Markets

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, a popular Chinese tea chain, is facing backlash after a customer found a cockroach in an unopened Jasmine Milk Tea in Ganzhou. The incident went viral, raising concerns about quality control. While the customer received a refund and compensation, the company is investigating, citing possible CCTV footage. Analysts suggest Mixue’s extensive franchise model (99.96% of their 46,479 stores are franchised) may contribute to food safety issues. The company apologized and pledged to improve service and awareness.

A Chinese-Israeli couple in Nanchang, China, named their daughter “Wu Xuelisha Barui,” sparking online debate. The unusual six-character name, a combination of the mother’s surname, a Chinese term of endearment, and a transliteration of the father’s Israeli surname, was chosen with specific Chinese character components in mind. While legally registered and favored by the parents, some netizens worry about the child’s future challenges with such a unique name and its social implications. The event reflects cross-cultural naming trends.

The Chinese animated series “Ling Cage” faces challenges in international expansion due to unfamiliarity among Western audiences. Broadcasters have suggested Japanese dubbing over Chinese, citing the established global presence of Japanese anime. Literary planner Ruan Rui emphasizes the need for time and nurturing to bridge this perception gap. Despite high domestic acclaim and millions of views, China lags in cultural dissemination, particularly compared to Japan’s decades-long head start in animation. “Ling Cage” has been recognized for its quality and innovation.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) officially opened its new factory in Brazil, marking a significant step in its “ecological globalization” strategy. The inauguration was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. GWM plans to introduce its Hi4 hybrid technology to the Latin American market, demonstrating its commitment and technological advancements in emerging markets. This venture builds upon GWM’s 28-year international presence, with over 2 million overseas vehicle sales. The opening signals a new chapter for GWM and Chinese automakers on a global scale.

Nvidia and AMD have agreed to remit 15% of their AI chip sales revenue in China to the U.S. government in exchange for export licenses. The White House confirmed the arrangement, initiated by the Trump administration, aims to reduce U.S. national debt, which exceeds $37 trillion. Nvidia’s H20 chip is currently the primary product affected. The Treasury Secretary sees this as mutually beneficial, allowing Nvidia to maintain its Chinese market presence while benefiting American taxpayers. This agreement may extend to other companies and sectors in the future.

NorthWestern Energy Group is launching an all-source capacity RFP on August 15, 2025, for its South Dakota electric grid to enhance reliability due to rising demands. They also explore Southwest Power Pool’s resource adequacy study. Aion Energy LLC will administer the RFP. NorthWestern Energy ensures electricity supply through owned assets, agreements, and market acquisitions, serving ~842,100 customers across Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone Park aiming at cost-effective service.

HF Sinclair (DINO) announced final results of its cash tender offer for senior notes. Investors tendered $36.69M of 5.875% notes due 2026 and $163.84M of 6.375% notes due 2027. Acceptance for payment on August 20, 2025, is contingent on completing a concurrent public offering of senior notes expected August 18, 2025. Payout includes principal and accrued interest. The tender offer is part of HF Sinclair’s debt management strategy, aiming to extend maturities and optimize interest expenses.

Chinese appliance maker Gree Electric is increasing its investment in talent acquisition, onboarding over 5,400 university graduates this year, following 6,000 last year. Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu emphasizes the critical role of talent and Gree’s significant investment in young employees, estimated at $28,000 USD per graduate annually. Dong has also advocated for companies to recoup training fees from employees who leave after long-term development, sparking debate over ownership of skills and knowledge gained during employment.

Quest Diagnostics’ Chairman, CEO, and President, Jim Davis, will speak at the Baird 2025 Global Healthcare Conference on September 10, 2025. He will discuss the company’s strategy, performance, and healthcare market trends. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Quest Diagnostics investor relations website, with a replay archived for later viewing. Quest Diagnostics aims to improve health outcomes through its extensive diagnostic testing and insights, serving a large segment of the U.S. population.

BlackRock will terminate the iShares iBonds Oct 2025 Term TIPS ETF (IBIB) with a last trading day of October 15, 2025, and a liquidation date around October 20, 2025. iBonds ETFs wind down as they approach their target date, shifting to short-term instruments and cash. BlackRock will continue to offer a range of iBonds ETFs across various asset classes. Investors should review fund objectives and risks in the prospectus before investing, remembering all investing involves risk.