Markets

Ele.me, an Alibaba subsidiary, and the Shanghai Trade Union Council have reached a nationwide agreement on algorithm and labor rules for its delivery operations throughout 2025. Covering over 4 million workers, the agreement addresses concerns about compensation, rest periods, safety, and welfare, incorporating feedback from riders. It follows an initial Shanghai agreement and aims to improve working conditions and protect gig workers’ rights amid increasing scrutiny of algorithm-driven labor practices. The agreement’s success hinges on effective implementation and enforcement, potentially serving as a model for other platforms.

Morningstar and PitchBook have launched the Morningstar PitchBook US Modern Market 100 Index, blending public and private market performance. The index comprises 90 publicly listed companies and 10 late-stage, venture-backed firms, reflecting the evolving capital markets where companies stay private longer. Utilizing transparent pricing from public exchanges and secondary private market transactions, the index offers investors a unified benchmark to assess both public and private market leaders. It aims to enhance diversification and unlock growth potential by incorporating innovative private companies like SpaceX and OpenAI.

Commvault (CVLT) sponsors Agustín Tapia, a top-ranked padel player, aligning with the sport’s global growth and its themes of agility and resilience. Tapia, known for strategic prowess, mirrors Commvault’s focus on data protection and rapid recovery from cyber threats. The partnership aims to boost Commvault’s brand awareness and emphasize the importance of cyber resilience, particularly in light of padel’s surging popularity with over 30 million players worldwide. This highlights the increasing convergence of sports marketing with technology solutions.

Chinese influencer “Chai Dui Dui” (Chai Xiangqian) is under investigation for allegedly producing and selling counterfeit products. The Pingyang County Public Security Bureau is handling the case, prompted by reports and confirmation of Chai’s detention. The Cyberspace Administration of China had previously criticized Chai for spreading false information and damaging a company’s reputation via Douyin and Xiaohongshu. Further, a company linked to Chai’s wife was fined for false advertising. This case highlights increased scrutiny and regulation of China’s influencer economy and the potential penalties for misleading marketing practices.

Barton Gold Holdings (BGDFF) is participating in the Beaver Creek Precious Metals Summit. Presentation materials are available on the ASX website and Barton’s investor relations page. Barton, strategically located in South Australia’s Gawler Craton, aims for 150,000ozpa gold production, leveraging its brownfield mines and sole regional gold mill. The company’s JORC Mineral Resources total 2.2Moz Au and 3.1Moz Ag. Projects include Challenger, Tarcoola, Tunkillia, and Wudinna, with Tarcoola featuring high-grade discoveries. Investors can contact Alexander Scanlon or Jade Cook for inquiries.

Lobe Sciences will participate in the Clusterbusters 20th Annual U.S. Patient Conference (Sept 11-14, 2025) to present research on L-130, Conjugated Psilocin™, a potential treatment for chronic cluster headaches. The company recently secured $6 million in funding, with a potential $20 million more, to complete FDA submission for L-130. Lobe aims to connect with patients, form an advocacy team, and gather input for clinical trial design, leveraging patient experiences provided by Clusterbusters, a supporting advocacy group.

Jinjiang Hotels and JD.com have formed a strategic partnership to transform the hotel experience. Key initiatives include integrating JD.com’s AI-powered “7 Fresh Chef” into Jinjiang Hotels, starting with a Beijing pilot in October, to offer personalized dining. The partnership also integrates Jinjiang Hotels into JD.com’s travel platform with a zero-commission policy and real-time data exchange. Additionally, they plan to create a unified loyalty program and explore corporate travel services for JD.com’s employees, while establishing a B2B platform to streamline supply chains.

Rapport Therapeutics (RAPP) announced the pricing of its public offering of 9,615,385 shares at $26.00 per share, potentially generating $250 million in gross proceeds. Underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,442,307 shares. The offering, managed by Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, TD Cowen, and Stifel, is expected to close around September 11, 2025. Funds will support the clinical-stage biotech’s work on neurological and psychiatric disorders.

IMPACT Silver’s shareholders approved a new “rolling up to 10%” omnibus equity incentive plan on August 1, 2025, replacing the previous fixed 10% stock option plan. This allows for equity awards up to 10% of outstanding shares at grant. The plan, contingent on TSX Venture Exchange approval, requires annual shareholder re-approval. IMPACT Silver, a producer-explorer with mining projects in Mexico, aims to align executive compensation with shareholder value. The company has two main mining projects in Mexico.

Apple stock reversed gains after unveiling the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The launch highlighted the iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest device, with a throttled A19 Pro chip and eSIM-only support. Prices range from ¥5999 to a record ¥17999 for the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max. Pre-orders begin September 12th, sales on September 19th. Analysts are monitoring consumer reaction to the higher prices and eSIM reliance.