What’s in the report:
- Ageing populations and rising dependency ratios are reshaping consumption patterns. Some sectors and regions will be beneficiaries of this dual transformation while others will face challenges unless they adapt.
- Automation and AI are not just addressing labour shortages but also driving productivity and creating new competitive advantages. Early adoption of these technologies will be critical to thrive.
- The ability to scale innovation and capture productivity gains depends on a third critical factor: infrastructure readiness, spanning digital infrastructure, skilled workforces and supportive policies.
- The best opportunities may well be found in sectors and regions combining the three key ingredients.
The sectors that can harness automation to meet the needs of ageing populations will be the ones that thrive. It’s a long-term transformation that will shape how capital is allocated, how productivity is measured, and ultimately, how growth is achieved.
| MAIN FINDINGS | IMPLICATIONS |
| Focus on structural shifts in global growth | Prioritise sectors like housing, healthcare, and food production benefitting from demographic and technological changes |
| Construct portfolios around themes that align with demographic demand and automation potential | Invest in companies leveraging AI, robotics, and serving ageing populations for growth and resilience |
| Tilt portfolios towards regions equipped to lead change | Target regions with sufficient technology-enabling infrastructure |
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The critical role of US debt sustainability
This first paper delves into the complexities of the US debt-to-GDP ratio, exploring its sustainability in the context of the United States' unique position in the global financial architecture and geopolitical order.
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BRICS+ and contested global leadership: implications for investment management
The second study of the Pictet Research Institute explores the rise of the BRICS+ coalition as a counterweight to the G7 amid shifting economic dynamics.
Explore the Pictet Research Institute
Launched at the beginning of 2024, the Pictet Research Institute focuses on producing research on long-term investment topics.
Pictet Research Institute Inaugural Symposium
Our research institute hosted an inaugural symposium in September 2025, bringing together leading academics and industry experts to explore macroeconomic, monetary, and geopolitical trends shaping global markets. The discussions highlighted how these structural shifts could influence investment strategies and long-term decision-making.