Markets

Automakers promote ADAS, but experts stress these Level 2 systems are driver *aids*, not autonomous replacements. Drivers must remain engaged, bearing responsibility for accidents unless product defects are proven. Simulations revealed ADAS failures in critical scenarios: only 47% of vehicles avoided a highway collision with a truck obstruction at night, and only 58% stopped for a child darting into the road. V2X integration is seen as the future beyond current L2 limitations.

Expro launched its BRUTE® High-Pressure, High Tensile Packer System on July 23, 2025, designed for extreme deepwater conditions. The system allows equipment to be set higher in the wellbore, reducing rig time and risk. Paired with the BRUTE® 2 Storm Valve, it offers a robust solution. Following a successful deployment of the 12.25” system, Expro is introducing a 20”/22” Packer System to address issues with high-pressure wellhead housings, increasing expansion capacity for casing testing and suspension. Initial deployments have validated the system’s pressure integrity and performance.

In 2018, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang proposed a collaboration with Samsung encompassing HBM, advanced process node development, and CUDA advancement. Reportedly rejected due to Samsung’s internal challenges, this decision allowed Nvidia to partner with SK Hynix for HBM, a lucrative alliance that saw SK Hynix’s share price surge. Meanwhile, Samsung now lags in HBM production and the AI chip foundry market, dominated by TSMC for Nvidia’s chips. Samsung is now trying to catch up, aiming for HBM4 contracts.

The Quark Health LLM has become the first domestic AI model in China to pass written evaluations for 12 core medical disciplines at the Chief Physician level. Integrated into Quark’s AI search, this “Chief Physician-level AI doctor” provides advanced diagnostic assistance. The LLM, built on Tongyi Qianwen, excels in complex medical challenges due to its “slow-thinking” abilities mimicking experienced physicians’ reasoning. With support from medical experts and a robust data system, Quark’s AI search platform is widely used by medical students.

TotalEnergies and CMA CGM are partnering in a 50/50 JV to develop LNG bunkering in Rotterdam. The JV includes a new 20,000 m³ LNG bunker vessel by 2028 and aims to offer seamless logistics in the ARA region. TotalEnergies will supply CMA CGM with up to 360,000 tons of LNG annually from 2028-2040, supporting CMA CGM’s Net Zero Carbon goal and dual-fuel LNG-powered fleet expansion. The collaboration will enhance LNG delivery and operational efficiency, furthering decarbonization in maritime transport.

China dominates global watermelon production, accounting for 60% of global output. This contrasts sharply with South Korea, where watermelons are considered a luxury. Recent heatwaves in South Korea have caused watermelon prices to surge, reaching approximately $22 USD each, a 36.5% increase year-over-year. Analysts predict further price increases, highlighting the disparity in watermelon affordability and availability between the two countries and raising questions about trade and climate change impacts on agricultural markets.

A social media storm erupted after Wei Miaomiao, wife of Jiangxi RunTian Mineral Water’s founder Huang Angen, alleged “family scandals” involving multiple wives and children. She also claimed connections to pre-IPO companies. RunTian has since disavowed any ties to Huang and Wei. Investigations revealed Huang exited RunTian a decade ago and the company underwent restructuring, becoming state-controlled. Wei claims the dispute centers on unpaid debt from a 2014 restructuring agreement, leaving Huang labeled a defaulter with millions in debt. RunTian Beverage’s business license was revoked in 2020.

A 158-year-old British transportation firm, Knights of Old (KNP), has ceased operations after a ransomware attack stemming from a weak employee password. Hackers encrypted critical data, demanding a £5 million ransom which KNP couldn’t afford. Despite having cyberattack insurance, the damage was catastrophic, with all data, servers, and backups compromised. The UK’s NCSC is working to combat the rising threat of ransomware, which averages around £4 million in demands for UK companies. The incident resulted in approximately 700 job losses.

PayPal unveils “PayPal World,” a platform connecting global payment systems and digital wallets, starting with PayPal and Venmo interoperability, linking nearly two billion users. Launch partners include Mercado Pago, NPCI, Tenpay Global. It allows users to pay international businesses with their local wallet and currency, and businesses to reach a broader audience with existing infrastructure. The tech-agnostic platform supports future wallet expansion and agentic shopping with AI.

China has officially recognized “Rural Collective Economic Managers” as a new profession, crucial for rural revitalization. Tencent’s “WeVillage Common Prosperity Village” project, which focuses on cultivating “Village CEOs,” aligns with this new role. This project, in collaboration with China Agricultural University, has trained approximately 66,000 individuals across 309 counties. These managers are tasked with unlocking village resources, boosting collective income, and driving rural prosperity using tools like WeChat, fostering digital empowerment and new rural development models. Tencent aims to continue supporting this role’s development.