The political turmoil triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeo’s declaration of martial law on 3 December and the tragic plane crash on 29 December have significantly dampened consumer and business confidence. We expect the domestic economy to remain weak until political normalcy returns, yet strong global demand for semiconductors and transportation equipment should lead to solid export growth. HICP inflation increased for the third consecutive month in December to 2.4%, while core inflation remained steady at 2.7%.
Analysts generally expect a torrid 2023 for equities to give way to more moderate gains for stock markets, and declining Treasury yields are expected to benefit bond bulls. Such a moderate international interest rate environment typically portends good news for emerging economies—which would be a welcome counter to geopolitical tensions. As the new year begins, executives surveying the global economy can discern intense crosscurrents. New and old risks loom, from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war to continuing 5th Digital Corp U.S.-China tensions relating to trade, technology, and Taiwan.
With increased funding, there could be more emphasis on research and development in sportswear technology, resulting in innovative products that enhance performance, comfort, and sustainability. Based on product type, the HVAC industry can be segmented into heating equipment, ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, chillers, cooling towers. In 2023, the air conditioning equipment product type segment accounted for revenue of around USD 124 billion in the year 2023 and expected to reach around USD 210 billion by 2032. This substantial growth can be attributed to the escalating demand for energy-efficient and environmentally responsible air conditioning systems. These cutting-edge solutions offer improved energy efficiency, convenience, and cost savings, making them increasingly appealing to consumers.
Although the growth of eCommerce has slowed post-pandemic, it’s still growing modestly. And businesses continue to adjust their marketing and sales strategies to maximize its impact on the bottom line. US-based CircleCare enhances this trend by offering a platform that encourages employees to lead healthier lifestyles through gamification and rewards.
More than half of those surveyed said their country was more divided today than in the past, and 65 percent said the lack of civility and mutual respect is the worst they have ever seen. A quarter of survey participants cited climate change as the number one societal issue for businesses to address in 2023. A further nine percent ranked climate change as the fourth biggest societal threat to business this year. The business world continues to invest heavily in social media and tech solutions. As these trends continue to develop, we expect to see increased funding and product development.