Global Pulse: Decoding Future Trends
Hello everyone, and welcome to 'The Beginning of Empathy'! I'm your Empathy Keeper, and it's truly a pleasure to connect with you. Today is July 22nd, 2025, and a new morning is dawning across the globe. From the pleasant Sunday afternoon in London, UK, at 21.59 degrees Celsius, to a warm weekend evening in Madrid, Spain, at 28.65 degrees. Sao Paulo is enjoying a comfortable 18 degrees, while Buenos Aires is at 17.92 degrees. Warsaw, Poland, had an energetic end to its week at 21.41 degrees, and Brussels, Belgium, felt a cool breeze at 19.27 degrees. New York, however, was experiencing a hot summer day at 31.57 degrees.
As Monday begins, Sydney awakens to a chilly 9.6 degrees, while Taipei starts its week comfortably at 26.04 degrees. Tokyo is having a warm Monday at 31.25 degrees, and Seoul begins its week pleasantly at 27.76 degrees. Beijing is at 28.94 degrees, Moscow at 18.6 degrees, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is kicking off a scorching day at 36.81 degrees. Istanbul had a warm morning at 27.31 degrees. Toronto is enjoying a cooler 18.17 degrees, and Mexico City a refreshing 13.86 degrees. Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam are all experiencing comfortable to cool weather, at 23.4, 19.9, and 20.65 degrees respectively, as they navigate their week.
It's clear that nations worldwide are writing their unique stories amidst diverse climates and time zones. Over the past week, 'The Beginning of Empathy' delved deep into Google Trends' economic search terms from 24 countries, uncovering common threads and unique challenges faced by each. It truly highlights how our vast global village interacts like a single, interconnected organism.
So, what were the most pressing economic issues dominating the global stage last week? And what points of Empathy can we discover within these trends? From the waves of technological innovation to the challenges of an aging society and shifts in industrial landscapes, join me as we explore what all these developments mean for our lives. This discussion is based on an in-depth analysis of the news articles from our weekly blog posts.
Firstly, the most powerful keywords that heated up global Google Trends last week were undeniably related to 'digital assets' and 'artificial intelligence'. In the United States, the passage of significant legislative steps like the 'Genius Act' and the 'Clarity Act' signaled a clear regulatory framework for virtual currencies, including stablecoins. This sent a strong message that this market is no longer a speculative phenomenon but is integrating into the mainstream financial system. This development, coupled with President Donald Trump's stated goal of making the U.S. the 'greatest digital asset nation on Earth,' contributed to pushing the overall value of the virtual currency market to unprecedented highs. Major digital currencies like XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum consistently broke new records in various countries, attracting immense investor interest. Notably, substantial institutional funds flowed into Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, further solidifying digital assets' position as a crucial part of regulated finance.
The expansion of the digital asset market transcends mere investment trends; it suggests the potential for new financial models. For instance, in Switzerland, the 'Martini Market,' a decentralized prediction platform, showcased how digital assets could be utilized for real-world event forecasting. Similarly, the news from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in Saudi Arabia, allowing court fees to be paid with their digital currency, the 'Aeecoin,' illustrates the extension of digital transformation into public services. However, innovation often casts shadows. Reports from Switzerland concerning online fraud using dropshipping, or Russia's worries about quantum computing advancements potentially threatening Bitcoin's security, remind us that user protection and enhanced security remain critical tasks alongside technological progress.
In the field of artificial intelligence, the actions of NVIDIA and ASML stood out. Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, described China as a 'unique market with vitality and innovative engineers,' emphasizing the importance of engagement in the Chinese market. Yet, the complex global technological competition is evident in the U.S. government's restrictions on exporting high-performance AI chips to China and subsequent policy adjustments. ASML, while reporting second-quarter net profits exceeding market expectations, cautioned about growth uncertainties in 2026, clearly revealing the impact of macroeconomic factors and geopolitical tensions on the semiconductor industry. Recognizing the profound influence of AI advancements on global economies and security, we can empathize with the need to find a balance between technological collaboration and strategic competition.
