KPMG Valuations - Ireland are pleased to present our Quarterly Brief, a publication that offers objective market data, which will keep readers abreast of the latest developments in the relevant financial markets.
The second quarter of 2025 has been marked by geopolitical escalation, bold policy moves, and milestones in both technology and sport. On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a military operation targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure and senior officials, significantly intensifying tensions in the region. The conflict escalated further on June 22, as the United States joined the offensive under Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying over 125 aircraft and submarine-launched missiles to strike deeply fortified sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
In East Asia, a major political shake-up unfolded as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially removed from office after the constitutional court upheld his impeachment, initially passed in December 2024. On the diplomatic front, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo reached a preliminary peace agreement during U.S.-hosted talks in Washington. A formal signing is expected soon, with the Trump administration expressing hope that lasting peace could pave the way for long-delayed mineral cooperation, though similar deals in the past have often unravelled.
Meanwhile, in the United States, President Trump issued an executive order in May lifting most sanctions on Syria. The move included a 180-day waiver allowing temporary business with the Syrian government. However, restrictions targeting Bashar al-Assad and groups backing Syria’s armed forces remain in place and cannot be lifted without congressional action.
In the tech world, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of a new division focused on superintelligence, appointing AI wunderkind Alexandr Wang whose startup just received a $14 billion investment from Meta as its head. Zuckerberg also revealed that Meta had aggressively recruited top talent from rivals including OpenAI and Google, calling the initiative “the beginning of a new era for humanity.”
In parallel, Microsoft marked the end of an era on May 5 with the permanent shutdown of Skype, the pioneering video calling platform first launched in 2003.
In sports, Armand Duplantis once again made history on June 15, breaking his own world record in pole vaulting by clearing 6.28 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, surpassing the 6.27-meter record he had previously set.
Following the dynamic events of Q2 2025, we are pleased to present another edition of our Quarterly Brief, a publication that offers objective market data, which will keep readers abreast of the latest developments in the relevant financial markets.
We wish you all the best and look forward to discussing your questions regarding valuation trends and practices in 2025.
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Jim Calvert
Director
KPMG in Ireland
