Markets

Leading Chinese foundries SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor reported strong Q2 earnings with double-digit revenue growth. SMIC’s revenue reached $2.209 billion, a 16.2% YoY increase, with a capacity utilization rate of 92.5%. Hua Hong’s revenue was $5.661 billion, up 18.3% YoY, achieving a 108.3% capacity utilization rate. Both companies project continued revenue growth for Q3. No price increases were noted by SMIC in Q2, attributing higher ASP to near full capacity operation.

Haier and Xingdong Era have launched “HIVA,” a household robot or “cyber butler.” Standing 165cm tall and boasting 44 degrees of freedom, HIVA navigates homes via 3D LiDAR and operates appliances with its five-fingered XHAND-Lite. It performs tasks like cleaning, laundry (washing, ironing, folding), and even cooking. This collaboration between Haier’s smart home ecosystem and Xingdong Era’s embodied intelligence aims to revolutionize home service robots, making them as commonplace as household appliances.

H World Group (HTHT) will release its Q2 and interim 2025 financial results on August 20, 2025, after Hong Kong market hours. A conference call will be held the same day at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern time (8:00 PM Hong Kong time). Participants must pre-register. A live webcast and a replay will be available on the company’s investor relations website for twelve months. H World boasts 11,685 hotels and a diverse brand portfolio.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 redefines the foldable smartphone with its ultra-slim design and enhanced AI capabilities. Thinner and lighter than previous models, it boasts larger cover and main displays for improved multitasking. AI integration, informed by user data, streamlines interactions with features like Smart Drag and Drop and Real-time Window. Live Briefing provides personalized notifications, ensuring users stay informed without constant unfolding. The Z Fold7 represents a fusion of sleek design and intelligent technology.

In Xining, Cheng Shizhong is revitalizing Northwest China’s “Hua’er” folk music. He innovates performances, drawing large crowds and seeking new talent through the “Village Stage” initiative. As a Kuaishou influencer, he breaks barriers and spreads the musical heritage online. Cheng’s efforts, from outdoor live streams to talent searches, are aimed at preserving and promoting “Hua’er,” engaging youth & wider audiences, ensuring its future through community participation, talent discovery, and digital platforms.

India is resisting escalating trade tensions with the US after Washington’s tariff hike on Indian goods. Prime Minister Modi vowed to protect Indian farmers’ interests. The Ministry of External Affairs deemed the US tariffs “unfair” and pledged to protect national interests. Despite concessions already made by India, the US demands more access to India’s agricultural sector, a politically sensitive area. An opposition party member even suggested closing McDonald’s in India in response to the dispute and Trump’s claims regarding India-Pakistan relations.

UMC, a leading semiconductor foundry, announced that its emissions targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making it the first pure-play foundry to achieve this. UMC commits to net-zero emissions by 2050, with ambitious near-term (2030) and long-term (2050) reduction targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Key strategies include expanding renewable energy use, maximizing energy efficiency, pioneering low-carbon manufacturing, and engaging its supply chain through the Supply Chain GHG Inventory Initiative.

Fat Dong Lai, a Chinese retail chain, plans to hire 1,000 employees for a new store in Xinxiang, allocating 20% of positions to veterans and 2% to ex-offenders. This initiative sparked online debate, with netizens discussing the merits and drawbacks. A local HRB official stated they were unaware of specific recruitment plans and deferred responsibility for clarification to Fat Dong Lai. Yu Donglai, the company’s founder, announced the plan on social media. The move raises questions about social responsibility and reintegrating former inmates.

OPPO is attracting attention with its new employee perk: sea-view apartments. The “OPPO Binhai Bay Advanced Talent Housing Project” provides over 4,100 units, accommodating approximately 11,000 residents in Dongguan. These apartments, some renting for under $210 USD per month, range in size from studios to three-bedroom units and boast comprehensive amenities, including leisure facilities and educational resources. This large-scale residential venture aims to attract and retain talent in a competitive tech market.

Endeavour Mining plc (LSE:EDV, TSX:EDV) repurchased 30,000 ordinary shares on August 7, 2025, as part of its buyback program. The shares were bought at prices between 2,464.00 and 2,498.00 GBp, with a volume-weighted average price of 2,484.40 GBp. Following cancellation, Endeavour will have 241,623,368 ordinary shares issued, none held in treasury. This figure represents the total voting rights and is relevant for shareholders’ disclosure calculations under FCA rules. The buyback program was initially announced on March 20, 2025.