Markets

A video shows an SF Express self-driving delivery vehicle driving through peanuts spread on a road for drying in China. The vehicle, while issuing a polite automated message, continued its route despite the obstruction and the woman’s frustration. The incident sparked online debate about the limitations of current autonomous vehicle programming in handling unforeseen real-world scenarios. It highlights the need for AI to balance strict adherence to rules with contextual awareness and the complexity of enabling AV’s to differentiate between obstacles and unusual roadside activities.

Santana Equestrian Private Financial (SEQP) partnered with JH Hauling & Services in a services-for-equity agreement. SEQP will issue 1 million restricted shares (1.5% of outstanding) to JH Hauling for manure hauling services over three years, valued at $600,000. The initial tranche of 500,000 is immediate, with the rest in 2026 based on performance. Shares have lock-up periods and sales restrictions. This secures waste removal logistics for SEQP’s composting operations, aligning JH Hauling’s interests with SEQP’s growth.

In 2025, high-resolution telephoto lenses are a key differentiator for smartphones. The vivo X300 Pro, featuring a 200MP Zeiss APO super-telephoto lens and Sony LYT-828 sensor, leads the pack. Other top contenders include the Leica-tuned Xiaomi 15 Ultra, OPPO Find X8 Pro excelling in portrait lighting, and the Xiaomi 16 Pro with its domestic sensor and unique periscope telephoto lens . The Honor Magic7 Pro offers excellent telephoto sharpness and a smart variable aperture primary lens. The vivo X300 Pro is highlighted as a worthwhile option for photography enthusiasts.

Monopar Therapeutics will present long-term data on ALXN1840 for Wilson disease at the ANA Annual Meeting on September 14-15, 2025. The pooled analysis of clinical trials (n=255 efficacy, n=266 safety) with a median 2.6-year treatment duration showed sustained neurological and psychiatric improvements. Patients switching from standard of care to ALXN1840 also demonstrated improvement. The drug exhibited a favorable safety profile. ALXN1840 offers a novel mechanism of action by directly binding copper, potentially preventing its accumulation.

China has officially defined “prepared meals,” clarifying regulations for the rapidly growing sector. The definition encompasses pre-processed agricultural products requiring heating or cooking before consumption, excluding minimally processed produce, convenience foods, and restaurant central kitchen dishes for in-house use. The regulation specifies that products need to be heated or cooked, clarifying the term through definition. Saizeriya, a popular and affordable Italian casual chain in China, relies on prepared ingredients in their dishes for maintaining low prices. This has made them a success where other Chinese resturant chains have struggled.

A scam targeting Chinese consumers through fraudulent “automatic renewal cancellation” schemes is gaining traction. Scammers impersonate customer service, using breached data to appear legitimate and create urgency about impending costly renewals. They then trick victims into screen-sharing, enabling them to steal financial information and authorize fraudulent transactions. Individuals have reported significant losses. The incident highlights the need for increased consumer awareness, proactive communication from companies offering subscription services, and enhanced data protection to prevent future scams. Never share your screen with someone you do not know and always verify their identity.

Target launched New York Fashion Week with its “Target Style Tailgate” event, showcasing its Fall 2025 collection and commitment to accessible design. The event, blending fashion with a tailgate theme, featured a Suki Waterhouse performance and a halftime show with Isaac Mizrahi. Celebrities and influencers attended, styled in Target’s fall collection. Immersive experiences, including a beauty clubhouse and curated food, enhanced the event. This highlights Target’s strategy to merge high fashion with affordable retail, leveraging collaborations and experiences to broaden its appeal.

Mobix Labs (MOBX) initiated a hostile exchange offer for Peraso (PRSO), valued with a mix of cash and stock. This move follows a disagreement where Peraso allegedly restricted Mobix Labs’ communication with shareholders. Mobix Labs criticizes Peraso’s recent financing as dilutive and aimed at benefiting management at the expense of shareholders. Mobix Labs cites potential synergies, diversification, and scale as the rationale behind the acquisition, supported by a secured equity line of credit. The completion is subject to standard conditions including regulatory approvals.

A public dispute between Luo Yonghao and Xibei restaurant chain over pre-prepared meals seems to be ending, with Luo advocating for national regulations and transparency. The controversy highlighted the restaurant industry’s increasing reliance on pre-prepared ingredients and consumer concerns about food quality and transparency. A draft of national standards for pre-prepared meals is expected to be released, potentially reshaping regulations and labeling in China. Luo emphasizes consumers’ right to know if restaurants use pre-prepared meals, aligning with a demand for honesty in the food supply chain. The outcome could significantly impact China’s food service industry.

Aramis, Estée Lauder’s men’s fragrance brand, launched its new scent, Intuition, during New York Fashion Week, aiming to attract a new generation of consumers. Global ambassador Dwyane Wade spearheaded the launch, which included an immersive pop-up experience on the High Line and a discussion at Bloomingdale’s on personal grooming and modern masculinity. The brand is leveraging social media, including the #ARAMISINTUITION campaign, to amplify its message and engage with a younger demographic. This repositioning strategy is part of Estée Lauder’s broader effort to revive legacy brands.