Markets

Alibaba’s auction platform features increasingly unusual assets. Following the viral auction of a seized tabby cat, the Second People’s Court of Zhongshan City is auctioning a batch of live crocodiles for ¥168,000. The buyer is responsible for capturing, weighing, loading, and transporting the breeding reptiles after payment. The announcement advises against electric shock during capture of the crocodiles from “China’s First Female Crocodile Tamer,” whose business faltered.

Republic Technologies (CSE:DOCT) held its Annual General and Special Meeting on August 19, 2025. Shareholders approved all resolutions, including electing Daniel Liu, Hongming Luo, Tianrui Zhang, and Litong Cao to the board. Charlton & Company, CPA, was appointed auditor. A new 20% rolling long-term incentive plan was approved, and updated Articles of Association were endorsed. The updated Company Articles are available on SEDAR+.

Eagle Plains Resources clarified its property sale agreement with Trident Resources, involving four Saskatchewan claim blocks (16,245 hectares) sold for $14,730. Eagle Plains retains a 2% Net Smelter Royalty. The deal is classified as non-arms length due to a common director, Tim Termuende. Exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval were granted under MI 61-101 because the transaction value is less than 25% of Eagle Plains’ market capitalization. The TSX Venture Exchange still considers it a reviewable transaction.

STMicroelectronics (STM) released its IFRS 2025 Semi-Annual Accounts on August 20, 2025, for the period ending June 28, 2025. The reports, prepared according to IFRS-EU standards, are accessible on the company’s website (www.st.com) and the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) website (www.afm.nl). STM, a global semiconductor leader, employs 50,000 innovators and is committed to carbon neutrality.

C&F Financial Corporation (CFFI) announced a $0.46 per share quarterly cash dividend, payable October 1, 2025, to shareholders of record on September 15, 2025. C&F operates 31 banking and 5 commercial loan offices in Virginia. Through subsidiaries, it offers wealth management, mortgage services, and vehicle financing across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southern U.S.

French “torture streamer” Raphaël Graven (Jean Pormanove), who gained a large following by broadcasting his abuse, died during a livestream at 46. He endured violence, sleep deprivation, and toxic substance ingestion for content. This has sparked outrage and scrutiny of online platforms like Kick for inadequate moderation and unchecked violent content. French officials are investigating, highlighting the legal responsibilities of platforms to prevent illegal material. The incident reignites debate about platform accountability and content moderation in the digital age.

On August 20, 2025, Shell plc repurchased 1,373,940 shares across LSE, Chi-X, BATS, XAMS, and CBOE DXE, as part of its ongoing buyback program that runs from July 31 to October 24, 2025. LSE transactions ranged from £26.3250 to £26.6550, while European venue transactions ranged from €30.6650 to €30.9500. HSBC Bank plc independently manages the program within pre-established parameters, adhering to UK and EU market regulations.

Oconee Federal Financial Corp. (OFED) reported a net income of $4.2 million ($0.73 per diluted share) for fiscal year 2025, down from $6.3 million the previous year. Total assets grew slightly to $668.2 million, with the loan portfolio expanding to $478.7 million. The company maintained its $0.10 per share dividend for the 55th consecutive quarter. CEO Curtis T. Evatt cited the Mutual Savings Bank acquisition and interest rate environment as factors boosting net interest margin. The board declared a $0.10 dividend payable August 21, 2025.

Taiwanese singer Qian Baihui, best known for her Mandopop hits like “Walking Through the Coffee Shop” in the 1980s, has died at age 62. Fellow entertainer Huang An announced her passing on August 19th, citing illness as the cause. Huang An, a longtime friend, credited Qian Baihui with launching his own singing career. Qian Baihui’s music resonated across Taiwan and mainland China, solidifying her place in Mandopop history and contributing to cross-strait cultural exchange.

Flora Growth Corp. (FLGC) regained Nasdaq compliance on August 19, 2025, after maintaining a share price above $1.00 for 10 consecutive trading days (August 4-15). This resolves a compliance issue initiated on February 25, 2025, when Nasdaq notified Flora of non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. Flora remains listed on Nasdaq, maintaining access to investors and visibility. The company now focuses on future growth plans.