Global Market Trends and IPO Plans

Baidu plans to spin off its AI chip unit, Kunlunxin, and list it on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The move is part of China's efforts to achieve self-reliance in semiconductors amid US-China tech tensions. Kunlunxin has been expanding its sales to third-party customers and has gained recognition for its practical and widely used AI chips in China. The spin-off is expected to highlight Kunlunxin's standalone potential, attract sector-specific investors, and expand financing options. However, the move still requires regulatory approvals and is subject to market conditions.

The Economist's finance and economics section features various articles discussing current economic trends and issues. The topics range from investor optimism and China's property market woes to the US economy's potential acceleration and Europe's housing availability crisis. Other articles touch on philanthropy decline, market developments, and labor market analysis. The section also includes profiles on investment firms and notable market players.

The article 'The five biggest market developments of 2025' discusses the significant events and trends in global financial markets during the year 2025. It highlights that shareholders worldwide have had a stellar year with stock markets in America, Europe, India, and Japan reaching or nearing all-time highs. The optimism surrounding the profit-making potential of artificial intelligence has contributed to this trend. Additionally, 'animal spirits' have surged, leading to low borrowing premiums for companies in Asia's emerging markets and investment-grade American firms. The article touches on various other economic topics, including the outlook for 2026, China's property woes, and the impact of regulation on Europe's economy.