Next, a crucial common theme to observe is the 'sustainability of social security systems' and the 'challenges of an aging society.' In Poland, President-elect Karol Nawrocki announced significant changes to the pension and benefits reassessment system, aiming to pass legislation guaranteeing a minimum pension increase of 150 zlotys for low-income pensioners. This initiative seeks to genuinely protect seniors facing rising living costs. From Spain, news of a sharp increase in permanent disability pension recipients resurfaced concerns about the long-term viability of its pension system. In Türkiye, a 'dark news' story, as some called it, caused significant controversy: a Supreme Court ruling allowed banks to seize pensions, potentially jeopardizing retirees' livelihoods. Yet, at the same time, many banks offered temporary relief through pension promotions for retirees.
In Russia, a pension increase is anticipated in October, but it comes alongside projections of rising public service fees, suggesting the need to consider its impact on household budgets. In Mexico, an alarming illegal practice came to light: some companies were registering employees with the social security agency for less than their actual wages, which could severely impact their future pension benefits. The Netherlands reported that its elderly pension system faces financial pressures, and the government proactively sent direct letters to 200,000 households that hadn't applied for healthcare subsidies, demonstrating efforts to strengthen the social safety net. In Italy, news circulated about the August pension payment date and the introduction of an online statement verification system.
All these reports demonstrate that the world faces the universal challenge of an aging population, and various policy experiments and discussions are underway to ensure the sustainability of pension and social welfare systems. We can deeply empathize with governmental efforts to secure stable lives for the elderly and protect vulnerable social groups. It is crucial that we continue to seek solutions to build societies where all generations can live with confidence and security.
Amidst the shadow of a global economic slowdown, changes in 'industrial structure' and 'consumer trends' also form a significant common ground across nations. The news of Stellantis, a giant in the European automotive industry, reporting a substantial net loss exceeding 2.3 billion euros, came as a major shock in France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. This was a complex result of declining sales, increasing production costs, and the trade policies implemented by President Donald Trump. It vividly illustrates the immense difficulties traditional manufacturers face amid global trade barriers and new market competition, like the rise of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD. The struggles of these major companies impact related industries and employment markets worldwide, making it a shared global concern.
Conversely, there were success stories of companies rapidly adapting to new consumer trends. In Japan, Nitori's 'mid-switch refrigerators' gained immense popularity by precisely targeting the hidden needs of single-person households and seniors, showcasing the importance of consumer-centric innovation. Aeon Group, through a major renovation of its Aeon Mihara store in Hiroshima, transformed it into a 'store for three generations to enjoy together' and a 'community-friendly lifestyle platform,' exploring new avenues for brick-and-mortar retail. In Korea, credit card companies reignited competition for 'PLCC' or Private Label Credit Cards, and KB Kookmin Card's 'KB Teen Up Check Card' gained traction, indicating a growing trend in marketing that prioritizes consumer 'experience' and 'fun.' Even fast-food chains like Burger King made efforts to appeal to both 'value for money' and 'emotional satisfaction' by selling its 'Whopper' at a price from two decades ago. We can empathize with how businesses, in this era of high inflation, are continuously striving to stimulate consumer sentiment and revitalize local economies.
Environmental concerns and urban infrastructure expansion are also universal challenges. The large-scale wildfires in Ibi and Ávila, Spain, directly illustrate how climate change impacts our lives and economies, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative responses from governments and civil society. Measures like Thames Water's hosepipe ban in the UK and the completion of flood prevention work in Leuven, Belgium, showcase national efforts to combat water scarcity and flood damage. In Taichung, Taiwan, an unannounced 29-hour water outage affecting over 150,000 households underscored that the stable supply of essential resources like water and electricity is a critical indicator of a nation's resilience. This makes us deeply empathize with how crucial infrastructure issues directly affect citizens' daily lives.
