Markets
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Zetian Zhang’s Hiking Photos Spark Fan Frenzy: Radiating Vitality and a Sweet Smile
Zhang Zetian, “Sister Milk Tea,” is trending online after sharing hiking photos. Known for her Cambridge MBA and role as an investor and mother, she embodies a modern “powerhouse” image. Recent activities include hiking in Bhutan with entrepreneur Yang Tianzhen and providing refreshments to construction workers at JD.com’s Shenzhen headquarters, earning praise for her kindness. Zhang rose to fame in 2015 and married JD.com founder Richard Liu.
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Li Auto Exec Calls for Retest After i8 Outperforms 8-Ton Truck; Dongfeng Responds: We Don’t Start, But We Don’t Flinch
A recent crash test between a Chenglong truck and a Li Auto i8 has sparked controversy. Li Auto executives proposed a live rematch after the test results were questioned. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, Chenglong’s manufacturer, responded, emphasizing their dual role in commercial and passenger vehicles and revealing their unawareness of the initial test. Videos suggesting Chenglong dealerships were seeking a driver for a rematch also surfaced.
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Chinese Woman Buys Japanese Island, Plans It for Future Generations and Invites Visitors
In 2020, Zhang Shuqing, a Chinese woman from Qingdao, acquired Ie Island, a 700,000-square-meter uninhabited island in Okinawa, Japan. While ownership transfer completed in 2021, there are no immediate development plans. Zhang is considering the island as a legacy for her children. A landing strip is being built, possibly for company retreats hinting at future business potential, perhaps in tourism. The island, with clear waters and historical remnants, welcomes visitors. Its strategic location in the East China Sea, near coral reefs, adds to its appeal.
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T-Mobile Announces Final Results of Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations for Array Digital Infrastructure Debt Securities
T-Mobile US, Inc. finalized exchange offers for Array Digital Infrastructure’s senior notes, linked to their May 2024 Securities Purchase Agreement. The offers involved exchanging old Array notes due in 2033, 2069, and 2070 for new T-Mobile USA notes with matching terms. Concurrent consent solicitations amended indentures tied to the old notes. As of August 1, 2025, the exchange was completed, with settlement expected around August 5, 2025. D.F. King & Co., Inc. managed the exchange process. The transaction is a debt restructuring, with no cash proceeds received by T-Mobile.
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Public Accounts in China Get Verified: Tencent, TikTok, Kuaishou and More Display “V” Badges
China’s CAC is implementing a “license-and-display” system for online news, requiring platforms like Tencent and Douyin to identify licensed providers. Over 13,500 public accounts now display a red “V” insignia. The CAC aims to regulate online content, cracking down on illegal activities while potentially incentivizing licensed accounts with traffic support. Websites and platforms are also visibly displaying licensing information as part of this initiative.
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Above Food Ingredients Inc. Updates on Palm Global Merger and Appoints Auditor with Tokenized-Asset and Cryptocurrency Expertise
Above Food Ingredients (ABVE) is merging with Palm Global Technologies, with ~90% shareholder support. ABVE appointed CBIZ CPA to regain Nasdaq compliance. Palm Global partners with Promax United to tokenize $1.5T in sovereign assets and launch a gold-backed stablecoin ($350B US gold). Fifteen African nations may adopt the stablecoin as official currency, adding over $100B in assets to Palm Global’s balance sheet. ABVE faces Nasdaq delinquency but anticipates audit completion within 4-6 weeks.
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Nvidia, How Can We Trust You? Huang Needs “No Backdoor” Chip Proof – People’s Daily
A *People’s Daily* commentary questioning the security of Nvidia’s H20 chip has sparked debate over potential “tracking” and “remote shutdown” vulnerabilities. Nvidia denies any “backdoors,” but China seeks verifiable proof of security, emphasizing cybersecurity’s importance. U.S. legislation, the “Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act,” proposes tracking advanced chips to prevent illegal diversion. Experts believe regulatory scrutiny targets potential risks associated with Nvidia’s products, aiming to ensure their security before widespread adoption in China. Verifiable evidence from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is needed to alleviate concerns.
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Silicon Metals Corp. Receives 5-Year Exploration Permits for Ptarmigan Silica Project in British Columbia
Silicon Metals Corp. (CSE:SI) has received five-year exploration permits from the B.C. Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals for its Ptarmigan Silica Project in British Columbia. The permits, effective from July 31, 2025, to December 30, 2030, authorize surface drilling, trenching, and bulk sampling of up to 2,000 tonnes. This milestone allows the company to explore the project’s high-purity silica potential. The project is wholly-owned by Silicon Metals and is located approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Prince George.
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TEXAS COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. ANNOUNCES UNAUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR Q2 2025
Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. (TCBS) reports a strong Q2 2025 with net income of $678,000, a significant increase from Q2 2024’s $348,000. First half 2025 net income reached $1.3 million, contrasting sharply with a $2.3 million net loss in H1 2024. CEO Jason Sobel attributes the success to higher-yielding commercial loans, net interest margin focus, and expense management. The bank is investing in technology and new products. Despite two large delinquent loan relationships, TCBS remains optimistic about future growth and shareholder value.
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Barrick Gold: Six-Year Sustainability Report Highlights Transformational Progress
Barrick Mining (NYSE:B) released its Summary Sustainability Report, highlighting six years of ESG progress since its merger. The company has distributed over $70 billion to stakeholders and focuses on UN Sustainable Development Goals, workplace safety, and greenhouse gas emission management. Barrick is transitioning to renewable energy and investing in community infrastructure like schools, clinics, and water projects. The Summary Report offers a simplified overview of Barrick’s global environmental and social impact alongside the comprehensive 2024 Sustainability Report.