Markets

Oconee Federal Financial Corp. (OFED) reported a net income of $4.2 million ($0.73 per diluted share) for fiscal year 2025, down from $6.3 million the previous year. Total assets grew slightly to $668.2 million, with the loan portfolio expanding to $478.7 million. The company maintained its $0.10 per share dividend for the 55th consecutive quarter. CEO Curtis T. Evatt cited the Mutual Savings Bank acquisition and interest rate environment as factors boosting net interest margin. The board declared a $0.10 dividend payable August 21, 2025.

Taiwanese singer Qian Baihui, best known for her Mandopop hits like “Walking Through the Coffee Shop” in the 1980s, has died at age 62. Fellow entertainer Huang An announced her passing on August 19th, citing illness as the cause. Huang An, a longtime friend, credited Qian Baihui with launching his own singing career. Qian Baihui’s music resonated across Taiwan and mainland China, solidifying her place in Mandopop history and contributing to cross-strait cultural exchange.

Flora Growth Corp. (FLGC) regained Nasdaq compliance on August 19, 2025, after maintaining a share price above $1.00 for 10 consecutive trading days (August 4-15). This resolves a compliance issue initiated on February 25, 2025, when Nasdaq notified Flora of non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. Flora remains listed on Nasdaq, maintaining access to investors and visibility. The company now focuses on future growth plans.

Sono Group N.V. reported a net income of €8.0 million for H1 2025, largely due to fair value adjustments on convertible notes. The company significantly reduced cash used in operations by 78% to €3.5 million. Through SonoSolar, they’re integrating solar tech with OEMs, including MAN Truck & Bus and Ford, who are testing Sono’s technology. G&A expenses decreased by 21% in H1 and 35% in Q2 year-over-year. Despite these improvements, significant liabilities and a low cash position remain concerns.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that GPT-6 development is progressing faster than its predecessor, with a focus on deep personalization. GPT-6 aims to move beyond simple question answering, striving for “deep alignment” with individual users through enhanced memory capabilities. The model will recognize and store user preferences and habits to optimize behavior and deliver highly customized interactive experiences. OpenAI is also collaborating with psychologists to understand user emotions, potentially releasing data related to these efforts in the future.

ATRenew Inc. (NYSE: RERE) reported strong Q2 2025 results, with net revenues up 32.2% YoY to RMB 4,991.5 million ($696.8 million). The company achieved profitability with income from operations of RMB 91.1 million ($12.7 million), a significant improvement from the previous year. The number of transacted consumer products grew to 10.3 million. ATRenew anticipates Q3 2025 revenue between RMB 5,050.0 million and RMB 5,150.0 million. A new $50 million share repurchase program was authorized.

Tocvan Ventures (TCVNF) appointed Christopher Gordon as Head of Corporate Development, leveraging his 18+ years’ mining advisory experience and Integra Gold acquisition success. Gordon received 300,000 stock options. Gran Pilar project drilling highlights include 83.5m @ 1.3 g/t Au and 97.4m @ 0.7 g/t Au. Metallurgical studies show 95-99% gold and 73-97% silver recovery. A webinar on September 10th will detail new permits and project strategies.

A *People’s Daily* commentary addresses the declining popularity of superhero movies in China, citing the disappointing box office results of recent releases like *Superman* and *Fantastic Four: First Light*. Factors contributing to this trend include the rise of high-quality domestic films, the proliferation of streaming services offering diverse content, and Chinese audiences’ growing preference for sophisticated narratives with depth and emotional resonance over formulaic plots and CGI spectacle. The article suggests filmmakers should prioritize compelling storytelling to engage viewers.

Li Auto CEO Li Xiang, in an interview with Luo Yonghao, addressed online negativity, particularly the “coffin car” smear campaign against the MEGA model. Luo expressed surprise at the intensity of the attacks. Li Xiang alleged a rival company orchestrated these campaigns dating back to the i8 model, aiming to damage Li Auto’s image. He stated that the appropriate response is to improve product and strategy to eliminate vulnerabilities, and acknowledges that the pressure from the controversy nearly caused a complete redesign of the MEGA car.

The Hanover Insurance Group (THG) announced the pricing of a $500 million offering of 5.50% senior, unsecured notes maturing in 2035. Net proceeds will be used to retire higher-yielding debt, including the 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2025 and the 4.500% Senior Notes due April 2026, with the remainder for general corporate purposes. Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are joint book-running managers. The offering, under an existing SEC shelf registration, aims to manage the balance sheet and potentially free up capital.