyer and target industries. This study identifies market irregularity and diversification trends and applies the initial findings as market-level evidence to elucidate industry convergence potentials. Degrees of a specific industry’s influence on other industries are also presented and discussed from the perspectives of buyer and target industries. The findings of this study contribute to the development of industry convergence conceptual model and advances knowledge regarding market diversification, collaboration-driven industry convergence, and investment strategy.

Techno-economic and sustainability assessment of the power to MeOH processes: The present and future perspective

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a Power-to-Methanol (PtM) process, which converts CO2 and H2 derived from electrolysis of water into methanol (MeOH) using renewable energy sources. The process is analyzed for its technical, economic, and environmental aspects, focusing on production costs and the minimum selling price of MeOH. The simulation results show an energy efficiency of 56 % in the optimal state, with a CO2 consumption of 1.4 kg-CO2/kg-MeOH. Economic evaluations for 2023 indicate production costs of US$ 631 and 643 for PtM processes equipped with membrane and amine absorption technologies, respectively. The study also predicts the cost of production and minimum selling price of MeOH from 2023 to 2030 based on the trends of electrolyzer capital investment and renewable resource prices. The results provide valuable insights for the development and evaluation of sustainable MeOH production processes.

How Does Shareholding by Passive Institutional Investors Impact the Corporate Governance of European Firms?

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueThe passive investment (PI) trend, characterized by the increasing inflow of investment funds into PI strategies, has resulted in an increase in the share of corporate ownership held via investments in PI strategies. This paper investigates this trend's consequential impact on European companies' corporate governance (CG).Research Findings/InsightsWe find that higher ownership by passive institutional investors (PIIs) is associated with fewer female directors, reduced independence in audit and nomination committees, and higher executive pay, negatively impacting CG. Nevertheless, our findings show that PIIs can increase the probability that a company has a policy regarding the adequate experience of board members and equal treatment of shareholders.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe hypothesize that the level of ownership could be the missing link connecting mixed theories about the impact of ownership by PIIs on the CG of companies they invest in. A curvilinear relationship between the two could allow conflicting theories to coexist in one framework. We find weak evidence for a curvilinear relationship, but this relationship may become more prevalent if PII ownership of European companies increases because of regulatory changes.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsSome critics have proposed limiting PII voting rights, but our findings suggest that the effect of PII ownership may become less negative beyond a certain level of ownership and that PIIs may play a positive role in enhancing board experience and shareholder equity policies. Restricting PIIs may not necessarily be beneficial for the CG of companies they invest in.

Evaluating the Economic and Trade Cooperation Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on China-Pakistan Relations

The BRI, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, sounds like an ambitious scheme for the development of integration and network cooperation scheme in the Asia-Europe-Africa region. Pakistan is the closest ally of BRI since it occupies a strategic position as a transit route for exchange. The China-Pakistan Financial Passage (CPEC), a lead venture of the BRI, centers on improving financial participation and foundation improvement between the two nations. Whereas the BRI has encouraged Pakistan's framework development and expanded two-sided exchange with China, challenges such as debasement, responsibility, obligation supportability, and territorial security dangers have risen. Understanding the BRI's effect on China-Pakistan relations makes a difference in the project's openings, challenges, and potential dangers while directing decision-making and collaborative endeavors. To evaluate the BRI's impact, a combination of descriptive, regression, and comparative analyses was used, along with qualitative insights from policymakers. Data conception further illustrates trends in trade, investment, and economic growth.

