How to start an investment conversation?

Weekly Investment Conversation Starters No. 131

Thanks for reading this newsletter, this week we talk about smart fabrics, how AI is changing e-commerce and the race to land (again) on the Moon.

Three ideas to start a thematic investment conversation

1. A smart fabric with temperature control ?????

Researchers developed a material for fabrics that adjusts to temperature.

2. AI tools in Google search could change e-commerce ?????

Google now shows ads for search queries with a commercial angle.

3. China reveals its lunar spacesuit for moon mission ??????

China's space agency reveals new lunar spacesuit, advancing its goal to land on the Moon.

1?? A smart fabric with temperature control

• Researchers have invented a material that can adjust based on temperature.
• Incorporated into fabrics, it allows clothes to manage temperature efficiently.

Why you should know?

1. This technology could transform everyday clothing into adaptable materials.
2. It could bring digital control and responsiveness to textiles.
3. For example: a sports bra might be tightened during exercise for better support.

How it does work?

• It is made from liquid crystal elastomer, a fibre responding to temperature changes.
• When heated, the crystal molecules misalign, causing the fibre to contract.
• When the heat is removed, the molecules realign, and the fibre returns to its original length.

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???? Investment Theme: Automation and Robotics

Automation is driving the fourth industrial revolution and transforming the future.

2?? AI tools in Google search could change e-commerce

• Google searches will now surface ads if questions have a “commercial angle”.
• And Google Lens will help you shop what you see from more than 45 billion products.
• This could change the way we shop online.

Why you should know?

1. AI powered searches will display relevant information instead of showing just a list of links.
2. Google aims to connect people with products and services when they need or see them.
3. Google Lens queries are now one of the fastest growing query types (20bn searches/month).

How does it work?

• This approach brings Gemini, the multi-modal LLM of Google, into its search engine.
• It aims to maintain valuable internet traffic to publishers and creators.
• Users can adjust the settings to simplify the language or explore more detailed breakdowns.

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???? Investment Theme: E-commerce

Thanks to smartphones, consumer behavior is changing and more goods are purchased online. The global e-commerce market is expected to grow over 10% annually over the next 10 years.

3?? China reveals its lunar spacesuit for moon mission

• China’s space agency unveiled its new lunar spacesuit.
• This marks a critical milestone in the country's space programme and its goal to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030.

Why you should know?

1. China plans for robotic missions on the Moon in 2026 and 2028 to prepare a research station.
2. Such “International" Lunar Research Station, for short human stays, could come by 2030.
3. They could beat the US in going to the Moon, as NASA's new suit is facing budget issues.

How does it work?

• The suit protects against harsh conditions: thermal environment, lunar dust, and radiation.
• It has a lightweight design for moon's low gravity, and allows squatting and bending.
• It is equipped with panoramic, anti-glare visor with cameras, and a chest control console.

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???? Investment Theme: Space Economy

A broader range of applications in communication and security, as well as new industries such as space mining, space manufacturing, space tourism and space-based solar power are set to drive strong growth over the decades ahead.

About Investment Conversation Starters

Hand-picked for relationship managers and investment advisors,?Weekly Investment Conversation Starters?is a series of ideas to start a conversation with clients, spark their curiosity and gauge their appetite for thematic investments.

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