In Blagoveshchensk, Russia, the construction of a 20-kilometer gas pipeline network notably prioritized eco-friendly efforts to minimize environmental damage. News of a service disruption on Hong Kong's MTR Tseung Kwan O Line during rush hour due to equipment malfunction highlighted the vital importance of urban transit system stability for citizens' lives. Similarly, reports of subway service suspensions and restrictions in Rome and Milan allowed us to empathize with these as unavoidable 'growth pains' necessary for urban infrastructure improvement. Such infrastructure investments are essential for enhancing residents' quality of life and long-term economic growth, thus requiring patience and cooperation from both governments and citizens.
International relations and geopolitical issues also remained ever-present. From Canada, news emerged that China began constructing the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, a border region with India, raising concerns about water security and the potential for cross-border resource allocation conflicts. This exemplifies how challenging it is for the world to find a balance between resource acquisition and environmental protection. News of a fire near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russia reiterated the global community's shared responsibility for nuclear safety and the urgent need for peaceful resolution efforts.
Considering all these developments, the future economy is predicted to evolve in several key directions. Firstly, digital assets will become more widely adopted and integrated into mainstream financial systems through clearer regulations and institutional investments. Secondly, competition in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology will intensify, boosting overall industrial efficiency and creating new jobs, while simultaneously fueling technological dominance rivalries between nations. Thirdly, the pressure on social security systems due to aging populations will be a global phenomenon, prompting countries to implement continuous and flexible policy adjustments for pension reform and social safety net strengthening. Fourthly, global trade policies and geopolitical tensions will continue to influence corporate operating environments and supply chains, leading traditional industries to seek survival and growth through innovation and diversification. Finally, addressing climate change and pursuing sustainable development will emerge as core issues directly linked to economic growth, rather than just environmental concerns.
Indeed, the world faces numerous challenges and opportunities simultaneously amidst waves of unpredictable change. Analyzing the major global news from the past week, I've once again felt how all these stories are ultimately interconnected with our lives. I hope that through the news articles from our weekly blog posts, we've gained a deeper understanding of current issues and global trends across various nations.
'The Beginning of Empathy' believes that finding common concerns and hopes within seemingly disparate stories, and listening attentively to each other's situations, is the first step towards creating a better world. I hope we can all understand these currents of change, empathize with one another, and collectively build a brighter future. Thank you, and I look forward to connecting with you in our next update.
As Monday begins, Sydney awakens to a chilly 9.6 degrees, while Taipei starts its week comfortably at 26.04 degrees. Tokyo is having a warm Monday at 31.25 degrees, and Seoul begins its week pleasantly at 27.76 degrees. Beijing is at 28.94 degrees, Moscow at 18.6 degrees, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is kicking off a scorching day at 36.81 degrees. Istanbul had a warm morning at 27.31 degrees. Toronto is enjoying a cooler 18.17 degrees, and Mexico City a refreshing 13.86 degrees. Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam are all experiencing comfortable to cool weather, at 23.4, 19.9, and 20.65 degrees respectively, as they navigate their week.
It's clear that nations worldwide are writing their unique stories amidst diverse climates and time zones. Over the past week, 'The Beginning of Empathy' delved deep into Google Trends' economic search terms from 24 countries, uncovering common threads and unique challenges faced by each. It truly highlights how our vast global village interacts like a single, interconnected organism.
So, what were the most pressing economic issues dominating the global stage last week? And what points of Empathy can we discover within these trends? From the waves of technological innovation to the challenges of an aging society and shifts in industrial landscapes, join me as we explore what all these developments mean for our lives. This discussion is based on an in-depth analysis of the news articles from our weekly blog posts.
