Markets

Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent education consultant, denied involvement with a circulated WeChat screenshot inviting parents to connect for college advice. He stated on Weibo he avoids events or photos with self-proclaimed “education experts” specifically to prevent misuse of his image. Zhang warned the screenshot was deceptive and shared an anecdote highlighting how strangers falsely claim connections to mislead parents and students.

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A charitable buyer in Wenquan spent ¥3,000 on 325 lbs of cherries for farmer support, paying ~¥3,000 more for JD.com’s cold-chain delivery. Despite promises, the cherries arrived spoiled, with recipients citing rot and sourness. The woman blamed JD’s failed temperature control (only ice packs used, not 0-4°C refrigeration) and sought ¥10,000 compensation. JD refused, stating its value-protection policy covers only punctual delivery, not spoilage, highlighting e-commerce cold-chain reliability concerns. (Word count: 95)

Aris Mining (TSX: ARIS; NYSE-A: ARMN) reminds holders that its TSX warrants (ARIS.WT.A) expire July 29, 2025. These “in-the-money” warrants (C$5.50 exercise vs. C$9.46 share price) offer immediate value. Approximately 48.2% (28M warrants) have been exercised, generating C$77M. Exercising the remaining 30.2M warrants by the deadline could provide the company an additional C$83M. CEO Neil Woodyer stated this expiry completes capital structure simplification efforts. Warrant holders must act promptly and confirm their broker’s deadlines.

DeepSeek’s launch of its next-gen AI model R2 faces major delays due to data and hardware constraints, with user adoption plummeting to 3% from 50% earlier this year. The Chinese AI firm struggles to secure sufficient high-quality training data under domestic restrictions and faces GPU shortages, causing reliability issues like hallucinations. Despite operational challenges, DeepSeek has disrupted the global AI market through its open-source strategy, engaging over 1 million developers by offering accessible models. While its current setbacks highlight scaling difficulties, the company has already reshaped competitive dynamics against Western giants.

HKEX had its busiest trading day of 2025 on July 9, listing five companies and one ETF simultaneously. This marks a dramatic market recovery from 2023’s depressed IPO conditions, where valuations slumped and listings stalled. The recent debuts raised nearly HK$10 billion collectively. H1 2024 saw HK$106.7 billion raised from 40+ listings—a 689% YoY surge exceeding 2023’s full-year total. Cornerstone investors, involved in 36 of 42 recent IPOs covering 43.7% of funding, have seen significant returns, including HK$9.8 billion in paper gains from major listings like CATL and Mixue Bingcheng.

The Esports World Cup Foundation and IMG have launched “EWC Spotlight,” an immersive broadcast series from Riyadh during the 49-day gaming event. Featuring advanced AR technology and cinematic production, it delivers over 50 hours of elite competition coverage, including Post Malone’s live performance and celebrity crossovers, with a record $70 million prize pool. Distributed to 250+ million households globally via partners like Fox Sports and DAZN, it advances esports as mainstream entertainment, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion gaming strategy to drive significant viewership growth.

Jay Chou launched “周同学” on Douyin, gaining over 3 million followers **before posting any content**, showcasing immense influence. This follows his 2020 debut on Kuaishou (also as “Classmate Jay”), where followers exceeded 10 million in a week. Industry observers predict Douyin, with its larger user base, will likely surpass that benchmark. A key distinction noted is that his Douyin arrival sparks hopes for more direct artist-fan interaction compared to his team-managed Kuaishou presence. Fans and marketers anticipate potential authenticity.

Ge Huijie, former partner of singer Wang Feng, publicly disclosed undergoing an abdominal “sobriety implant” to treat alcohol addiction. The minimally invasive procedure places 10 naltrexone pellets under her skin, blocking alcohol’s euphoric effects for approximately 150 days and posing severe risks if alcohol is consumed. Although recognized as an emerging technological solution, medical experts caution that addiction is a chronic brain disorder requiring sustained therapy and support beyond the implant’s temporary effect. Her revelation highlights personal struggles and this medical approach’s limitations.

Diebold Nixdorf has deployed its Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at Kuwait International Bank (KIB), introducing hybrid banking solutions combining self-service efficiency with live teller video support. Operational at select branches ahead of nationwide rollout, the DN Series ITMs enable extended cash transactions, instant debit card issuance, check processing, and accessibility features. Implemented with Axis Solutions, the platform supports KIB’s digital transformation, enhancing customer engagement through 24/7 specialist access and compliance services. Executives highlight the ITMs’ role in advancing Kuwait’s banking infrastructure and meeting GCC demand for blended digital-human interfaces. This initiative aligns with KIB’s “Bank for Life” strategy, leveraging Diebold Nixdorf’s global expertise in branch modernization.

**Summary:** The US will impose 25% tariffs on all Japanese and South Korean imports starting August 1. This threatens global tech supply chains, especially memory chips where both nations dominate. Key exporters like Samsung, SK Hynix, Canon, Tokyo Electron, Renesas, and operations of US firms Micron/Western Digital face significant impact. Strict anti-circumvention rules and warnings against retaliation were issued. Companies manufacturing these goods within the US gain tariff exemption via expedited approvals.