Markets

The U.S. EPA is reportedly drafting a document to ease restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, claiming prior scientific conclusions were flawed and emissions are harmless, arguing that limitations harm human well-being. This move has sparked controversy. The potential shift echoes skepticism in the Chinese scientific community, with one academician recalling doubts raised in 2021 about Western commitment to emissions reduction, suggesting potential divergence in global climate action strategies.

WeChat Pay QR codes are now integrated into UnionPay’s Cloud QuickPass (Yunshanfu) system in China, allowing users to make payments by scanning WeChat Pay’s QR codes directly through the Cloud QuickPass app. This integration streamlines the payment process and simplifies expense tracking. With over 500 million users, Cloud QuickPass, developed collaboratively, supports various mobile payment services and enhances accessibility within the Chinese digital economy by also connecting to other e-commerce platforms. UnionPay aims to further collaborate with Tenpay and Alipay to improve user convenience.

Solaris Energy Infrastructure (SEI) reported strong Q2 2025 results, with revenue reaching $149 million, an 18% increase from Q1, and net income of $24 million. Adjusted EBITDA surged 29% to $61 million. The company raised its Q3 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $58-$63 million. Solaris closed $155 million in senior convertible notes and the Stateline JV secured a $550 million loan facility. Solaris approved a Q3 dividend of $0.12 per share, marking its 28th consecutive dividend payment. CEO Bill Zartler highlighted the company’s growth in the Power Solutions segment.

Middlesex Water Company (MSEX) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share, payable on September 2, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025. Middlesex, a leading water and wastewater utility, has been providing services to over half a million residents in New Jersey and Delaware since 1897. This dividend reflects the company’s commitment to providing value to its shareholders and appeal within the utilities sector.

Crown Electrokinetics (CRKN) will voluntarily delist from the Nasdaq due to non-compliance with minimum bid price requirements, following a trading suspension on March 5, 2025. The company plans to file a Form 25 with the SEC. While Nasdaq planned to file the form, CRKN opted to initiate the delisting process. The move raises questions about the company’s financial health and future trajectory, potentially leading to restructuring or alternative funding avenues. Trading may continue on the OTC market.

U.S. beef prices are soaring to record highs due to trade tariffs, drought, and rising feed costs, potentially leading to the most expensive burgers in history. Ground beef prices surged to $13.49 per kilogram in June, a 12% increase year-over-year. Steak prices are also rising. A new 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, effective August 1st, will further inflate prices, potentially raising the total tax burden on Brazilian beef to 76%. Some businesses are reducing patty sizes to cope with the increased costs.

Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) has engaged a PCAOB-registered audit firm to review its semi-annual financials for the period ending June 30, 2025. This move, following their July 2 announcement, signifies a commitment to PCAOB-compliant financial reporting, increased transparency, and regulatory adherence. SONG manages over 2.5 million musical works, holding an estimated 7.4% of the U.S. public performance rights market, licensing music to platforms like TikTok and iHeartMedia. The audit aims to build investor confidence and facilitate future capital market activities.

Pang Dong Lai, a Chinese retailer known for its exceptional customer service and quality control, plans to enter the infant formula market. Founder Yu Donglai announced the initiative on Douyin, aiming to focus on food safety and quality of life. The news has generated significant excitement among Chinese consumers, particularly expectant mothers who expressed hope for a reliable domestic alternative. Pang Dong Lai, with 13 stores and a central kitchen, generated nearly 17 billion yuan in sales in 2024.

Barclays has appointed Alex Ham as Global Chairman of Investment Banking, effective in early 2026. Ham, previously Co-CEO of Deutsche Numis, brings extensive experience in connecting high-growth European companies with global investors. This move signals Barclays’ ambition to strengthen its position in advising innovative businesses, leveraging Ham’s network and expertise to enhance its global franchise, particularly in ECM and M&A, and connect with venture capitalists and private equity investors. The appointment aims to boost Barclays’ profile and deal flow.

A 48-year-old Thai man suffered a bizarre accident after rear-ending a pickup truck. The impact sent him headfirst into the truck bed, landing directly on a durian