Markets

Sage Potash Corp. closed a non-brokered private placement, raising C$6 million, exceeding its initial C$4 million target. The financing will accelerate field activity, planning, and permitting for its Utah potash project. The offering involved 24 million units and warrants. Proceeds will also fund exploration, infrastructure planning, and working capital. Securities are subject to a hold period, and the TSX Venture Exchange granted conditional approval.

Zentek Ltd. is adapting its ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filter commercialization strategy in Canada. Following a Health Canada request for information, the company withdrew its PMRA submission and intends to market the filters as a Class I medical device. Zentek, focused on patented technology for enhanced product performance, aims to improve HVAC filters and is developing aptamer-based technology with McMaster University.

Independent Bank Corporation will release its Q2 2025 earnings on July 24, 2025, around 8:00 a.m. ET, accessible on its website. A conference call will follow at 11:00 a.m. ET with Brad Kessel, Gavin Mohr, and Joel Rahn. Replay details are provided. Independent Bank, with ~$5.3B in assets, offers various financial services across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Merck’s ENFLONSIA (clesrovimab-cfor), a new monoclonal antibody for RSV prevention in infants under eight months, has received a positive recommendation from the CDC’s ACIP. Approved by the FDA, ENFLONSIA aims to protect against RSV lower respiratory tract disease, with ordering for the 2025-2026 season starting in July. The standardized dose provides rapid, lasting protection for a typical five-month RSV season, with potential accessibility via the Vaccines for Children Program.

Honor Device Co., Ltd. has initiated its IPO on the A-share market, filing for guidance with the CSRC. The company restructured to a joint-stock entity in late 2024, a key step towards public listing. Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co., Ltd. holds a controlling stake. With the backing of multiple investors including China Mobile and China Telecom, Honor aims to fuel its strategic growth through public markets.

Verint Engage 2025, the annual CX Automation conference, will feature Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky as a keynote speaker. Ledecky will inspire attendees with her message, “Make the Impossible Possible,” and share insights on achieving peak performance, drawing parallels between her journey and business challenges. The conference, held in Orlando, Florida in September 2025, will focus on AI-driven CX and how leading brands are achieving stronger outcomes.

Xiaomi, under Lei Jun, accepted Tesla’s challenge to compare its YU7 with the refreshed Model Y. Acknowledging the Model Y’s market dominance, Lei Jun embraced the competition, emphasizing Xiaomi’s competitive spirit. This comes after Tesla’s recent Model Y upgrades, including aesthetic and comfort enhancements.

El Pollo Loco launches new quesadillas just in time for summer, featuring their fire-grilled chicken and free guacamole. Available in Creamy Chipotle and Salsa Verde flavors, they’re designed for easy on-the-go enjoyment. Customers can purchase a la carte or in a combo. Partnering with NBA star Dalton Knecht, El Pollo Loco also offers a “Dalton Dunk Quesadilla Challenge” for rewards members.

Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra launched to overwhelming success, selling out immediately. CEO Richard Yu confirmed “explosive” initial sales driven by high demand, prompting efforts to replenish stock. Early reviews praise the phone’s cutting-edge imaging system, particularly its unique “one-lens, dual-eye” telephoto setup and impressive durability features like Kunlun Glass. The device’s advanced specifications mark a significant advancement in mobile photography.

Xiaomi launched a slew of new products at its ecosystem event, with the MIX Flip 2 foldable phone being the highlight. President Lu Weibing aimed to redefine industry standards with its minimized crease, achieved through a new hinge design and a resilient 6.86-inch flexible glass screen. He also subtly criticized competitor models, highlighting superior features found in other Xiaomi products.