Markets

EPWK (EPWK), a NASDAQ-listed creative design firm, will launch “EPWK Curated Goods,” an e-commerce platform for curated physical products catering to Chinese and English speakers, within three months. Targeting “Urban Life Explorers” aged 25-40, the platform focuses on products with emotional and aesthetic appeal, aligning with the “Neo-Pragmatism” consumer trend. Emphasizing “Good-looking, Good-to-use, and Good-surprise,” the platform aims to be a “Lifestyle Curator,” offering products that enhance daily life and express identity. EPWK leverages its creative ecosystem to drive innovation and global brand expansion. The existing platform has over 25 million registered users and facilitated $1.67 billion in GMV.

Heliostar Metals’ updated technical report (October 17, 2025) reveals improved economics and resource expansion at the La Colorada Mine. At $2,300/oz gold, the after-tax NPV5% is $66.2M, IRR is 24.4%, with a 3.4-year payback. Initial capital expenditure is reduced by 17% to $44.5M. Indicated resources increased by 62,000 ounces to 513,000 ounces. Permits for leach pad expansion have been secured. The mine has a 6.1-year life with average AISC of $1,626/oz.

Stellantis and Pony.ai are partnering to develop autonomous robotaxi services in Europe. The collaboration will integrate Pony.ai’s self-driving software with Stellantis’ AV-Ready Platform, initially focusing on battery-electric medium-size vans designed for SAE Level 4 autonomy. Testing commences in Luxembourg using the Peugeot e-Traveller, with broader European deployment planned for 2026. The partnership aims to leverage Stellantis’ LCV market leadership and Pony.ai’s expertise to revolutionize urban mobility with safer and more affordable transportation options.

Capgemini completed its acquisition of WNS (Holdings) Limited on October 17, 2025, for $3.3 billion. WNS shares ceased trading on the NYSE. The acquisition aims to create a global leader in intelligent operations, combining Capgemini’s reach and AI prowess with WNS’s industry expertise in areas like healthcare and financial services. Both CEOs emphasized the alignment of their vision regarding AI’s transformative potential. The deal expands Capgemini’s capabilities in business process services and reflects industry consolidation trends.

Lumen Technologies’ Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform has surpassed 1,000 customers, showcasing momentum for AI-driven enterprise connectivity. The platform offers on-demand, self-service networking across offices, hyperscalers, and data centers. Lumen’s network spans approximately 163,000 on-net buildings and 340,000 global fiber route miles with plans to expand to 47 million intercity fiber miles by the end of 2028 and upgrade backbone capacity. Key features include dynamic bandwidth, edge-to-core automation, and integrated security.

Bitfarms (BITF) priced an upsized US$500M offering of 1.375% convertible senior notes due 2031, plus an initial purchaser option for US$88M. Closing is expected around October 21, 2025, contingent on standard conditions and TSX approval. The initial conversion rate is 145.6876 shares per US$1,000, ≈US$6.86 per share, a ~30% premium. Capped call transactions mitigate dilution, with an initial cap price of US$11.88 (~125% premium). Net proceeds will fund general corporate purposes and capped calls.

Revolution Medicines (RVMD) received a non-transferrable FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) for daraxonrasib (RMC-6236), a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor. Daraxonrasib is in Phase 3 trials: RASolute 302 for pancreatic cancer and RASolve 301 for non-small cell lung cancer. Data from RASolute 302 is expected in 2026. While the CNPV can expedite FDA review, RVMD stated timelines remain unchanged. The voucher acknowledges the potential of daraxonrasib, but approval is not guaranteed.

Frontdoor, Inc.’s Chief People Officer, Meredith Diagostino, was named one of the *Memphis Business Journal’s* 2025 “Women Who Lead.” Diagostino has been key in developing Frontdoor’s talent strategy since 2018, focusing on employee engagement, development, and retention. Frontdoor CEO Bill Cobb praised Diagostino’s leadership and commitment to service and innovation. The award recognizes her impact and Frontdoor’s commitment to Memphis as a talent hub, reinforcing Frontdoor’s focus on talent development as crucial to its growth strategy in the home warranty and on-demand repair market.

Standard Lithium (SLI) plans a $120 million public offering of common shares, aiming to fund capital expenditures at its South West Arkansas and Franklin projects. Underwriters, led by Morgan Stanley and Evercore ISI, have a 30-day option to purchase up to 15% more shares. The offering is subject to market conditions and could dilute existing shareholders if completed. Proceeds will also support working capital and general corporate purposes.

JMOD Financial Services, managing $110M in assets, has joined Ameriprise Financial from LPL Financial. Led by Joe Kelly, Frank Del Busto, and Dave Fedrizzi, the team cites Ameriprise’s brand strength, technology, and investment platform as key factors. Ameriprise has attracted approximately 1,700 advisors in the past 5 years and offers the *Ultimate Advisor Partnership* to support advisor growth and client experience. Ameriprise offers comprehensive investment advice, asset management and insurance solutions.