Business
Younger Generations Drive Investment Growth In Southeast Asia
Ashi Sae Yang/iStock via Getty Images

By Neil Pabari
Urbanization and an expanding middle class with higher levels of disposable income have long been drivers of the growth in retail investment across Southeast Asia. Now, a new investor segment is emerging.
Young people in Southeast Asia are rapidly becoming a major investment force, transforming the region’s financial landscape through a combination of digital adoption, increased financial literacy and a desire to invest in alternative assets such as cryptocurrencies.
Not only are younger investors an important demographic in terms of numbers, but they could soon have a higher level of wealth to invest as they inherit money. An estimated $5.8 trillion is expected to change hands in Southeast Asia by 2030 in the largest inter-generational wealth transfer the region has ever seen. Given the growing interest in investing, a significant portion of this wealth may end up in financial markets.
Indonesia exemplifies this market shift, with capital market investors rising to 22.97 million – 99.76% of whom are retail investors. Notably, over 12.5 million of these investors (54.69%) are aged 30 or younger and those under 40 account for 79%. Retail investors of all ages now account for 50% of stock market trading volumes.
Malaysia is seeing a similar pattern, with 53% of retail investors under age 45, according to research published by the country’s stock exchange, Bursa Malaysia. Meanwhile, those under 30 accounted for more than 50% of new investment accounts opened in the past five years.
Anecdotal evidence suggests Thailand and Vietnam are seeing the same trend. In Thailand, one survey showed that six out of 10 members of Gen Z said they invested money every month, while in Vietnam investors under 30 accounted for 56% of new accounts opened at wealthtech platform Techcom Securities in the first half of 2025.
This rapid growth is contributing to a broader regional story. Net wealth in Asia-Pacific (excluding China) grew 6% between 2024 and 2025 to $92 trillion. By 2030 it is expected to reach $121 trillion, according to a recent report from Boston Consulting Group – with implications throughout the region and beyond.
Exploring Different Asset Classes
While young investors are putting money into more traditional assets, such as equities and bonds, they are also showing an openness to alternative assets.
Around 75% of cryptocurrency investors in Indonesia are between 18 and 35, according to Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti). In Malaysia, younger investors are also more likely than older generations to hold alternative assets, with 23% of both Gen Z and Millennials holding cryptocurrency – an asset that fails to appear in the top five asset classes favored by Gen X (ages 45 to 61).
This trend is also being reflected in derivatives market activity. With a global retail customer base exceeding 600,000 served by over 130 brokers. Retail participation in CME Group markets from the wider Asia-Pacific region has grown 16% in the last five years, with heightened regional activity this year in precious metals and oil futures.
Data, Mobile Access and Technology Key to Adoption
The democratization of advanced trading analytics combined with social learning and improved educational resources is further accelerating the adoption of a wider family of trading and investing instruments.
Easy access to markets through mobile-first trading apps and AI-backed investment advisors is also increasingly pervasive across Asia. In Indonesia, investment apps, such as Ajaib, Bibit and Stockbit, which offer low-minimum investments and, in some cases, robo-advice and social networking features, are particularly popular with young investors. AI is gaining traction in Malaysia, with 62% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials utilizing tools like smart budgeting apps and financial chatbots. Global brokers are increasingly applying to serve this market, bolstering competition and bringing different technology and functionality to users.
At the more sophisticated end of the spectrum of experience, CME Group data shows a noticeable increase in the use of automated trading strategies by retail traders across Asia. Previously the preserve of institutional investors, a small but significant minority of retail investors have been acquiring market data feeds via API to implement algorithmic strategies responsive to specific data signals.
Social media is another meaningful investment driver for retail investors. Surveys show that Millennials and Gen Z often trust the fin-fluencers they follow as much or more than traditional financial advisors. In Malaysia, a financial literacy study found 68% of people across all age groups admitted using social media as their primary source of financial learning.
Meanwhile, the Indonesia Stock Exchange has recognized the power of social media as a way to reach young people and is harnessing it to promote financial literacy, carrying out 17,575 capital market education activities through social media channels in 2025, alongside in-person sessions and webinars.
Market Implications
The growth in young, sometimes inexperienced, investors has significant implications for the market. Younger investors tend to be more likely to invest in higher-risk assets in their search for returns, making education absolutely critical.
Technology has improved education for traders who are new to products like futures and options. For example, users are increasingly using simulated trading environments like that offered by CME Group. These offer a safe way to learn about the products and test their strategies. This tool was the first simulation environment of its kind offered in Korean, with over a thousand traders using it to complete the local trading certification requirements.
Their willingness to embrace digital platforms is a spur for innovation, and their openness to new and alternative asset classes, coupled with appropriate education, contributes to increased liquidity.
With growing participation levels and the prospect of significant wealth transfer in the coming years, younger investors look set to continue playing an increasingly important role in the region’s markets, with implications for market participants everywhere.
Editor’s Note: The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors.
Business
Buy or Sell the Permian Royalty Giant?
NEW YORK — Texas Pacific Land Corp. remains one of the most distinctive investment vehicles in the energy sector in 2026, offering pure exposure to the Permian Basin through its vast royalty acreage and minimal operational costs. As of early June, with shares trading around $390, investors continue to debate whether the stock deserves a buy rating or if current valuations warrant caution.
Texas Pacific Land reported solid first-quarter results, with revenue of $236.8 million and net income of $142.9 million. Oil and gas royalty revenue reached $118.2 million, supported by steady production volumes. The company’s water services segment also contributed meaningfully, reflecting successful diversification efforts beyond traditional oil and gas royalties.
The company controls approximately 881,000 surface acres and significant net royalty interest in the heart of the Permian, one of the most prolific oil regions globally. This ownership structure allows TPL to collect royalties from operators without bearing drilling or development costs, delivering some of the highest profit margins in the industry.
