China's Pop Mart-Loving Gen Z Fuels Big Gains for Investors
China's attempt to offset the damage of tariffs is getting a helping hand from Generation Z, which is spending big on everything from toys to bubble tea.
The country's younger generation of shoppers is on a spree of what analysts call emotional consumption, defying a wider malaise in China's economy. Revenues at Gen Z favorites such as toymaker Pop Mart International Group, jewelery firm Laopu Gold Co. and drinks chain Mixue Group have soared, fueling breakneck moves in their stock prices.
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Business Insider
21 minutes ago
- Business Insider
African countries excluded as China expands visa‑free transit to 55 nations
China has expanded its 10-day visa-free transit policy to 55 countries, but notably excluded all African nations, raising questions about the scope of its global engagement. China has expanded its 10-day visa-free transit policy to 55 countries, excluding all African nations. It facilitates stays of up to 240 hours for travelers transiting to a third destination, with certain restrictions. The exclusion of African nations sparked debates about China's geopolitical strategies and diplomatic priorities. China's visa-free transit policy, which grants a 10-day stay for travelers in transit, now includes 55 countries but excludes all African nations—a move that has sparked disappointment and raised questions about Beijing's travel diplomacy and its Africa policy. The absence of African nations, despite China's strong economic and diplomatic ties across the continent, has surprised analysts and travel industry stakeholders alike. China's new transit policy allows travelers from select countries to stay visa-free for up to 240 hours if transiting to a third destination. Visitors must remain in the city or region of entry and have a confirmed onward ticket. While not a general tourist visa, the policy permits short-term activities like tourism, business, and family visits. Aimed at boosting convenience for businesspeople, tourists, and frequent travelers, it also helps save on visa fees and processing time. China-Africa relations threatened? China's recent visa-free travel policy for over 50 countries has sparked debate over the exclusion of African nations, raising questions about Beijing's stance toward the continent. This move appears contradictory given China's deepening trade ties with Africa, including zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries and import duty exemptions for products from 33 least developed nations. However, the omission may not signal waning interest. Rather, it could reflect strategic prioritization of diplomatic and economic relationships. China's investments in Africa focused on trade, infrastructure, and development, suggest a long-term commitment. Understanding Beijing's approach requires considering the broader geopolitical and economic context in which its Africa policy operates. Observers note that this exclusion could be interpreted as a missed opportunity for people-to-people exchange, especially given Beijing's consistent rhetoric about its 'win-win' cooperation with Africa. With African countries hosting massive Chinese investments and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the lack of reciprocal travel ease underscores a gap in the relationship that some believe needs urgent attention. Full list of eligible countries The countries included under China's 10-day visa-free transit policy are: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These travelers are eligible for entry at any of the approved 60 transit points, which include international airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, as well as a select number of seaports. Authorities have clarified that travelers must be in direct transit, meaning they must travel from Country A, transit through China, and continue to Country B. A return trip to the country of origin would not qualify under this policy.
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Best $100 Gen Z Can Spend on Retirement Planning
Gen Z may be decades away from retirement, but the steps they take today can significantly impact their future financial freedom. Learn More: Read Next: With time on their side, small, smart investments can now compound into significant returns later. Whether it's spending $100 on a one-time financial consult, a subscription to a savvy budgeting app or even investing in a starter index fund, the key is starting early and wisely. Here's the best $100 Gen Z can spend on retirement planning. Budgeting apps and robo-advisors can turn passive habits into active wealth-building strategies. For Gen Z, investing a small fee in the right tool can lead to consistent savings, long-term growth and financial stability. 'Paid tools can be worthwhile when they nudge you into better habits or automate tasks you'd otherwise skip,' said Lily Vittayarukskul, CEO and co-founder of Waterlily. Vittayarukskul said budgeting apps like YNAB come with a small subscription cost, but can help users become more deliberate with their spending. Meanwhile, robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront offer automated investing services for a low annual fee. This approach appeals to around 40% of Gen Z investors who prefer a hands-off approach. 'The price tag is usually minor compared to the value of disciplined saving and diversified investing they facilitate,' Vittayarukskul said. 'I personally use Copilot, and I like that the finally added savings goals last month, but I think that most of the options out there have become very comprehensive and user friendly.' She added, 'Just make sure any app you pay for truly gets you to invest and track your spending in a way that is compounding your wealth and taking care of any high interest debts.' I'm a Financial Expert: Gen Z can skip the hype and spend $100 opening an account with a reputable brokerage that offers diversified, long-term investment options. 'The biggest mistakes I see younger adults making when trying to get ahead financially are listening to the wrong people and chasing outsized returns,' said Tyler End, a certified financial planner and CEO of Retirable. Starting with a solid, low-cost platform keeps new investors focused on sustainable growth without the distractions of viral trends or high-risk bets. Some examples include: Fidelity: No minimum investment for many accounts, zero-commission trades and strong educational tools. Offers Roth IRAs and index funds with no expense ratio. Vanguard: Known for low-cost index funds and long-term investing. Best suited for those who prefer a simple, set-it-and-forget-it approach. Charles Schwab: $0 account minimums, a wide range of low-fee ETFs and mutual funds, and solid customer support. Gen Z doesn't need thousands to start investing for retirement. With just $100, they can open a Roth IRA, one of the most tax-efficient accounts available, and begin compounding gains over decades. 'A Roth IRA is a great place to build and, given their time horizon, they can afford to take on more strategic risk in the market which can make for higher returns,' said Lukendric Washington, founder of Manifest Wealth Management. Washington said by splitting the money between a high-yield savings account for emergencies and a Roth IRA for the long term, Gen Z can build short-term security and long-term returns, laying the foundation for more confident investing down the line. Spending $100 on digital estate planning services can help Gen Z start organizing their assets, even if retirement is decades away. 'Digital estate planning tools can be a smart investment not just for older generations, but for Gen Z because they simplify you and your loved ones' lives and help you make more informed decisions,' said Howard Enders, the COO at the Estate Registry. 'These easy-to-use tools allow tech-savvy Gen Z to stay organized and prepared in ways that traditional methods often fall short,' Enders explained. 'By having all your important documents and assets all in one secure digital location, designated individuals can easily access anything they may need should anything happen.' In addition, it's a low-cost way to ensure the money and accounts they're building now are protected, and it helps form good habits around long-term financial responsibility. 'The real value lies in bringing long-term clarity and peace of mind, no matter your age or stage of life,' Enders said. More From GOBankingRates 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses This article originally appeared on The Best $100 Gen Z Can Spend on Retirement Planning Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bloomberg
41 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Keir Starmer's Quest to Keep Everything from Escalating
Bloomberg Weekend The UK prime minister is 'gravely concerned' about Israel and Iran, Mali has a mud-brick building problem, and men in finance are suffering from pelvic-floor dysfunction. By Save Welcome to the weekend! This week, the companies behind many of China's most popular AI chatbots disabled some of their services prior to an annual event in which millions of Chinese citizens take part. What was it? Find out with this week's Pointed quiz.