Evaluation of real estate investment performance of insurance companies by NHF Act in curbing housing deficit in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the real estate investment performance portfolio decision-making of the insurance firms by the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act in reducing the housing deficit in Nigeria. The insurance companies' gross premium, real estate investment and return on investment trends for the period 2014–2019 were evaluated, to determine the extent of their investment in real estate in Nigeria, this ought to have reduced the shortfall in housing.Design/methodology/approachBoth primary and secondary sources were used. Cronbach’s alpha was used for testing the reliability. The Friedman mean rank with Chi-square was used for different types of real estate investment properties and for reasons for investing in real estate by insurance companies in Nigeria. The test for normality was conducted using the Shapiro–Wilk and Spearman correlation for the significance. The percentage and the data envelopment analysis frontier model were used for measuring performance and efficiency.FindingsThe results showed that the majority of real estate investments made by insurance companies were in commercial and land buying and reselling and that their performance was below average. However, their motivation for investing is not toward the NHF Act but rather for diversification and increasing their capital.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies in Nigeria that looked at how well insurance firms have performed investing in real estate as required by the NHF Act. However, the new Act, the National Housing Fund (Establishment) Act of 2018 which was put on hold due to flaws, affected data availability beyond 2019.

Trade and Investment Trends Between Ethiopia and Turkey: A Comprehensive Study from 2012 to 2022

Trade and Investment Trends Between Ethiopia and Turkey: A Comprehensive Study from 2012 to 2022

Revitalization of the Nepalese Agriculture Sector for Economic Prosperity: Gap Analysis between Agricultural GDP and Investment Trends

This study explores the paradox of the decreasing contribution of agriculture to GDP despite rising investments in the sector, conducting a gap analysis between agricultural GDP and investment trends. The anticipated outcome of increased agricultural investment is enhanced productivity and a corresponding rise in GDP share. However, this study identifies a significant mismatch between investment trends and agricultural output, revealing discrepancies that require attention. By analyzing relevant data, the research highlights the troubling trend of diminishing agricultural GDP contribution alongside increasing imports, emphasizing the urgent need for sectoral revitalization to foster economic prosperity. The paper argues that the current economic environment presents substantial challenges to agricultural revitalization and stresses the necessity of improved coordination and cooperation among stakeholders.

The backfire of mutual funds balancing financial objectives in ESG investments: Evidence from China

In response to ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) shock, mutual funds seem to be moving toward balancing the ESG objectives with traditional financial objectives. We observe such efforts in a sample of the Chinese active mutual funds from 2016 to 2022. These funds fulfill the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) requirements by investing in assets that combine superior ESG performance with excellent returns. However, the balance strategy falls short of its intended goals compared to normal ESG investments but rather leads to additional underperformance. Although our work reveals potential opportunities for balancing ESG and financial objectives, the lack of learning process and the limited attention make mutual funds miss such opportunities when they switch to balance strategy to speculatively cope with PRI constraints. This outcome suggests that in the face of the new investment trends driven by ESG shock, funds would pay a price for a superficial understanding of balance strategy and hasty actions.

Adaptive strategies for investor-state arbitration: A framework for emerging economies to safeguard national interests and attract investment

In the realm of international investment, Investor-State Arbitration (ISA) plays a crucial role in resolving disputes between investors and states. Emerging economies often face unique challenges in this context, balancing the need to attract foreign investment with the imperative to safeguard national interests. This review presents a framework for adaptive strategies designed to help emerging economies navigate the complexities of ISA while optimizing both investment attraction and national protection. The framework emphasizes a dual approach: enhancing the attractiveness of a country for foreign investors and fortifying mechanisms to protect national interests. Key components of the framework include the development of robust legal and regulatory environments that align with international standards while accommodating national priorities, and the adoption of transparent and equitable dispute resolution processes. The framework advocates for the integration of tailored dispute resolution clauses in investment treaties that consider the specific needs and vulnerabilities of emerging economies. Additionally, it recommends the establishment of dedicated institutions and expertise to manage ISA effectively, ensuring that states are well-prepared to address and resolve disputes. Emphasis is placed on proactive engagement in treaty negotiations, leveraging strategic partnerships, and fostering dialogue with investors to create a balanced and mutually beneficial investment climate. The review also highlights the importance of continuous review and adaptation of legal frameworks to respond to evolving global standards and investment trends. By implementing these adaptive strategies, emerging economies can enhance their attractiveness as investment destinations while safeguarding their sovereignty and national interests. The proposed framework provides a comprehensive approach to managing ISA, balancing the imperative of attracting investment with the need to protect national resources and regulatory autonomy.

