Markets

Duke Energy filed an application with FERC to extend the operating license of its Bad Creek Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Station in South Carolina for 50 years. This facility, operating since 1991, is a key energy storage asset on Duke Energy’s grid. The relicensing supports South Carolina’s growth and helps maintain reliable, affordable energy. Recent upgrades increased the plant’s capacity to 1,680 MW of carbon-free energy. A decision from FERC is expected in 2027.

JD.com’s Q2 earnings revealed a 22.4% revenue surge to RMB 356.7 billion, driven by a strong 618 shopping festival and robust performance from JD Retail and JD Logistics. However, aggressive expansion into delivery services, particularly JD Delivery, led to substantial losses (RMB 14.8 billion) within the “new businesses” segment, offsetting retail profit gains. Despite increased user engagement and order volume, these subsidies significantly impacted overall profitability, prompting JD.com to shift towards cross-selling strategies to reduce reliance on its retail business.

Bioxytran’s (BIXT) is advancing tissue-specific oxygen monitoring with the publication of research by Prof. Mayevsky. The research addresses limitations of current oxygen measurements and aims to revolutionize treatment for conditions like stroke and Alzheimer’s. Bioxytran’s MDX Viewer technology and BXT-25 program will serve as a crucial biomarker in clinical trials, potentially transforming oxygen delivery management. The technology targets a shift from peripheral to tissue-specific oxygenation monitoring.

A Chinese company in Jinhua implemented a mandatory overtime policy due to increased orders, sparking online discussion. Absences are restricted to illness, weddings, or funerals. However, the policy includes a 25% pay raise, a summer heat bonus, clear overtime calculation, and drinks throughout the day. Employees are also allowed to bring their children to a supervised, air-conditioned room. Employees generally view the policy positively, praising the owner.

Didi Chuxing is introducing a revamped driver support program to stabilize driver earnings. Key initiatives include lowering the maximum commission cap per ride to 27%, implementing “Commission Rebate Pro” for active drivers guaranteeing a 25% monthly cap, and reducing high-commission rides through subsidies and dispatch optimization. These changes aim to foster a more fair and sustainable ecosystem and improve income transparency via the Didi driver app. The program is being piloted in select cities before a nationwide rollout.

Georgia Power is adding three new natural gas turbines to Plant Yates, its first such project in a decade, to meet growing energy demand. The first American-made turbine from Mitsubishi Power, weighing 350 tons, has arrived. The expansion will add 1,300 MW of capacity and create 600 construction jobs and 15 permanent roles. The advanced turbines offer quick start-up times and can blend hydrogen for cleaner energy, supporting Georgia’s economic growth.

Comedian Guo Degang intends to pass Deyun She to his son, Guo Qilin, but the latter prefers acting. According to Tianyancha, Beijing Deyun She is 99% owned by Guo Degang’s wife, Wang Hui, who is also the legal representative. Guo Qilin is not listed as an executive. Established in 2006, the company has a diverse business scope ranging from traditional comedy to retail and cultural exchange programs. Wang Hui is associated with 13 companies and is the legal representative for other Deyun She branches.

China’s semiconductor industry achieved a milestone with the rollout of the first domestically produced 28nm Critical Dimension Electron Beam Metrology equipment in Wuxi. Developed by Wuxi Gonsin Instruments, the CD-SEM features complete self-reliance in key components. This advancement addresses critical challenges in semiconductor metrology and inspection, filling a vital gap in China’s integrated circuit industry and enhancing self-sufficiency in high-end chip equipment. Gonsin aims to provide comprehensive CD-SEM solutions for diverse semiconductor manufacturing needs.

Columbia Banking System, Inc. (COLB) announced its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per common share. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025. Columbia Bank, a leading regional bank in the Western U.S. with over $50 billion in assets, rebranded from Umpqua Bank on July 1, 2025, and fully operates under the new name as of September 1, 2025.

A video showing Insta360’s founder, Liu Jingkang, throwing cash at employees after the A1 drone launch went viral, sparking online debate. While some criticized the method as ostentatious, Insta360 clarified it was a playful team-building exercise to reward the R&D team’s hard work. The company expressed regret over the leaked video and unintended misinterpretations, vowing to use more effective and innovative recognition methods in the future.