Markets

Interactive Brokers has launched IBKR Lite in Singapore, offering commission-free trading of US stocks and ETFs around the clock. This plan eliminates commissions, platform, and settlement fees, providing Singaporean investors with cost-effective access to US markets. IBKR Lite complements the IBKR Pro plan, allowing clients to choose between the two. Singaporean investors also gain access to global markets, trading in multiple currencies, fractional shares, and AI-powered news. This launch intensifies competition in Singapore’s online brokerage space.

The U.S. maintains a strict stance on AI chip exports to China, particularly regarding advanced technology like Nvidia’s “Blackwell” chip. Former President Trump opposes its sale to China, citing national security concerns and the potential for accelerating Chinese AI development. He believes the U.S. holds a significant technological advantage in chip design. Nvidia’s CEO is expected to discuss export licenses, highlighting ongoing negotiations. While some argue restricting access could spur indigenous Chinese chip development, the U.S. aims to limit China’s access to cutting-edge AI capabilities.

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, 360 Group’s Zhou Hongyi playfully sparred with a Unitree robotic boxer. Video footage shows Zhou initiating the “fight,” even executing a leg trip. The robot, demonstrating resilience, recovered and exchanged blows. Zhou knocked the robot down multiple times, but it consistently recovered. Online commentators humorously noted the match, while some observed the potential for future robotic advancements, suggesting human challengers might face tougher competition in the future.

Axcap Ventures (GARLF) extended its milestone payment deadline with Waterton Nevada Splitter LLC from July 15, 2025, to September 30, 2025. In exchange, Axcap issued 1,550,000 common shares to Waterton, subject to a four-month-and-one-day lock-up period. The extension modifies the original milestone payment rights agreement dated July 15, 2024. Axcap focuses on undervalued resources in the USA and Canada aiming to build a portfolio of development-ready gold resources.

A recent “no-contact” traffic incident in Hubei, China, involving a scooter driver falling without colliding with a car, has sparked debate about liability. While the scooter driver was primarily responsible for violating traffic laws, the car driver (“YangYang”) received secondary responsibility for failing to yield, sparking controversy. Legal experts emphasize that liability in “no-contact” accidents depends on establishing a causal link between a party’s actions and the resulting damage, not necessarily physical contact. This case highlights the complexities of determining responsibility in such situations and the importance of demonstrating negligence.

Beijing is launching a program offering interest subsidies on individual consumer loans from September 2025 to August 2026. The subsidies, capped at ¥50,000 per transaction, target purchases in sectors like automobiles, elder care, education, tourism, home improvement, electronics, and healthcare. Borrowers can receive an annual 1% interest subsidy, up to 50% of the loan’s interest rate. Individuals are eligible for a cumulative subsidy of ¥3,000 per lending institution. The initiative aims to boost domestic consumption, sparking debate about consumer financing choices.

Simon Property Group’s operating partnership is selling $1.5 billion in senior notes due 2030 and 2035 with a weighted average coupon of 4.775%. The offering, managed by firms like BBVA and J.P. Morgan, is expected to close on August 19, 2025. Proceeds will be used to redeem $1.1 billion in notes maturing in September 2025 and for general corporate purposes, potentially reducing unsecured debt. This move aims to optimize Simon’s debt profile amid changing interest rates. Risks include market conditions and forward-looking statements.

PetMed Express (PETS) announced the resignation of CEO Sandra Campos and CFO Robyn D’Elia. Board Chair Leslie C.G. Campbell is now Interim CEO, and Douglas Krulik is Interim Principal Financial Officer. The departing executives will receive severance packages, including 13 months’ salary and vested stock units, and will provide consulting for three months. The company is seeking permanent CEO and CFO replacements. Justin Mennen is Lead Independent Director, and the Audit and Compensation committees have new chairs.

VIP Play, Inc. and Vokol are partnering to introduce AI-driven, personalized audio experiences for sports fans. The collaboration will be showcased at the AI4 Conference in Las Vegas on August 13th, with a live demonstration by VIP Play CEO Les Ottolenghi. Vokol’s AI audio platform aims to revolutionize sports content creation, enabling rapid production of high-quality audio. This partnership aims to redefine fan engagement by blending AI technology with authentic storytelling.

The hashtag “#EvilCultivation#” has exploded on social media, racking up over 450 million views. Originating from Chinese fantasy novels, “Evil Cultivation” refers to unconventional, often dark, self-improvement methods. Now, it’s a playful trend focused on simplifying life, from unorthodox cooking hacks using beverages and rice cookers to bizarre dieting and fashion shortcuts. While offering instant gratification, these methods face criticism for potentially sacrificing long-term well-being for quick results, reflecting a broader societal anxiety and the youth’s search for achievable goals.