Firstly, the most powerful keywords that heated up global Google Trends last week were undeniably related to 'digital assets' and 'artificial intelligence'. In the United States, the passage of significant legislative steps like the 'Genius Act' and the 'Clarity Act' signaled a clear regulatory framework for virtual currencies, including stablecoins. This sent a strong message that this market is no longer a speculative phenomenon but is integrating into the mainstream financial system. This development, coupled with President Donald Trump's stated goal of making the U.S. the 'greatest digital asset nation on Earth,' contributed to pushing the overall value of the virtual currency market to unprecedented highs. Major digital currencies like XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum consistently broke new records in various countries, attracting immense investor interest. Notably, substantial institutional funds flowed into Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, further solidifying digital assets' position as a crucial part of regulated finance.
The expansion of the digital asset market transcends mere investment trends; it suggests the potential for new financial models. For instance, in Switzerland, the 'Martini Market,' a decentralized prediction platform, showcased how digital assets could be utilized for real-world event forecasting. Similarly, the news from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in Saudi Arabia, allowing court fees to be paid with their digital currency, the 'Aeecoin,' illustrates the extension of digital transformation into public services. However, innovation often casts shadows. Reports from Switzerland concerning online fraud using dropshipping, or Russia's worries about quantum computing advancements potentially threatening Bitcoin's security, remind us that user protection and enhanced security remain critical tasks alongside technological progress.
In the field of artificial intelligence, the actions of NVIDIA and ASML stood out. Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, described China as a 'unique market with vitality and innovative engineers,' emphasizing the importance of engagement in the Chinese market. Yet, the complex global technological competition is evident in the U.S. government's restrictions on exporting high-performance AI chips to China and subsequent policy adjustments. ASML, while reporting second-quarter net profits exceeding market expectations, cautioned about growth uncertainties in 2026, clearly revealing the impact of macroeconomic factors and geopolitical tensions on the semiconductor industry. Recognizing the profound influence of AI advancements on global economies and security, we can empathize with the need to find a balance between technological collaboration and strategic competition.
Next, a crucial common theme to observe is the 'sustainability of social security systems' and the 'challenges of an aging society.' In Poland, President-elect Karol Nawrocki announced significant changes to the pension and benefits reassessment system, aiming to pass legislation guaranteeing a minimum pension increase of 150 zlotys for low-income pensioners. This initiative seeks to genuinely protect seniors facing rising living costs. From Spain, news of a sharp increase in permanent disability pension recipients resurfaced concerns about the long-term viability of its pension system. In Türkiye, a 'dark news' story, as some called it, caused significant controversy: a Supreme Court ruling allowed banks to seize pensions, potentially jeopardizing retirees' livelihoods. Yet, at the same time, many banks offered temporary relief through pension promotions for retirees.
In Russia, a pension increase is anticipated in October, but it comes alongside projections of rising public service fees, suggesting the need to consider its impact on household budgets. In Mexico, an alarming illegal practice came to light: some companies were registering employees with the social security agency for less than their actual wages, which could severely impact their future pension benefits. The Netherlands reported that its elderly pension system faces financial pressures, and the government proactively sent direct letters to 200,000 households that hadn't applied for healthcare subsidies, demonstrating efforts to strengthen the social safety net. In Italy, news circulated about the August pension payment date and the introduction of an online statement verification system.
All these reports demonstrate that the world faces the universal challenge of an aging population, and various policy experiments and discussions are underway to ensure the sustainability of pension and social welfare systems. We can deeply empathize with governmental efforts to secure stable lives for the elderly and protect vulnerable social groups. It is crucial that we continue to seek solutions to build societies where all generations can live with confidence and security.
Amidst the shadow of a global economic slowdown, changes in 'industrial structure' and 'consumer trends' also form a significant common ground across nations. The news of Stellantis, a giant in the European automotive industry, reporting a substantial net loss exceeding 2.3 billion euros, came as a major shock in France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. This was a complex result of declining sales, increasing production costs, and the trade policies implemented by President Donald Trump. It vividly illustrates the immense difficulties traditional manufacturers face amid global trade barriers and new market competition, like the rise of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD. The struggles of these major companies impact related industries and employment markets worldwide, making it a shared global concern.
