7. AIIB heralds growth

The Asian Investment and Infrastructure Bank was formally set up in December and will start operations later this month.

The multilateral financial institution, which will support broad-based economic and social development in Asia, is anticipated to become an engine of economic growth.

Employment opportunities are expected to increase, enhancing living standards and well-being in Asia, which would generate positive effects in other parts of the world.

Analysts said for equity markets, the establishment of the AIIB will benefit certain sectors, such as infrastructure, logistics and agriculture as they will be the main focus areas of the AIIB during its early years.

In the long run, the bank's operations will improve people's incomes, upgrade production models, and drive sustainable development and consumption. They will boost market confidence and companies' performance.