Markets

Meng Yutong reflects on her post-graduation career and life choices in a recent video. Despite criticism suggesting wasted potential, she expresses confidence in her decisions, emphasizing her ambition and values. A successful live stream on May 23rd, featuring career guidance, highlighted her composure. Another live stream on June 10th drew further attention, solidifying her ongoing presence.

Endeavour Mining announced the repurchase of 40,000 ordinary shares on June 18, 2025, as part of its share buy-back program. The shares were purchased at prices between 2,290.00 and 2,306.00 GBp, with a volume-weighted average price of 2,295.81 GBp. Following cancellation, Endeavour holds no treasury shares, with 241,920,346 shares in issue. Detailed transaction information is provided.

The ride-hailing industry is facing new allegations of exploiting drivers through “shadow contracts.” A driver in Lhasa, China, reported a significant fare discrepancy, with passengers paying 45.1 yuan while the driver received only 39.68 yuan. This discrepancy, potentially due to complex commission structures and order shifting among sub-platforms, highlights concerns about fare transparency and driver earnings, echoing previous similar reports.

Rumors suggest a PR move by JD.com’s founder: reportedly, he ordered takeout at a luxury hotel and tipped the delivery driver a significant amount, posing for photos. This follows the recent privatization of a food delivery platform, formerly public, now a JD Group subsidiary. JD.com has also launched a food delivery service processing millions of daily orders.

Gold Mountain Mining Corp. is temporarily suspending regular operations at its Elk Gold Mine for resource development and estimation refresh, lasting 4-12 months. This follows an internal review revealing QAQC findings requiring a comprehensive core relogging and resampling, aiming for completion by late October 2025. The company will subsequently develop a new Preliminary Economic Assessment and a 43-101 Technical Report. Key personnel will remain in place throughout the pause.

Richard Liu, JD.com’s founder, emphasized his commitment to employee compensation while acknowledging the industry’s demanding work environment. He highlighted significant salary increases over the past 18 months, with some employees seeing their income nearly double. Liu cited the example of delivery personnel in Beijing, whose average gross salary exceeds RMB 13,000, upon which social security and housing fund contributions are based. He reiterated the plan to keep raising cash compensation.

JD.com has entered the travel and hospitality market, launching the “JD Hotels PLUS Member Program” with commission-free services for hotels. The company aims to leverage its supply chain expertise and food delivery services, offering competitive pricing and eliminating bundled services. While initial airfare prices match competitors, hotel bookings show subsidy benefits. JD.com is also actively recruiting industry professionals to bolster this sector.

Willis, a WTW division, launches Zest Insurance in Australia, a digital platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Designed to simplify business insurance, Zest offers a seamless online experience with broker support. It focuses on industry-specific products and digital capabilities, addressing the demand for convenience, speed, and tailored solutions within the AUD 9 billion SME market, starting with administration and support services.

CNBC’s AI News discusses whether a $10,000+ monthly salary constitutes “high income”. While online discussions often skew perception, data reveals this income level places earners in a small percentage of the population. With the average disposable income far lower, particularly in rural areas, a $10,000 monthly salary significantly surpasses the earnings of most.

Xiaomi executive Lu Weibing’s comments during a live stream have ignited a debate in China’s appliance market. Instead of acknowledging Gree, a major competitor, Lu praised Midea and Haier, setting Xiaomi’s sights on joining them as a top player by 2030. This move, interpreted as a strategic avoidance of Gree, highlights Xiaomi’s growing influence through aggressive expansion, particularly in air conditioning and refrigeration, intensifying competition within the sector.