Markets

Extreme heatwaves in China are raising concerns about tire failure and driving safety. Experts warn that high temperatures increase tire pressure, making blowouts more likely, especially during sudden braking. Drivers are advised to drive smoothly, avoid hard braking, take regular breaks for tire cool-down, and avoid using water to cool hot tires. In case of a blowout, maintain composure and decelerate gradually.

Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) repurchased 196,897 shares between July 10-16, 2025, at an average price of €139.16, totaling €27.4 million. This is part of their €1 billion share buyback program for 2025. To date, they’ve repurchased 3,885,856 shares for €590.6 million, averaging €151.99 per share. They’re using third parties to execute €350 million of the buybacks between May 8 and July 28, 2025 for capital reduction.

South Korean investors are increasingly investing in Chinese equities, with over $5.4 billion traded year-to-date, making China their second-largest overseas investment destination. Xiaomi Group is the most popular stock, followed by BYD and CATL. Pop Mart also sees growing interest. The China Universal CSI Robotics ETF is favored in A-shares. This shift is likely due to the performance of Chinese tech and emerging industries, coupled with Korea’s strong KOSPI performance fueled by its tech sector dominance and government policies.

A SAIC Motor executive, Shao Jingfeng, argues that design homogeneity is a major challenge in the EV market, hindering brand identity. He criticizes the industry’s trend towards similar features like closed-off front fascias and minimalist interiors. Shao suggests incorporating “Chinese romanticism” to differentiate designs and avoid generic “globalized templates.” He believes cultural nuances can create compelling and unique vehicles in a crowded market, moving beyond risk mitigation to recapture the spirit of automotive design.

Genflow Biosciences (GENFF) secured a €4 million non-dilutive grant from Belgium’s Wallonia Region to advance GF-1002, its gene therapy candidate for Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). The grant covers a three-year development program aligned with Genflow’s clinical roadmap. While initial disbursement awaits administrative procedures, the GF-1002 program continues without interruption. Genflow highlights that all project-related expenses incurred in 2025 will be eligible under the grant’s terms.

A family feud within Wahaha Group, involving claims of founder Zong Qinghou’s undisclosed children and a $2 billion inheritance battle in Hong Kong, is trending on Chinese social media. The dispute has triggered discussions about the beverage company’s succession and values. Simultaneously, resurfaced comments from Nongfu Spring’s founder Zhong Shanshan, emphasizing ethics, national commitment, and earned honor, are being interpreted as a subtle commentary on Wahaha’s internal conflict.

As of July 1, 2025, China has updated its minimum wage standards, varying across provinces and municipalities. Most regions use a tiered system. Shanghai leads with a monthly minimum wage of RMB 2,740, and Beijing with an hourly rate of RMB 26.4. Minimum wage adjustments directly affect income distribution and improve employee benefits like overtime pay and social security contribution bases, benefiting the broader workforce.

NVIDIA’s H20 series AI chips have U.S. approval for reintroduction to China alongside a new RTX Pro GPU for the Chinese market. Morgan Stanley sees this as a positive catalyst for BAT, anticipating increased capital expenditure for AI, cloud services, and e-commerce enhancements. Chinese firms like Tencent and ByteDance are placing orders, requiring U.S. government approval. The move aims to counter Huawei’s dominance in the Chinese market by providing an alternative, potentially limiting Huawei’s global competitiveness despite its technological advancements.

Ridgeline Minerals (RDGMF) has corrected a typographical error in its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) materials, clarifying the record date as July 3, 2025. The AGM is still scheduled for August 12, 2025. Amended materials are available on SEDAR+ and the company website. Ridgeline Minerals focuses on exploration across seven projects in Nevada, holding both wholly-owned assets and strategic partnerships.

Beijing Aniya, linked to influencer Da Xiang Ge, is undergoing simplified cancellation. Da Xiang Ge, previously a top content creator, revealed a debt exceeding ten million yuan following a failed investment of 12.49 million yuan (approximately $1.7 million USD) in a catering project where the partner allegedly absconded. Aniya also divested shares in Shanghai Lizhaoman in May, a company co-owned with the involved catering executive. The cancellation announcement period is from July 7-27, 2025.