Markets

Apple closed its Dalian Parkson Centennial Shopping Center store on August 9th, marking its first directly-operated retail closure in China. The store opened in 2015. Online footage showed staff and customers bidding farewell after a decade. Apple cited the shopping center’s declining retail presence as the reason, stating that employees would be offered positions elsewhere. The shopping center has faced financial difficulties and a change in management.

Shanghai Xingshang Micro-Assembly, established in February 2025, has delivered its 500th advanced packaging lithography system, marking a significant achievement for China’s semiconductor equipment industry. Its core product excels in resolution, overlay accuracy, and exposure field. Holding a 35% global market share and a dominant 90% in China, the company’s systems cater to technologies like Flip-chip and 2.5D/3D packaging. The 500th system will be deployed at JCET’s Shenghe Microelectronics, supporting wafer-level packaging for high-performance chips.

Digital Brands Group (DBGI) secured $11.225M in PIPE financing by issuing Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to select investors. The stock is convertible into common shares at 80% of the lowest closing price over five trading days prior to conversion. RBW Capital Partners LLC served as the placement agent. The securities, offered to accredited investors, require SEC registration for resale. The deal provides capital but carries potential dilution risks for existing shareholders.

Gree Electric’s chairwoman, Dong Mingzhu, continues to promote the company’s diversification beyond air conditioners, particularly highlighting the “growth potential” of Gree refrigerators. At a recent conference, Dong claimed Gree refrigerators maintain superior freshness for vegetables, even after 20 days, rivaling freshly harvested produce, citing advanced technology. Gree aims to break free from its air conditioner-centric image, expanding into refrigerators (Jinghong) and other appliances to capture wider market share. Despite challenges against established brands, Gree leverages its brand association and innovation to elevate Jinghong’s standing.

Freedom Holding Corp. (FRHC) reported a 17% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 FY2026, reaching $533.4 million, driven by strong performance in its banking (+60%) and insurance (+18%) segments. Net income was $30.4 million, or $0.50 per diluted share. The company expanded its customer base and strategically invested in technology and market penetration, notably in Central Asia and Europe. The acquisition of Astel Group Ltd. further solidified its telecoms infrastructure.

Thumzup Media (TZUP) updated its public offering to include pre-funded warrants for common stock. The funds will target cryptocurrencies, mining equipment, working capital, and general corporate purposes. The offering’s completion is subject to market conditions. Thumzup’s platform pays users for sharing branded content and is developing an AI Lifestyle Agent Marketplace. The announcement contains forward-looking statements subject to risks. Investors should carefully review SEC filings and the prospectus before investing.

Chinese fruit retailer Pagoda (Baiguoyuan) is facing online criticism after its Chairman defended the company’s higher prices, stating they aim to “educate” consumers rather than “cater” to them. This sparked debate on Weibo, with many users questioning the pricing strategy and suggesting alternative options readily available in the market. Some consumers believe similar or better products can be found at a lower price. Pagoda maintains its commitment to quality despite the backlash.

A significant IP breach at TSMC, involving employees and possibly its 2nm process, has led to a legal battle. Tokyo Electron (TEL) confirmed dismissing an employee and attempted appeasement, sending executives to TSMC. However, TSMC rejected TEL’s efforts and initiated legal action, signaling a firm stance against data theft. TSMC will implement internal disciplinary measures. The incident underscores the importance of intellectual property protection in the semiconductor industry.

TotalEnergies SE (TTE) announced its voting rights and share capital figures as of July 31, 2025. The disclosure, mandated by French regulations, details the total number of shares, theoretical voting rights, and exercisable voting rights. These figures are essential for investors to assess their voting power, understand shareholder influence, and monitor potential shifts in corporate structure, particularly amidst TotalEnergies’ strategic evolution and investments in renewable energy. Analysts suggest investors carefully review this data alongside other financial information.

A Brazilian couple, Adriane Machado Ribeiro (42) and Marconi Silva Cardoso (26), died after their car plunged off a cliff. Initial investigations suggest the vehicle became unstable during intimate activity, potentially due to unintentional gear shift or brake disengagement. Residents reported hearing a crash, and rescue teams later found the car and the partially unclothed bodies in a ravine. Authorities are investigating the incident, highlighting the importance of safety and situational awareness. The couple had previously attended a party before driving to the cliffside paragliding launch point.