Business

Summary: Australian “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) company Zip Co Ltd has reported a strong financial performance, with EBITDA for Q1 FY2025 surging 219.4% year-on-year to AUD 46 million. The company has also raised its full-year profit guidance, driving an 18% jump in its share price. The U.S. market emerged as the key growth engine, with both revenue and transaction volume showing significant gains, demonstrating that the BNPL model remains attractive even in a high interest rate environment. Zip’s financials continue to strengthen, and the announcement of a stock buyback program reflects management’s confidence. Despite policy uncertainties, Zip’s diversified strategy and mature profitability model show its resilience. Investors may view Zip as a representative of the BNPL sector entering a “profit validation stage,” with long-term value potential.

Summary: Two of Australia's leading tech figures—Robin Khuda, founder of data center services provider AirTrunk, and Cliff Obrecht, co-founder of design platform Canva—have recently called on the government to ease restrictions on skilled migration in order to address talent shortages and maintain economic competitiveness. This proposal has sparked widespread discussion: How do immigration policies influence business opportunities in the context of a tight labor market and a rapidly expanding tech sector? And how should investors respond to this trend?

Abstract:  The latest five strategies for obtaining Australian permanent residency in 2025, ranked from most challenging to least challenging, are: the National Innovation Visa (NIV) (strict achievement criteria, limited quotas), Independent Skills (high IELTS score, high education requirements), Studying Abroad (selecting the right major, regional areas for accelerated processing), Employer-Sponsored 186DE (expanded occupational scope), and Marriage (easiest but requires caution against fraud).

Summary: DeepSeek has rapidly emerged as a leader in the global AI industry, driven by technological innovation, an open-source strategy, and precise market positioning. Although it faces challenges such as legal compliance and continued R&D investment, it is poised to play a significant role in the global AI landscape in the future.

Summary: This article discusses the fluctuations in the Australian dollar (AUD) exchange rate following the release of the trade balance, the key factors influencing AUD's value, and the effects of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decisions, China’s economy, iron ore prices, and the trade balance on the AUD exchange rate.

Summary: In the 2023-2024 financial year, Australia's net immigration totaled 446,000 people, a decline compared to the previous year but still exceeding the government's target. International students make up the largest group of new immigrants, with India and China being the primary source countries. Political forces play a key role in shaping immigration policies.

Summary: The housing market in Australia is expected to see an overall increase of 4% to 6% in 2025, with Perth leading the growth. Sydney and Melbourne will experience slower price increases. The first half of the year will be weak due to cautious buying sentiment, while the second half will see a recovery, driven by population growth, interest rate cuts, and tax reduction policies.

Summary: The leaders of France, Germany, and Italy have met to oppose corporate protectionism and promote industrial policy. International concerns about growth are growing, with the IMF and World Bank discussing the topic in detail. Several countries are following China's lead, and the EU is strengthening cooperation, though with differing attitudes. The French finance minister has stated that industrial policy is no longer taboo.

Summary: The Tokyo real estate market is recovering, with landmark residential buildings in Shinjuku selling out quickly, and office rents leading global growth. Japan’s property market offers high value for money, attracting a large number of investors with low entry barriers and affordable sizes. While global housing prices are rising, Japan's market remains appealing.