Markets

Aris Mining (TSX: ARIS; NYSE-A: ARMN) reminds holders that its TSX warrants (ARIS.WT.A) expire July 29, 2025. These “in-the-money” warrants (C$5.50 exercise vs. C$9.46 share price) offer immediate value. Approximately 48.2% (28M warrants) have been exercised, generating C$77M. Exercising the remaining 30.2M warrants by the deadline could provide the company an additional C$83M. CEO Neil Woodyer stated this expiry completes capital structure simplification efforts. Warrant holders must act promptly and confirm their broker’s deadlines.

DeepSeek’s launch of its next-gen AI model R2 faces major delays due to data and hardware constraints, with user adoption plummeting to 3% from 50% earlier this year. The Chinese AI firm struggles to secure sufficient high-quality training data under domestic restrictions and faces GPU shortages, causing reliability issues like hallucinations. Despite operational challenges, DeepSeek has disrupted the global AI market through its open-source strategy, engaging over 1 million developers by offering accessible models. While its current setbacks highlight scaling difficulties, the company has already reshaped competitive dynamics against Western giants.

HKEX had its busiest trading day of 2025 on July 9, listing five companies and one ETF simultaneously. This marks a dramatic market recovery from 2023’s depressed IPO conditions, where valuations slumped and listings stalled. The recent debuts raised nearly HK$10 billion collectively. H1 2024 saw HK$106.7 billion raised from 40+ listings—a 689% YoY surge exceeding 2023’s full-year total. Cornerstone investors, involved in 36 of 42 recent IPOs covering 43.7% of funding, have seen significant returns, including HK$9.8 billion in paper gains from major listings like CATL and Mixue Bingcheng.

The Esports World Cup Foundation and IMG have launched “EWC Spotlight,” an immersive broadcast series from Riyadh during the 49-day gaming event. Featuring advanced AR technology and cinematic production, it delivers over 50 hours of elite competition coverage, including Post Malone’s live performance and celebrity crossovers, with a record $70 million prize pool. Distributed to 250+ million households globally via partners like Fox Sports and DAZN, it advances esports as mainstream entertainment, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion gaming strategy to drive significant viewership growth.

Jay Chou launched “周同学” on Douyin, gaining over 3 million followers **before posting any content**, showcasing immense influence. This follows his 2020 debut on Kuaishou (also as “Classmate Jay”), where followers exceeded 10 million in a week. Industry observers predict Douyin, with its larger user base, will likely surpass that benchmark. A key distinction noted is that his Douyin arrival sparks hopes for more direct artist-fan interaction compared to his team-managed Kuaishou presence. Fans and marketers anticipate potential authenticity.

Ge Huijie, former partner of singer Wang Feng, publicly disclosed undergoing an abdominal “sobriety implant” to treat alcohol addiction. The minimally invasive procedure places 10 naltrexone pellets under her skin, blocking alcohol’s euphoric effects for approximately 150 days and posing severe risks if alcohol is consumed. Although recognized as an emerging technological solution, medical experts caution that addiction is a chronic brain disorder requiring sustained therapy and support beyond the implant’s temporary effect. Her revelation highlights personal struggles and this medical approach’s limitations.

Diebold Nixdorf has deployed its Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at Kuwait International Bank (KIB), introducing hybrid banking solutions combining self-service efficiency with live teller video support. Operational at select branches ahead of nationwide rollout, the DN Series ITMs enable extended cash transactions, instant debit card issuance, check processing, and accessibility features. Implemented with Axis Solutions, the platform supports KIB’s digital transformation, enhancing customer engagement through 24/7 specialist access and compliance services. Executives highlight the ITMs’ role in advancing Kuwait’s banking infrastructure and meeting GCC demand for blended digital-human interfaces. This initiative aligns with KIB’s “Bank for Life” strategy, leveraging Diebold Nixdorf’s global expertise in branch modernization.

**Summary:** The US will impose 25% tariffs on all Japanese and South Korean imports starting August 1. This threatens global tech supply chains, especially memory chips where both nations dominate. Key exporters like Samsung, SK Hynix, Canon, Tokyo Electron, Renesas, and operations of US firms Micron/Western Digital face significant impact. Strict anti-circumvention rules and warnings against retaliation were issued. Companies manufacturing these goods within the US gain tariff exemption via expedited approvals.

Taobao Flash Sale’s July-launched ¥50 billion subsidy program significantly boosted consumption. Initial results showed restaurant brands achieving record sales, while 2,318 non-restaurant categories doubled orders. Non-restaurant orders surged 143%, indicating a structural demand shift. Responding to summer heat, appliance orders like air coolers soared over tenfold. Daily active users hit 200 million, translating to physical sales across numerous cities. The program drove a milestone of daily orders surpassing 80 million for the first time, significantly expanding the market. Furthermore, it attracted 140,000 new physical stores and helped over 210,000 existing stores double orders via its integrated platform, powerfully catalyzing service-led consumption growth nationwide.

Gray Media priced $900 million in 9.625% senior secured second lien notes maturing in 2032 at par, a $150 million increase from its initial target. The proceeds, upon closing July 18, 2025, will refinance its 7.000% 2027 notes, partially repay its 2029 Term Loan F, and cover fees. Guaranteed by restricted subsidiaries, the notes are being offered exclusively to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. investors.