Markets

China’s automotive market is witnessing public spats between executives amid intense competition. Analysts suggest this shift reflects unsustainable price wars and squeezed margins. Car manufacturers are publicly criticizing rivals to shape perception, protect brand image, and maintain consumer interest. An industry expert underscores the importance of maintaining at least 20% gross profit margins for ethical and long-term business viability, crucial in the current cutthroat environment.

The Beijing Tax Bureau details the tax treatment of retirement income. Traditional pensions are exempt from individual income tax. Personal pension plans, capped at 12,000 yuan annual contributions with pre-tax deduction benefits, are taxed at a flat 3% rate upon withdrawal. This rate applies to the total withdrawal amount, including contributions and investment gains, promoting the utilization of these supplemental retirement schemes.

Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT) has acquired four Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen locations for $14.7 million. The net-leased properties, located in Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia, are corporate-operated with long-term, triple net leases. The acquisition, completed at a consistent cap rate, aligns with FCPT’s strategy of expanding its portfolio of quality restaurant and retail assets and securing reliable, long-term revenue.

Coherent Corp. will showcase its latest photonics innovations at Laser World of Photonics 2025 in Munich, June 24-27, 2025. Key highlights include a 600W excimer laser, new laser diodes, medical fiber lasers, and advancements in laser measurement. The company’s experts will also deliver keynote speeches and presentations on industry trends and challenges at the event.

Washington Trust has been named Rhode Island’s Best-In-State Bank for 2025 by Forbes, marking its seventh consecutive year on the list and third straight year in the top spot. This recognition reflects the bank’s commitment to customer satisfaction, trust, and innovative services, solidifying its leadership in the Rhode Island banking sector.

China is rapidly accelerating its transition to Ultra-High Definition (UHD) television. Guangdong and Shenzhen TV are launching 4K UHD channels on June 28th, accessible nationwide via cable and IPTV. By 2025, more major provincial broadcasters will follow suit. The State Administration of Radio and Television (SART) is coordinating the effort with the distribution of millions more UHD set-top boxes, while SD channels are being phased out, streamlining broadcasting and user experience.

Charter Communications (CHTR) will release its Q2 2025 financial and operating results on July 25, 2025. A press release will be issued at 7:00 a.m. ET, followed by a webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on the investor relations website, ir.charter.com. The company, operating under the Spectrum brand, provides broadband services to over 57 million homes and businesses in 41 U.S. states.

A Shenzhen dessert shop’s potential employee sparked controversy with a viral post detailing extreme working conditions: a 16-hour workday, two days off a month, and strict rules with penalties. The contract highlights labor rights concerns, particularly excessive work hours and questionable ethics. While management claims voluntary agreement, local authorities remind workers of their rights under existing labor laws, which mandate eight-hour workdays. The situation reflects growing scrutiny of worker protections in China.

In June 2025, CNBC reported that Mixue Bingcheng founders Zhang Hongchao and Zhang Hongfu topped the New Fortune 500 Rich List in China, with a net worth of 117.9 billion yuan. Their success story began with a small shaved ice stand and evolved into a global fast-food empire. A successful 2025 IPO and over 46,000 stores worldwide propelled them to become the richest individuals in Henan province, surpassing previous leaders.

Spectrum Reach helped Southside Market & Barbeque enhance its e-commerce reach by leveraging customer data with Customer Data Match. This enabled targeted video ad campaigns on diverse platforms, resulting in double-digit gains in key metrics. The technology allows local businesses to better target existing and similar prospects, achieving a 90% home address match rate, significantly exceeding industry standards. Spectrum Reach offers advanced advertising solutions, including the Audience Reach Optimizer and partnerships to help businesses of all sizes effectively target their audience.