Global dynamics of the IPO market: structural analysis and growth prospects

The global IPO (Initial Public Offering) market continues to play a critical role in raising capital for companies across various economic sectors. However, its dynamics remain ambiguous due to cyclical fluctuations driven by economic, financial, and regulatory factors. The relevance of this topic lies in the increasing importance of understanding the forces shaping IPO success, given the globalization of financial markets and growing competition. A thorough examination of the factors that determine IPO performance and the future prospects of this mechanism is vital for stakeholders.The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive structural analysis of the global IPO market's dynamics, identify the key drivers of its development, explore regional differences, and assess the market’s growth potential amid ongoing global transformations. The focus of the study is the global IPO market, with particular attention to its economic, financial, and regulatory dimensions.The methodological approach centers on structural market analysis, utilizing statistical and comparative methods to explore market dynamics across different regions. The research is further grounded in an analysis of macroeconomic indicators, regulatory changes, investment trends, and technological advancements that influence the IPO market.This study examines the impact of financial market globalization, regulatory adjustments, and technological innovations on the development of IPOs in various regions worldwide. The role of macroeconomic stability, interest rates, and market volatility in shaping IPO demand is also explored. In addition, the research delves into sectoral differences and regional trends, particularly the activity of IPO markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.The conclusion addresses the growth prospects of the global IPO market amid continuous shifts in the global economy and provides practical recommendations for companies considering public offerings and investors interested in IPO market opportunities. The study highlights how firms can navigate these volatile conditions and what investors should consider when participating in IPOs.

A Review of Renewable Energy Investment in Belt and Road Initiative Countries: A Bibliometric Analysis Perspective

Since the proposal of the “Belt and Road” initiative (BRI) in 2013, China’s renewable energy investments in the countries along the route have shown rapid growth and diversification. These investments have shifted from initial product exports and engineering contracts to deeper equity investments and financing cooperation. They not only promote a global energy structure transformation towards green and low-carbon development but also bring significant economic growth and social progress to the participating countries. This study aims to systematically review the research status and trends of renewable energy investments in “Belt and Road” countries through comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Utilizing the Web of Science database and VOS viewer 1.6.17 software for visualization, this research reveals the publication trends, high-impact articles, institutional collaborations, and author networks in this field. Additionally, through keyword co-occurrence network analysis, three core research themes are identified: investment motivations, synergy effects, renewable energy consumption, and international cooperation. This systematic bibliometric analysis not only outlines the current research landscape but also provides important insights for identifying emerging research directions, thereby supporting more in-depth investigations into renewable energy investments within the “Belt and Road” initiative.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Marketing

This paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the marketing landscape, using data primarily sourced from Statista. By analysing global trends up to March and July 2023, we aim to provide a clear understanding of AI's impact on marketing strategies and outcomes. We begin by examining the rapid growth of AI in marketing, including its market size, revenue, and the preferences of users worldwide. We also highlight the popularity of leading AI text tools among users, giving insights into their market dominance and adoption rates. In addition, we investigate the funding landscape for AI marketing-related startups, showcasing the industry's investment trends and innovation potential. Furthermore, we identify the most effective ways marketers are using AI and marketing automation, offering practical insights for professionals seeking to leverage these technologies. Our study also looks at where AI is being used in marketing, revealing the diverse applications that are shaping strategies globally. We delve into the tools and platforms driving AI integration in marketing and advertising, as well as the main tasks undertaken by professionals using generative AI. A key focus is on AI-assisted writing, where we outline how marketers are employing AI for content creation and its impact on efficacy. We also explore the perceived benefits of AI tools according to marketing professionals, providing actionable insights for decision-making. Lastly, we assess the effectiveness of chat-based search advertising, particularly among paid search marketers in the United States. Through a concise summary of our findings, this paper aims to offer a comprehensive view of AI's transformative role in marketing, providing practical insights for industry stakeholders navigating this evolving landscape. In conclusion, this research serves as a roadmap for marketers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, guiding them through the integration of AI technologies into marketing strategies and operations. By understanding the current trends and potential benefits of AI, stakeholders can adapt and thrive in an increasingly AI-driven marketing environment.

