Markets

Merck’s ENFLONSIA (clesrovimab-cfor), a new monoclonal antibody for RSV prevention in infants under eight months, has received a positive recommendation from the CDC’s ACIP. Approved by the FDA, ENFLONSIA aims to protect against RSV lower respiratory tract disease, with ordering for the 2025-2026 season starting in July. The standardized dose provides rapid, lasting protection for a typical five-month RSV season, with potential accessibility via the Vaccines for Children Program.

Honor Device Co., Ltd. has initiated its IPO on the A-share market, filing for guidance with the CSRC. The company restructured to a joint-stock entity in late 2024, a key step towards public listing. Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co., Ltd. holds a controlling stake. With the backing of multiple investors including China Mobile and China Telecom, Honor aims to fuel its strategic growth through public markets.

Verint Engage 2025, the annual CX Automation conference, will feature Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky as a keynote speaker. Ledecky will inspire attendees with her message, “Make the Impossible Possible,” and share insights on achieving peak performance, drawing parallels between her journey and business challenges. The conference, held in Orlando, Florida in September 2025, will focus on AI-driven CX and how leading brands are achieving stronger outcomes.

Xiaomi, under Lei Jun, accepted Tesla’s challenge to compare its YU7 with the refreshed Model Y. Acknowledging the Model Y’s market dominance, Lei Jun embraced the competition, emphasizing Xiaomi’s competitive spirit. This comes after Tesla’s recent Model Y upgrades, including aesthetic and comfort enhancements.

El Pollo Loco launches new quesadillas just in time for summer, featuring their fire-grilled chicken and free guacamole. Available in Creamy Chipotle and Salsa Verde flavors, they’re designed for easy on-the-go enjoyment. Customers can purchase a la carte or in a combo. Partnering with NBA star Dalton Knecht, El Pollo Loco also offers a “Dalton Dunk Quesadilla Challenge” for rewards members.

Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra launched to overwhelming success, selling out immediately. CEO Richard Yu confirmed “explosive” initial sales driven by high demand, prompting efforts to replenish stock. Early reviews praise the phone’s cutting-edge imaging system, particularly its unique “one-lens, dual-eye” telephoto setup and impressive durability features like Kunlun Glass. The device’s advanced specifications mark a significant advancement in mobile photography.

Xiaomi launched a slew of new products at its ecosystem event, with the MIX Flip 2 foldable phone being the highlight. President Lu Weibing aimed to redefine industry standards with its minimized crease, achieved through a new hinge design and a resilient 6.86-inch flexible glass screen. He also subtly criticized competitor models, highlighting superior features found in other Xiaomi products.

Lemon prices are soaring, with triple-digit increases reported in China. Wholesale prices have surged significantly due to increased demand, export volumes, and crop issues. This rise impacts both consumers and beverage businesses, with tea shops facing losses on lemon-infused drinks. Retail prices reflect this trend, and the high costs are projected to persist through summer.

Barksdale Resources plans an ambitious fall drill program at its Sunnyside project, aiming for a 67.5% ownership stake following promising spring drill results. The company’s focus is on copper mineralization, with potential to explore near-surface and deeper porphyry targets. Preliminary results confirmed copper, with the fall campaign seeking to quantify resources and satisfy earn-in requirements. Barksdale also recently moved to the OTCQB market.

Ubtech Robotics condemns third-party vendors modifying its robots. These vendors are integrating unauthorized AI into discontinued products, leading to aggressive and inappropriate behavior in live demonstrations, primarily on platforms like TikTok. Ubtech cites these modifications mislead consumers while posing risks to data security, consumer privacy, and contradicting its product design principles.