Markets

JD.com and Shanghai delivery riders reached a landmark agreement, brokered by the trade union, guaranteeing full-time riders a minimum income of 5,000 RMB/month for their first three months and hourly rates of at least 25 RMB for contract workers. Key provisions include daily work hour caps at 11 hours with rest reminders, algorithm adjustments to extend delivery times in challenging conditions, speed limits of 25 km/h, provision of 50,000 smart helmets, and work suspensions during extreme weather. (94 words)

First Bancshares (FBSI) reported Q2 2025 net income of $1.82 million ($0.75 per diluted share), up from $1.63 million ($0.67/share) in Q2 2024. Profitability metrics were strong with a 1.36% ROA and 11.82% ROE. Total assets grew $27.3 million YoY to $544.1 million, driven by a $13 million increase in cash equivalents, a $15.9 million rise in net loans ($445.3M), and a $13.4 million deposit surge ($468.3M). A $7.5 million portion of asset growth stemmed from arbitrage activities. Shareholders’ equity increased $6.3 million to $62.3 million. The Bank remains “well-capitalized.”

FirstCash Holdings settled with the CFPB over Military Lending Act violations, agreeing to pay $5-7 million in consumer redress and a $4 million penalty. The company will introduce specialized pawn lending products for U.S. military personnel. This $9-11 million settlement resolves regulatory disputes and will impact Q2 2025 financial results. Despite maintaining disagreements with the CFPB’s interpretation, CEO Rick Wessel emphasized commitment to military families. Operating over 3,000 pawn stores globally, FirstCash’s core business remains collateral-based lending for credit-constrained consumers. Judicial approval of the settlement is pending. (98 words)

Coca-Cola Consolidated (NASDAQ: COKE) declared a $0.25 per share quarterly dividend for Q3 2025, payable August 8 to shareholders of record by July 25. As the largest U.S. Coca-Cola bottler, it distributes over 300 beverage brands to 60 million consumers across 14 states and Washington D.C. Consistent dividends reflect its financial stability and dominant market position through exclusive bottling rights and extensive distribution reach. (66 words)

**Summary:**
Hyperscale Data (NYSE: GPUS) achieved 36 consecutive monthly dividend payments for its 13% Series D Preferred Stock ($0.270833 monthly per share). Management reaffirmed commitment to these distributions. The company is strategically pivoting to focus solely on data center operations via subsidiary Sentinum. It will spin off its subsidiary Ault Capital Group (involving lending, AI software, etc.) by December 2025, with Series F holders eligible to exchange shares. Bitcoin mining may continue within Sentinum.

Viral claims of DeepSeek’s usage collapsing from 50% to 3% are misleading. Data shows its peak was 6-7% on platforms like Poe, now near 3%—a 50% drop, not from 50%. Reports ignore its strategic shift: usage surged 20x via embedded third-party services (Tencent, Baidu, devices) despite direct API traffic dip. Prioritizing AGI research over commercial optimization, DeepSeek’s future hinges on next-gen models, not cherry-picked stats. (98 words)

PepsiCo partnered with streetwear brand Samii Ryan to launch a limited-edition Pepsi Wild Cherry capsule collection. Merging Y2K nostalgia with rodeo-inspired fashion, the line features denim jackets, graphic tees, and accessories adorned with cherry-red accents and reimagined Pepsi branding. Available exclusively online through SamiiRyan.com and select retailers for summer 2025, the collection blends beverage heritage with contemporary street style. Ryan stated it reflects shared values of joy and authenticity through bold design.

TikTok creator “The Jungle Pups” claimed ownership of a unique £20,000, 24-karat gold Labubu figurine, betting on its rising value. Her viral video sparked skepticism over authenticity. She showcased magnet tests and a “gold detector,” and later revealed rare emerald, diamond, and pink diamond variants to bolster her claims. However, attempts to verify these gemstones with a suspicious “gem detector,” which beeped like a common phone ringtone, fueled online mockery and disbelief. Her efforts highlighted the blend of digital spectacle, luxury culture, and satirical content.

ZenaTech (ZENA) qualifies under new Pentagon expedited drone procurement policy eliminating Green/Blue UAS certification requirements. Following a July 2025 directive reclassifying Group 1-2 drones as expendable assets, commanders can now directly purchase ZenaTech’s combat-ready portfolio (ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square, IQ Nano) for training and missions. The policy mandates experimental unit adoption by September 2025, squad-level use in FY2026, and full DoD training integration by 2027. AI-enabled drone capabilities include operations in GPS-denied areas. While accelerating market access, the expendable classification may pressure pricing and invite competition.

**CNBC, July 11:** China cracked down on 3,008 fraudulent accounts impersonating state entities like news outlets, government agencies, and SOEs for false advertising, counterfeit sales, and disrupting public order. Enforcement targeted fake news (e.g., “Dynamic News”), forged education bodies (e.g., “Anhui Education Exam”), unauthorized tourism ambassadors (e.g., “Rizhao Cultural Tourism”), and fake postal services (e.g., “Postal Selections”). Platforms must boost verification and reporting systems amid ongoing regulatory pressure. (99 Words)