A Study the Saving and Investment Trends of India Economy

India's economy has strong saving & investment rates, a large population, and increasing integration with the global economy, all of which bode well for its long-term growth prospects. To invest is to transform cash or money into an asset or a claim on future money with the expectation of a return. It entails investing one's savings or accumulated capital into the production of new assets or the purchase of preexisting ones. In the current financial market, investment has become complicated and it is both an art and a science. The variables that measure the growth of any economy are income, savings, and investments. While investment is the most critical factor for developing an economy, savings provide the basis for investment. The researcher is interested in studying saving and investment trends of individual and investment schemes selected by investors.

Study on the New Trend of Multinational Corporations' Investment in Chinese National Brands——Based on national cultural perspectives

As the globalization of the economy is becoming the dominant trend in development, cross-cultural investments are becoming more and more common in China, but since the country now lacks the relevant regulations, the foreign investment lacks regulation, resulting in the loss of Chinese national brands. Mr. Zong Qinghou passed away on 25 February 2024, it's been a hot topic in the community for a while. In this article, author of this article will take the case of "Zong Qinghou, a national entrepreneur, frighting with French Danone for decades to defend Wahaha" as an example, and introduce a study on the current situation of China's national brands, as well as studies on the current status of investment by transnational corporations, to recognize the development trend of Chinese national brands, and to make recommendations for transnational corporations to invest in national brands. It is of great significance in promoting Sino-foreign cooperation for sustainable development.

Increasing venture capital investment in spinal surgery: an analysis of investments from 2000 to 2023

BACKGROUND CONTEXTVenture capital (VC) plays a vital role in advancing spinal surgery technologies, driven by the growing burden of spinal disorders and high healthcare costs. Despite increasing interest, trends in VC funding for spinal surgery remain understudied. PURPOSEThis study aimed to examine temporal and thematic trends in VC investments in spinal surgery companies from 2000 to 2023. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective cross-sectional study analyzing VC investment trends in privately held US-based spinal surgery companies. METHODSUsing the PitchBook database, we analyzed 1001 VC investments in 227 spinal surgery companies between 2000 and 2023. Investments were categorized into surgical devices, noninvasive devices, biotechnology, surgical software, and clinical services. Total and annual investments were quantified in USD. RESULTSFrom 2000 to 2023, $5.37 billion was invested in spine surgery, with nonsurgical devices receiving the largest share (42.6%), followed by surgical devices (26.3%) and biotechnology (22.2%). Annual investment increased by 1782%, with a decline in 2023 likely due to macroeconomic factors. CONCLUSIONSVC funding in spinal surgery has grown significantly, especially in noninvasive technologies. Further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of these investments and explore alternative financing models.

Research on the application of new technologies in Vietnam's construction industry: Assessment of current status and prospects of industry 4.0 technologies

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is profoundly transforming the global construction industry. This study surveys and analyzes the application level, predicted impact, and investment trends of 8 core technologies of Industry 4.0 in the Vietnamese construction sector. Through a survey of 141 industry experts and managers, the results reveal a significant gap between current application levels and future impact expectations of these technologies. Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and Big Data are rated highest in terms of application and investment. The study also highlights challenges in adopting new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Advanced Robotics. The research findings provide an overview of digital transformation trends in Vietnam's construction industry, contributing to guiding businesses and policymakers in implementing Industry 4.0 technologies.