Markets

Lenovo is launching its “Youth with AI, Smart Learning with Gifts” back-to-school campaign, highlighting its “Tianxi AI Family” of devices. These smartphones, tablets, and laptops are integrated with the Tianxi personal AI agent, designed to enhance student learning. An IDC report recognizes the positive user feedback and Lenovo’s runner-up position in PC Net Promoter Score. The campaign offers special pricing, bundles, and AI-driven features across devices like the Savior Y7000P 2025 AI laptop, Xiaoxin Pad Pro GT tablet, and moto razr 60 diamond edition phone.

STMicroelectronics (STM) reported its share repurchase program status for August 25-29, 2025. The company repurchased 271,723 shares (0.03% of issued capital) at €23.4140 per share, totaling €6,362,126.30. Approved on May 22, 2024, the program aims to cover share option program obligations and employee allocations. STM now holds 18,960,219 treasury shares, about 2.1% of issued capital. Detailed trade information is on STM’s investor relations website.

Heineken Holding N.V. (HKHHY) repurchased 173,896 shares between August 25-29, 2025, at an average price of €61.20 per share. This buyback is part of the first tranche (up to €375 million) of their €750 million share buyback program, announced on February 12, 2025. As of August 29, 2025, Heineken has repurchased 2,305,014 shares for a total of €149.84 million. Weekly updates are available on the company website.

The “Smart Convergence North Latitude · Chairman Forum” successfully connected AI innovators with capital. Haikejin Group engaged with companies from the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Community, exploring financing opportunities. Companies showcased AI advancements in industrial automation, aerospace imaging, cell drug development, and world model technology. Discussions focused on technological barriers, market prospects, and financing plans. Haikejin Group aims to provide full life-cycle financial services, potentially establishing a dedicated service point to support AI innovation and industrial growth. The event fostered government-bank-enterprise collaboration to boost the AI industry in Haidian District.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China’s sustainability efforts are gaining recognition, with an upgrade from “A-” to “A” in Hang Seng Indexes Company’s 2025 ratings. Impressive environmental performance and corporate governance contributed to high rankings within the Hang Seng Composite Index and Hang Seng China A (Investable) Index. Ping An’s strategy focuses on integrated finance, health, and senior care, leveraging technology and green initiatives. The Group’s commitment extends to rural revitalization and community support through its “San Cun Hui” welfare platform.

TotalEnergies, with partners QatarEnergy and SNPC, has been awarded the Nzombo exploration permit in the Republic of the Congo. TotalEnergies will operate with a 50% stake, QatarEnergy 35%, and SNPC 15%. The 1,000 sq km permit is near TotalEnergies’ Moho production facilities. Plans include drilling an exploration well before the end of 2025. TotalEnergies emphasizes the strategic importance, highlighting synergies with existing infrastructure and their commitment to the region. The acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy of expanding exploration with high-impact prospects.

Luckin Coffee launches its “Just Drink Origin” festival, reinforcing its dedication to sourcing premium ingredients. Actress Tang Wei returns as the “Luckin Coffee Global Origin Advocate,” promoting the initiative. Since 2023, Luckin has invested heavily in its “Global Bean Hunting Program,” establishing offices and partnerships in key coffee-growing regions like Ethiopia and Brazil. This vertical integration ensures quality control and strengthens Luckin’s supply chain for coffee beans, coconuts, and jasmine flowers, solidifying its market position and driving long-term growth.

Snowflake announced general availability on AWS Africa (Cape Town) Region, expanding its AI Data Cloud reach in South Africa. This offers local businesses data residency, sovereignty, and AI-driven insights, aligning with POPIA and the National Policy on Data and Cloud. Companies like Carry1st are already leveraging Snowflake for cost reduction and faster insights. The deployment provides regional clients added flexibility. Snowflake is also collaborating on the One Million Minds initiative to boost AI skills, fostering digital transformation in Africa.

XPeng Inc. (XPEV) reported record-breaking August 2025 deliveries of 37,709 Smart EVs, a 169% YoY increase and 3% MoM growth. Year-to-date deliveries reached 271,615 units, up 252% from 2024. The surge was bolstered by the launch of the new XPENG P7 and strong adoption of the XNGP autonomous driving system, achieving an 85% urban driving monthly active user penetration rate.

UU Paotui, a delivery service, has accused Taobao Flash Delivery of plagiarizing its rider uniform design. In an open letter, UU Paotui highlighted similarities in color scheme (black and orange), design architecture (slim fit, angled lines), and functional details (reflective strips) between Taobao’s new uniforms and their own “Hurricane Series” launched in 2023. While acknowledging the designs aren’t identical, UU Paotui claims the overlaps have caused public confusion and damaged its brand image.