Analysts are generally constructive. Several maintain Buy ratings with price targets ranging from the mid-$400s to above $600, suggesting meaningful upside potential. The average target implies room for growth, though some view the current multiple as demanding given dependence on energy prices.
Bullish arguments center on structural advantages. The Permian continues to see robust drilling activity with longer laterals and efficiency gains. TPL’s royalty production has expanded steadily. Its water business is poised for further growth amid rising demand for produced water handling and recycling in the arid basin.
Emerging opportunities in data centers, power infrastructure and renewable energy leasing on its surface acreage could open new revenue streams. With massive contiguous land holdings, TPL is well-positioned to benefit from the electricity demands of AI and hyperscale computing in West Texas.
The balance sheet remains pristine with no debt and substantial cash, supporting land acquisitions, dividends and potential share repurchases. Management has demonstrated disciplined capital allocation while returning value to shareholders.
Risks remain significant. TPL’s performance is closely tied to oil and gas prices and drilling activity levels. While royalties provide leverage without cost inflation, commodity volatility can pressure results and the stock price. Recent energy market softness has contributed to share price pullbacks.
Valuation concerns are prominent. Shares trade at premiums that assume continued strong activity and successful execution on diversification. Any slowdown in operator capital spending or delays in new initiatives could weigh on performance. Regulatory and environmental factors in the Permian also introduce uncertainty.
For investors considering a buy position, the long-term thesis centers on scarcity value and multi-decade resource potential. TPL’s land portfolio is difficult to replicate, and improving efficiencies among operators should drive royalty growth. Those with higher risk tolerance and a bullish view on energy demand may find current levels attractive for accumulation.
Sellers or those on the sidelines may prefer waiting for a better entry point or trimming on strength. While the company’s fundamentals are solid, near-term headwinds from energy prices and elevated multiples could limit upside in the coming months. Technical indicators show mixed signals following recent consolidation.
Broader market context matters. Oil prices above $70 per barrel generally support positive scenarios, while sustained activity from major producers underpins royalty income. The energy transition narrative poses longer-term questions, although TPL’s land assets offer flexibility for alternative uses.
Institutional ownership remains high, reflecting confidence among large investors. Recent earnings beats demonstrate operational resilience. However, concentration risk in a single geographic basin requires careful portfolio positioning.
Investment decisions should consider time horizon and risk tolerance. Long-term buyers focused on energy exposure and high-margin cash flow may lean toward accumulating shares on dips. Shorter-term traders might exercise caution amid commodity volatility.
TPL continues to execute on strategic initiatives, including targeted land acquisitions that enhance its royalty position. Management commentary has emphasized disciplined growth and shareholder returns, reinforcing confidence in the business model.
As the year progresses, key catalysts include quarterly production updates, potential new partnerships in water and surface development, and overall Permian activity levels. Oil price trends and macroeconomic factors will also influence sentiment.
Diversification across energy subsectors or pairing TPL with other assets can help manage volatility. For those comfortable with commodity exposure, the company’s asset quality and operating leverage provide a compelling profile in the current environment.
Ultimately, Texas Pacific Land represents a high-quality, differentiated play on the Permian Basin. While not without risks, its royalty model, strong balance sheet and growth opportunities support a generally favorable outlook for patient investors. Those considering positions should weigh current valuations against long-term potential and maintain disciplined risk management.
The coming quarters will test whether TPL can sustain momentum amid fluctuating energy markets while capitalizing on diversification efforts. For now, the stock remains a core holding candidate for those bullish on American energy production and infrastructure needs.
Business
Canada’s Big Banks: Are They Really That Cyclical?
The big six Canadian banks are up more than 50% over the last 12 months, outperforming the closest comparable sectors. Mario Mendonca, Managing Director at TD Cowen, explores why Canadian banks are outperforming and may not be as vulnerable to credit cycles as in the past.
Transcript
Kim Parlee: Over the last year, the big six Canadian banks are up more than 54%, outperforming most financial sector comparables. And after the last set of earnings, my next guest is asking the question, are the banks really that cyclical? Here to break it all down for us is Mario Mendonca. He is managing director at TD Cowen.
Great to have you here.
Mario Mendonca: Thank you.
Kim Parlee: Great report. We usually spend a lot of time talking about individual banks, but this is really a bigger question, I think, for all the banks. Maybe I’ll just start with a big question saying, why are you asking this question?
Mario Mendonca: Bank valuations are at very high levels. There are three, four, perhaps even more valuation metrics I use to gauge absolute and relative valuation. All of them are pointing to extremely high valuations. In fact, we’re looking at things like 24-year highs in certain metrics, all-time highs in others.
And when valuation becomes this stretched, we can only go one of two ways. You can either conclude that something’s changed, something’s different this time, or they’re going to come tumbling down, that this is unrealistic.
And I think a lot of the investors I speak to are grappling with that issue. So I spent time in this report trying to answer the question for myself and for investors.
Kim Parlee: So you actually– I’m going to bring your report right back to you. But you have– basically, there’s some basic reasons why we could
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VanEck is a global asset management firm offering ETFs, mutual funds, private funds, model portfolios, institutional strategies, separately managed accounts, as well as UCITS funds. Since our founding in 1955, putting our clients’ interests first, in all market environments, has been at the heart of the firm’s mission. VanEck has a long history of looking beyond financial markets to spot trends that create meaningful investment opportunities. We were one of the first U.S. asset managers to give investors access to international markets, which set the tone for identifying asset classes and themes such as gold investing in 1968, emerging markets in 1993, and exchange traded funds in 2006 that later helped shape the investment industry. The firm oversees $161.7 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025. Disclosures: http://ow.ly/SZ9450N5qTJ.
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