Markets

Xpeng Motors announced Xu Yizhen, a popular short drama actress, as a new owner of the Xpeng G7, a mid-size SUV launched in July. A promotional video features Xu testing the G7’s features, including its air conditioning, which the company claims outperforms Tesla’s in cooling speed and ventilation. CEO He Xiaopeng personally delivered the car, emphasizing the spacious interior and large cargo area. The partnership highlights Xpeng’s marketing strategy and the growing influence of short-form video in China.

Truecaller (TRUBF) continues its share repurchase program, buying back 145,000 B shares in week 30, 2025, at an average price of 53.19 SEK. Since May 30, 2025, they’ve reacquired 400,000 shares (0.11% of outstanding capital). The program, authorized until the 2026 AGM, allows repurchasing up to 10% of outstanding shares. Truecaller now holds 4,345,332 B shares and 5,013,786 C-shares, representing 2.65% of outstanding capital, leaving 344,390,935 shares outstanding.

The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) showcased a shift in focus from Large Language Models (LLMs) to embodied intelligence, particularly humanoid robots. The event, touted as the “largest WAIC ever,” featured over 800 exhibitors. While humanoid robots drew huge crowds and high ticket prices, some insiders noted a “playing it safe” approach, prioritizing fundraising over groundbreaking innovation. LLM companies, while still present, appeared more subdued, focusing on practical applications and revenue generation, with many aiming for “¥1 billion in revenue.” Concerns linger about a potential bubble, especially in embodied intelligence.

A public dispute has erupted in China’s tech sphere after iFlytek Chairman Liu Qingfeng’s skepticism about Elon Musk’s AI understanding was questioned online. A Xueqiu user criticized Liu’s remarks, prompting hedge fund manager Dan Bin to rebuke Liu’s perceived arrogance. This incident follows Dan Bin’s history of outspoken commentary and public disagreements within the finance and tech industries, including past controversies involving investments and market views.

Faraday Future (FFAI) celebrated its 4th public listing anniversary with a business update from Founder YT Jia, highlighting over 10,000 paid pre-orders for the FX Super One MPV. Jia emphasized the Super One’s innovative features, including its “First Class EAI-MPV” category, AI capabilities, and focus on safety and luxury. The company showcased the FX Super One and FF 91 on Capitol Hill, advocating for American manufacturing and innovation. Faraday Future is also exploring Web3 applications and will present the FX Super One at Pebble Beach.

The 2025 Open Atom Open Source Ecology Conference in Beijing spotlighted open source’s role in industry. Topway Info & Communication and Kaihong Zhigu showcased their contributions, receiving the “Open Source Pioneer Enterprise” award. They launched the OpenHarmony Co-construction Map 4.0 and participated in talent development initiatives. Kaihong Zhigu also joined the OpenHarmony AI Agent TSG, aiming to integrate AI with the operating system. They presented on “AI + Harmony” applications across education and transportation.

JD.com launched its 2026 campus recruitment program, aiming to hire 35,000 individuals, including 20,000 graduates and 15,000 interns. Recruits will participate in a “Five-Year Growth Plan” with personalized development. JD.com emphasizes unrestricted promotions and has consistently increased compensation and incentives. Notably, the company is investing 7 billion RMB in apartments for young professionals in Beijing, with free accommodation for qualifying interns, demonstrating its commitment to attracting and retaining talent.

Hengrui Pharma and GSK will co-develop up to 12 innovative medicines in a strategic partnership. GSK gains an exclusive license (excluding specific regions of China) for HRS-9821, a potential best-in-class PDE3/4 inhibitor for COPD, adding to their respiratory portfolio. Hengrui will advance 11 additional programs through Phase I, after which GSK can license them, paying $500M upfront. Hengrui could receive up to $12B in milestone payments and tiered royalties.

Luxury flash sales are booming, driven by consumers seeking accessible high-end goods. Platforms like VIP.com offer steep discounts on items like Burberry handbags during limited-time events, attracting value-conscious shoppers. The scarcity of these deals triggers a FOMO effect, as evidenced by increased “favorites” before sales even begin. Private sales already represent a significant portion of the global fashion market, with off-price sales predicted to outpace full-price sales. Experts emphasize the need for robust supply chain management to ensure the sustainable success of this trend.

Intel plans to spin off its Network and Edge (NEX) business unit, a division developing network and communication chips with $5.8 billion in revenue in 2024. This strategic realignment signifies a pullback from competing with Nvidia in the communication chip market. NEX, with thousands of employees globally, including 400 in Israel, will become an independent entity focused on silicon solutions for communications, networking, and Ethernet connectivity. The move signals Intel abandoning its pursuit of a vertically integrated offering of AI hardware and software, similar to Nvidia’s model with Mellanox.