Conversely, there were success stories of companies rapidly adapting to new consumer trends. In Japan, Nitori's 'mid-switch refrigerators' gained immense popularity by precisely targeting the hidden needs of single-person households and seniors, showcasing the importance of consumer-centric innovation. Aeon Group, through a major renovation of its Aeon Mihara store in Hiroshima, transformed it into a 'store for three generations to enjoy together' and a 'community-friendly lifestyle platform,' exploring new avenues for brick-and-mortar retail. In Korea, credit card companies reignited competition for 'PLCC' or Private Label Credit Cards, and KB Kookmin Card's 'KB Teen Up Check Card' gained traction, indicating a growing trend in marketing that prioritizes consumer 'experience' and 'fun.' Even fast-food chains like Burger King made efforts to appeal to both 'value for money' and 'emotional satisfaction' by selling its 'Whopper' at a price from two decades ago. We can empathize with how businesses, in this era of high inflation, are continuously striving to stimulate consumer sentiment and revitalize local economies.
Environmental concerns and urban infrastructure expansion are also universal challenges. The large-scale wildfires in Ibi and Ávila, Spain, directly illustrate how climate change impacts our lives and economies, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative responses from governments and civil society. Measures like Thames Water's hosepipe ban in the UK and the completion of flood prevention work in Leuven, Belgium, showcase national efforts to combat water scarcity and flood damage. In Taichung, Taiwan, an unannounced 29-hour water outage affecting over 150,000 households underscored that the stable supply of essential resources like water and electricity is a critical indicator of a nation's resilience. This makes us deeply empathize with how crucial infrastructure issues directly affect citizens' daily lives.
In Blagoveshchensk, Russia, the construction of a 20-kilometer gas pipeline network notably prioritized eco-friendly efforts to minimize environmental damage. News of a service disruption on Hong Kong's MTR Tseung Kwan O Line during rush hour due to equipment malfunction highlighted the vital importance of urban transit system stability for citizens' lives. Similarly, reports of subway service suspensions and restrictions in Rome and Milan allowed us to empathize with these as unavoidable 'growth pains' necessary for urban infrastructure improvement. Such infrastructure investments are essential for enhancing residents' quality of life and long-term economic growth, thus requiring patience and cooperation from both governments and citizens.
International relations and geopolitical issues also remained ever-present. From Canada, news emerged that China began constructing the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, a border region with India, raising concerns about water security and the potential for cross-border resource allocation conflicts. This exemplifies how challenging it is for the world to find a balance between resource acquisition and environmental protection. News of a fire near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russia reiterated the global community's shared responsibility for nuclear safety and the urgent need for peaceful resolution efforts.
Considering all these developments, the future economy is predicted to evolve in several key directions. Firstly, digital assets will become more widely adopted and integrated into mainstream financial systems through clearer regulations and institutional investments. Secondly, competition in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology will intensify, boosting overall industrial efficiency and creating new jobs, while simultaneously fueling technological dominance rivalries between nations. Thirdly, the pressure on social security systems due to aging populations will be a global phenomenon, prompting countries to implement continuous and flexible policy adjustments for pension reform and social safety net strengthening. Fourthly, global trade policies and geopolitical tensions will continue to influence corporate operating environments and supply chains, leading traditional industries to seek survival and growth through innovation and diversification. Finally, addressing climate change and pursuing sustainable development will emerge as core issues directly linked to economic growth, rather than just environmental concerns.
Indeed, the world faces numerous challenges and opportunities simultaneously amidst waves of unpredictable change. Analyzing the major global news from the past week, I've once again felt how all these stories are ultimately interconnected with our lives. I hope that through the news articles from our weekly blog posts, we've gained a deeper understanding of current issues and global trends across various nations.
'The Beginning of Empathy' believes that finding common concerns and hopes within seemingly disparate stories, and listening attentively to each other's situations, is the first step towards creating a better world. I hope we can all understand these currents of change, empathize with one another, and collectively build a brighter future. Thank you, and I look forward to connecting with you in our next update.
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