Markets

Beijing will launch a national childcare subsidy in 2025, offering ¥3,600 annually per child until age three. Trip.com CEO James Liang argues subsidies boost demand and stimulate the economy, calling children the best investment amid overcapacity. However, critics note the subsidy covers only a small fraction of childcare costs. The article proposes tiered support: cash subsidies (¥1,000-¥3,000 monthly based on the number of children), tax/social security reductions, and housing subsidies, costing 2-5% of GDP, deemed necessary to restore birth rates.

Online influencer Wangzai Xiaoqiao faces backlash after her planned masked concert stirred controversy. Accusations of plagiarism, with similarity scores reportedly reaching 97%, surfaced following an apology. Subsequently, her Weibo account was silenced and new follows on Douyin (TikTok) were restricted. The “Seeker” concert, already postponed citing the artist’s health, was criticized for its concept and ticket prices. Xiaoqiao’s Douyin follower count has also significantly decreased, highlighting the impact of authenticity concerns and pricing issues on online popularity.

Sierra Madre Gold and Silver (SMDRF) granted 2,750,000 stock options at $0.73 per share to employees, directors, management, and consultants. The options have a five-year exercise window. Vesting for most options occurs in three stages: one-third immediately, one-third after six months, and the final third after twelve months. 40,000 options are allocated to Adelaide Capital, vesting quarterly over a year. The grant awaits TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific island nation threatened by rising sea levels, faces a dire climate crisis. 8,750 citizens applied for a climate migrant visa lottery to relocate to Australia, where only 280 will be selected for permanent residency under the Falepili Union Treaty. NASA data shows significant sea-level rise, potentially submerging most of Tuvalu’s land by 2050. In response, Tuvalu is creating a “digital twin” in the metaverse and exploring digital passports to maintain its statehood despite potential physical disappearance.

Ranger Energy Services (RNGR) announced the development of the industry’s first Hybrid Double Electric Workover Rig, “ECHO,” converting existing Taylor rig designs for cost-effective electrification. Expected in Q3 2025, these rigs offer improved efficiency, safety, and potential for zero emissions when plugged into well site power. ECHO rigs feature regenerative braking, modular design, and real-time diagnostics with AI support. Both initial rigs are contracted with major U.S. operators, showcasing strong market demand for electrified solutions.

Mountain Province Diamonds (MPVD) is increasing its financial flexibility with a $10 million USD expansion of its bridge credit facility with Dunebridge Worldwide, bringing the total to $40 million USD. The “Additional Bridge Term Facility” shares the same maturity date and interest rate as the original. The deal requires shareholder approval due to Dunebridge’s related party status, using a “financial difficulty” exemption within MI 61-101. TSX conditional approval hinges on insider consideration remaining below a defined threshold.

DAT Freight & Analytics is acquiring the Convoy Platform from Flexport, enhancing its freight-matching capabilities. The acquisition brings automation, fraud prevention technology, and a mobile-friendly platform to DAT One. Key Convoy Platform personnel, including Bill Driegert, will join DAT. Flexport views the sale as beneficial for the industry, DAT, and themselves, after improving and decoupling the platform. DAT aims to integrate the Convoy Platform to offer brokers automated and manual freight-matching options, while carriers benefit from streamlined load discovery and faster payments.

China’s pioneering missing persons website, “China 寻亲网,” established in 2000 with over 57,000 reports, has abruptly shut down. This closure sparked debate, with some accusing commercialized “seeking relatives” KOLs of contributing to its demise. While early websites like “宝贝回家” and CCTV reality shows once dominated, short-video platforms now reign. The efficiency of these KOL-driven searches is now under scrutiny as users question their motives and the ethics of profiting from family reunions. Concerns arise about authenticity and the potential for exploitation.

Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) will release its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results on August 14, 2025, before market open. An investor conference call will follow at 10 a.m. ET, accessible via webcast and phone. The call will discuss the quarter’s performance and future outlook. Replays will be available. Applied is a major industrial distributor and tech solutions provider serving diverse markets with MRO, OEM, and system install applications.

Xiamen Customs intercepted a shipment of calcium fluoride sludge, disguised as industrial material, at Dongdu Port. The substance, a semiconductor manufacturing byproduct, is classified as prohibited foreign waste under Chinese law. Importing foreign waste is illegal, and the shipment will be returned with a fine imposed. Criminal charges may follow. The sludge poses environmental risks like soil and water contamination and health hazards including fluoride toxicity and potential heavy metal exposure, impacting ecosystems and human health.