Markets

TSMC CEO C.C. Wei, addressing a shareholder meeting, acknowledged the indirect impact of US tariffs. While recognizing potential price and demand fluctuations, Wei remained optimistic about the semiconductor industry, particularly AI chips. He highlighted strong, consistently unmet demand for AI processors and confidently forecast a “very good” outlook for TSMC over the next decade.

A former delivery rider in Shandong province suffered a medical emergency and is in a coma, facing significant medical bills. Despite having moved to a competitor, his previous employer provided financial aid, including an initial 50,000 yuan and an additional 50,000 yuan in assistance, from its Rider Care Program. This program, which has aided thousands and distributed millions in aid, has recently expanded to cover children of riders and a wider range of illnesses.

A woman in Yichuan County, Henan Province, damaged multiple vehicles at an intersection. Videos show her attacking cars, including an EV and an Audi. Local authorities identified the suspect as Ms. Wei, 29. Investigations revealed she was experiencing a mental health episode and has been admitted to a mental health facility, with her family taking responsibility for compensation.

Lithia & Driveway (LAD) has climbed to #124 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list, up 16 spots. Since debuting at #482 in 2015, LAD’s revenue has surged from $7.9 billion to $36.2 billion in 2024. This growth, making them the leading automotive retailer for a second year, stems from a long-term growth strategy, disciplined execution, and operational excellence championed by CEO Bryan DeBoer, encompassing organic expansion, acquisitions, and digital innovation.

Moonshot AI acquired multiple “Kimi” trademarks from Xiaomi, enhancing its brand strategy. The trademarks, covering communication and advertising services, were registered as early as 2013. This move supports Moonshot AI’s development of its AI assistant, “Kimi,” which is tailored for technical applications. The acquisition signifies a proactive approach to intellectual property, solidifying the company’s position in the AI sector.

Xiaomi’s founder, Lei Jun, revealed strategic updates, hinting at a transformed approach to the EV market. The YU7 model’s pricing deviates from initial speculations. Xiaomi aims for automotive division profitability as early as Q3/Q4, driven by technological innovation. The company invests heavily in AD and chip design to boost competitiveness. Robotics are also making progress, while Xiaomi maintains a 5% profit margin on hardware, signaling disruption in the competitive landscape.

Elbit Systems Ltd. announced an upgrade of its long-term credit rating to “ilAA+” by S&P Global Ratings Maalot, citing strong operating performance and a record high backlog due to geopolitical tensions. The company’s short-term rating was reaffirmed. Elbit reported $1.9 billion in revenue and a $23.1 billion order backlog as of March 31, 2025.

Balenciaga has released a $4,500 women’s skirt resembling men’s boxer briefs, sparking online debate. The stretch knit mini-skirt, part of the 2025 Fall collection, features a low-rise design and the Balenciaga logo. Despite criticism, the skirt is reportedly sold out, mirroring a trend seen with the brand’s controversial $2,700 stainless steel hair clips, which were criticized for their high price compared to similar items elsewhere.

The 2025 Hanover Home Report reveals growing homeowner awareness of risk prevention. While understanding water damage, structural safety, and fire prevention is high, adoption of protective measures like water sensors and fortified roofing lags. The report encourages homeowners to embrace technology, conduct regular inspections, and practice proactive maintenance to reduce potential losses.

Molly, the top Porsche salesperson at Qingdao Porsche Center, continues her impressive sales streak. Aiming for a third consecutive year of selling 170 cars, she’s already closed a significant number of orders and anticipates maintaining her pace despite production challenges. Molly attributes her success to building strong client relationships and acting as a trusted advisor, fostering loyalty and repeat business.