Markets

The World Humanoid Robot Games 2025 commenced in Beijing, featuring humanoid robots in athletic competitions. Unitree Robotics’ H1 excelled in the 1500-meter race, achieving a leading time of 7 minutes 10 seconds. Shandong Ubtech’s “Walker Taishan” also drew attention after losing an arm mid-race, yet it remarkably finished, earning applause for its perseverance. CNBC AI News will provide continued coverage of the event.

Amidst challenging market conditions for restaurants, a multi-platform food delivery environment is emerging, empowering brands like Xin Faxian to reclaim control. This shift breaks traffic monopolies, granting restaurants increased visibility and access to new customers. Platforms compete on service and data transparency, fostering a healthier delivery ecosystem. Xin Faxian leverages these platforms for tailored marketing and product strategies, focusing on fresh ingredients and seasonal offerings, driving revenue and brand discovery. This competition marks a move towards a sustainable, high-quality delivery era for the restaurant industry.

Haier solidifies its global refrigerator leadership, holding 47% of the China market share (Jan-Jul 2025) and retaining its top-selling global brand title for the 17th year. Its dominance stems from continuous innovation, topping global invention patent publications for the 7th year (2024). Addressing specific regional needs, Haier’s technologies like triple independent cooling in Europe and dry zone preservation in Southeast Asia drive market success. Haier also leads in international standards, developing the first IEC standard for refrigerator preservation, impacting the global industry.

A Chinese couple sued an auto manufacturer for 2 million yuan after their son died from head compression caused by a faulty car seat. The Shanghai court rejected their claim of a design defect and inadequate warnings, sparking online debate. The court emphasized parental responsibility for child safety. Experts highlight that parents bear the primary responsibility for ensuring their children’s safety, saying the lawsuit reflects a commitment to fairness and justice, preventing product liability from shielding parental negligence.

Clarivate has partnered with the University of Melbourne to revolutionize its library systems. Clarivate will provide a comprehensive suite of solutions, including Alma, Primo, Leganto, and Rapido, to create an efficient and user-friendly library platform. This aims to empower library users, optimize operations, and bolster data-driven decision-making, ultimately enhancing teaching, learning, and research. The University of Melbourne aims to align itself with leading institutions globally by implementing this integrated system.

*Fortune* magazine’s “100 Most Influential Business Leaders Globally” list for 2025 is topped by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Chinese business leaders made a strong showing, with 11 representatives, including BYD’s Wang Chuanfu (5th). Xiaomi’s Lei Jun (16th) is highlighted for Xiaomi’s successful entry into the EV market with the SU7, surpassing Apple in this domain. Xiaomi aims to ship 350,000 cars this year, driven by a significant investment following their brief inclusion on a U.S. trade blacklist in 2021.

Elon Musk revealed X (formerly Twitter) now operates with only 1200 employees, a significant reduction from the “a little under 8,000” when he acquired the company. This confirms the drastic cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs, implemented since 2022. Musk attributes the cuts to previous mismanagement. X has also reportedly converted office spaces into dormitories, highlighting a unique work environment and raising questions about employee well-being.

Amaze Holdings (AMZE) reported a significant 1134% revenue increase to $0.87M in Q2 2025, fueled by 200M storefront visits and 12M active creators. GMV reached $3.77M with a $50 AOV. Despite growth, the company experienced a $5.0M net loss due to increased SG&A expenses. Management anticipates sequential revenue growth in Q3/Q4 2025 and potential short-term profitability. Strategic partnerships and new platform features aim to solidify long-term success.

Qfin Holdings (NASDAQ: QFIN) reported Q2 2025 results, with total net revenue of RMB5,215.9 million (US$728.1 million) and Non-GAAP net income of RMB1,849.0 million (US$258.1 million). Loan facilitation volume increased 16.1% YoY to RMB84,609 million and outstanding loan balance rose 13.4% YoY to RMB140,080 million. The platform connects 165 financial institutions and serves 275.8 million users. Despite challenges, Qfin maintained a 93.8% repeat borrower rate and optimized its business mix with 41.4% of loan volume under a capital-light model.

A 35cm curb in Salisbury, UK, nicknamed “The Car Killer,” has become a viral sensation due to frequent vehicle damage. Drivers cite flawed design, filing compensation claims and creating an online group to share experiences. The curb, intended to improve pedestrian safety, has ironically increased accidents, especially on a tight corner near the train station. Local authorities plan to modify the road layout to reduce accidents. Parallels are drawn to a ridiculed road marking scheme implemented in Pennsylvania.