Markets

Viral claims of DeepSeek’s usage collapsing from 50% to 3% are misleading. Data shows its peak was 6-7% on platforms like Poe, now near 3%—a 50% drop, not from 50%. Reports ignore its strategic shift: usage surged 20x via embedded third-party services (Tencent, Baidu, devices) despite direct API traffic dip. Prioritizing AGI research over commercial optimization, DeepSeek’s future hinges on next-gen models, not cherry-picked stats. (98 words)

PepsiCo partnered with streetwear brand Samii Ryan to launch a limited-edition Pepsi Wild Cherry capsule collection. Merging Y2K nostalgia with rodeo-inspired fashion, the line features denim jackets, graphic tees, and accessories adorned with cherry-red accents and reimagined Pepsi branding. Available exclusively online through SamiiRyan.com and select retailers for summer 2025, the collection blends beverage heritage with contemporary street style. Ryan stated it reflects shared values of joy and authenticity through bold design.

TikTok creator “The Jungle Pups” claimed ownership of a unique £20,000, 24-karat gold Labubu figurine, betting on its rising value. Her viral video sparked skepticism over authenticity. She showcased magnet tests and a “gold detector,” and later revealed rare emerald, diamond, and pink diamond variants to bolster her claims. However, attempts to verify these gemstones with a suspicious “gem detector,” which beeped like a common phone ringtone, fueled online mockery and disbelief. Her efforts highlighted the blend of digital spectacle, luxury culture, and satirical content.

ZenaTech (ZENA) qualifies under new Pentagon expedited drone procurement policy eliminating Green/Blue UAS certification requirements. Following a July 2025 directive reclassifying Group 1-2 drones as expendable assets, commanders can now directly purchase ZenaTech’s combat-ready portfolio (ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square, IQ Nano) for training and missions. The policy mandates experimental unit adoption by September 2025, squad-level use in FY2026, and full DoD training integration by 2027. AI-enabled drone capabilities include operations in GPS-denied areas. While accelerating market access, the expendable classification may pressure pricing and invite competition.

**CNBC, July 11:** China cracked down on 3,008 fraudulent accounts impersonating state entities like news outlets, government agencies, and SOEs for false advertising, counterfeit sales, and disrupting public order. Enforcement targeted fake news (e.g., “Dynamic News”), forged education bodies (e.g., “Anhui Education Exam”), unauthorized tourism ambassadors (e.g., “Rizhao Cultural Tourism”), and fake postal services (e.g., “Postal Selections”). Platforms must boost verification and reporting systems amid ongoing regulatory pressure. (99 Words)

Analysts boosted AMD’s stock to ‘buy’ with a $200 target, citing its MI350 AI chips as a strong Nvidia competitor. Increased optimism centers on the MI350’s performance rivaling Nvidia’s Blackwell and higher-than-expected pricing, with the MI355 model now projected to sell for $25,000. HSBC significantly raised AMD’s projected 2026 AI chip revenue to $15.1 billion (up from $9.6B). The positive outlook drove AMD’s stock up 4.15% recently.

Creative Medical Technology (CELZ) secured USPTO patent allowance through 2040 for its ImmCelz™ therapy targeting heart failure and post-heart attack damage. The treatment, delivered via minimally invasive outpatient procedure, addresses a potential US patient population exceeding 11 million. While this significantly broadens the company’s regenerative medicine IP portfolio, the therapy remains in development and lacks FDA approval or current revenue.

**Concise English Summary (100 words):**

Apple plans early 2026 launches of affordable devices to boost demand. Updates include refreshed entry-level iPads and iPad Air (featuring M4 chip) around March/April, an M5 iPad Pro in October, and the budget iPhone 17e with A19 chip—signaling annual refreshes for entry-tier iPhones. MacBook Pro (14-inch/16-inch) M5 models and new MacBook Airs, initially delayed, are now slated for H1 2026. Apple will also debut its first new Mac external display since 2022. A postponed smart home hub may release by mid-2026, dependent on Siri’s overhaul. Overall strategy extends momentum from fall 2024 product introductions.

Milestone Pharmaceuticals announced an underwritten public offering of common shares with Series A and Series B warrants, plus pre-funded warrants for certain investors. Proceeds will primarily fund the clinical development and U.S. commercial launch of its PSVT treatment candidate, etripamil, while covering working capital. TD Cowen, Piper Sandler, and Wells Fargo Securities are joint bookrunners, with H.C. Wainwright as lead manager. This financing supports Milestone’s transition toward commercialization, though it may dilute existing shareholders.

**Zurich China paid a landmark $40 million settlement** for a product liability claim. A US child suffered permanent injuries in 2022 after swallowing a button battery from a defective Chinese-manufactured air conditioner remote insured by Zurich. As the excess layer insurer, Zurich settled the original $125.2M lawsuit to avoid a potentially higher US jury verdict. Completed in June 2025 (~¥141M), the payment impacted profits but left the insurer financially sound. This record settlement starkly highlights the catastrophic liability risks in markets like the US and the need for robust safety and tailored insurance for exporters.