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Mercer projects a 4.0% average salary increase in China for 2026, up from 3.8% in 2025. Their *Total Remuneration Survey 2026* indicates a positive shift in company sentiment regarding salary adjustments. Individual performance and market competitiveness remain key drivers. High-tech is expected to lead with 4.9% growth, while consumer goods and automotive lag. First-tier cities anticipate increases aligning with the national average. A softening in talent mobility suggests a more stable labor market. Companies are advised to align compensation with strategic priorities.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) suspended operations at its Kingston and Montego Bay airports in Jamaica due to Hurricane Melissa. The closures, effective October 25th and 26th respectively, have halted passenger traffic. In the first nine months of 2025, the Jamaican airports contributed 11.0% of GAP’s total passenger traffic and 8.8% of consolidated EBITDA. GAP is assessing damage and collaborating with authorities to restore services and facilitate humanitarian aid. The company will provide updates on damage assessments and the timeline for resuming operations.

Renasant Corporation (RNST) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share, payable on January 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 18, 2025. The dividend increased by $0.01, signaling the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders despite economic challenges. This decision reflects the bank’s stability and optimism regarding its financial health. Renasant, a Southeast-based financial institution with assets of approximately $26.7 billion, operates as Renasant Bank.

OraSure Technologies appointed Steven K. Boyd to its Board as a Class II director and named Jack Kenny as Board Chair, succeeding Mara Aspinall. The board now has seven directors, six independent, with three new independent directors added in the past three years. These changes aim to drive profitable growth, innovation, and shareholder value, building on a strengthened balance sheet and improved profitability by focusing on diagnostics and sample management. Boyd’s experience in healthcare investment and Kenny’s diagnostics background are expected to contribute to the company’s strategic direction.

QNB Corp. (QNBC) reported Q3 2025 net income of $3.65M ($0.98 diluted EPS), with YTD net income up 20.4% to $10.11M ($2.72 diluted EPS). Results include $519K in merger costs. Key drivers include rising net interest income and loan growth. QNB is acquiring Victory Bancorp, creating a company with ~$2.4B in assets. Non-performing loans increased to $8.95M.

Almonty Industries Inc. (ALM) will acquire U.S. Tungsten Inc., granting exclusive rights to the Gentung Browns Lake Tungsten Project in Montana for $9.75 million. Production is anticipated by late 2026, benefiting from existing infrastructure in a historically significant tungsten district. Almonty also agreed to purchase a corporation holding key assets for the project for $250,000. The acquisition aligns with the U.S. strategic imperative to diversify its critical minerals supply, bolstering Almonty’s position as a global tungsten concentrate supplier.

NexMetals (TSXV:NEXM, Nasdaq:NEXM) launched a C$65 million public offering of Units (upsized from C$50M due to demand) at C$5.70 each. Each Unit contains one share and a warrant exercisable at C$8.00 for 24 months. Proceeds will prepay a contingent milestone for Selebi/Selkirk, advance Botswana development, and bolster working capital. Closing is expected around November 13, 2025. The offering includes a 15% over-allotment option and 6% agents’ fees, raising potential dilution concerns.

Adobe unveiled significant AI-powered updates to Creative Cloud at Adobe MAX, enhancing Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere, and Illustrator. New features include an AI Assistant in Photoshop for task automation and personalized recommendations, and AI-powered capabilities in Firefly Boards for expedited ideation. The updates leverage diverse AI models, including Firefly Image Model 5 and partner models, to provide creative professionals with greater control, precision, and efficiency, addressing the rising demand for digital content. Adobe emphasizes an ethical, creator-centric approach to AI development.

Orkin’s annual “Top 50 Rattiest Cities” list reveals Los Angeles dethroned Chicago after a decade at No. 1, followed by New York. The shift reflects factors like warm weather and abundant resources, fostering rodent survival. Rankings are based on new rodent service requests. Cities like San Francisco and those in California show a strong rodent presence. Prevention, including eliminating entry points and managing food sources, is crucial. Orkin, founded in 1901, is a leader in pest control, emphasizing proactive measures influenced by local conditions.

SonicStrategy Inc., a Spetz Inc. subsidiary, reports significant Sonic token generation and network exposure. Since September 16, 2025, validators minted ~760,000 Sonic tokens (~$129,000 USD). As of October 24, 2025, holdings include 140.5M self-staked Sonic (~$24.7M USD), and total exposure reaches ~171M tokens (~$30.1M USD). Enterprise-grade validator infrastructure ensures network security. Annual staking revenue is projected at ~$1.19M USD. Hosting is currently provided at no cost by Sonic Labs under an informal agreement.