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Rare Sales Decline for Tank Brand—How Will Great Wall Motor Defend Its Market Position?

Inside the Explosive Growth of the New Tea Beverage Sector: Supply Chains, Innovation, and Cultural Capital

Hafu Securities Joins the Race as Hong Kong Accelerates Its Push to Become a Virtual Asset Hub

early HK$180 Billion in Share Buybacks: 238 Hong Kong-Listed Companies Participate, Led by Financial and Tech Giants

Studying IPOs Until 2 A.M.: Retail Investors Spend Over HK$600,000 on New Listings—Are They Making Money?

Oil Prices Rise Amid Russia Sanction Speculation and Saudi Output Surge

Oil prices rose slightly on July 14, 2025, with Brent crude at $70.51 and WTI at $68.59, as markets anticipated possible new U.S. sanctions on Russia following President Trump’s statement about sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

Markets Slide as U.S. Tariff Threats on EU and Mexico Reignite Trade Tensions

Global markets declined on July 14, 2025, after President Trump announced a 30% tariff on most imports from the EU and Mexico, effective August 1. European futures fell ~0.7%, and U.S. futures dropped 0.4%, as investors grew concerned about renewed trade tensions and supply chain disruptions. Trump also criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell, raising speculation about a possible leadership change and future rate cuts. While Asian markets remained steady, sentiment in Europe and the U.S. turned cautious, with analysts expecting rising volatility as the August deadline nears.

Continuation Funds Redefine Private Equity Exit Strategies

Continuation funds are transforming private equity exit strategies by allowing firms to retain high-performing assets while providing liquidity to existing investors. With interest rates high and IPO markets subdued, continuation funds accounted for 13 percent of exits in 2024, up from 5 percent in 2021. This model preserves upside for sponsors and returns capital to investors, prompting private equity firms to rethink traditional exit timelines.

Jamie Dimon Shifts Talent Dynamics by Calling Out Private Equity

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has taken a decisive stance against private equity firms recruiting junior bankers for future-dated roles, labeling the practice "unethical" and leading to a swift industry response. His public rebuke prompted major firms like Apollo Global Management and General Atlantic to halt this tactic, reshaping the talent landscape on Wall Street. JPMorgan’s enforcement measures, including threats of termination, underscore how far a powerful voice can influence hiring norms in finance.

US Dollar's Plummet: A Consequence of Trump-Era Economic Policies

The US dollar's significant decline, the largest since 1973, is primarily attributed to President Trump's economic policies, which are prompting global investors to divest from dollar-denominated assets and eroding the currency's safe-haven status.

NTT DC REIT Sees Modest Debut Following Singapore’s Largest IPO in Four Years

NTT DC REIT raised $773 million in Singapore’s biggest IPO since 2021 but opened with only slight gains as investors weigh opportunities in Asia-Pacific’s booming data centre sector.

Musk Rules Out Tesla-xAI Merger, Despite Possible Investment Talks

Elon Musk has clarified that he does not support merging Tesla and his AI startup xAI, although Tesla investors may still vote on potential investments in the company.

Google to Offer Deep Discounts on Cloud Services for U.S. Government Amid Push for Federal Savings

Google is reportedly preparing to offer steep discounts on its cloud computing services to U.S. government agencies, joining other major tech firms in aligning with federal cost-cutting initiatives.

Pandora Considers Brand Licensing as China Sales Plunge Nearly 80%

Facing a sharp decline in sales and intensifying local competition, Danish jewellery giant Pandora is exploring strategic options to overhaul its struggling China business, including a potential licensing deal, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Amazon Intensifies AI and Space Race with Multi-Billion Dollar Bets

Amazon is reportedly deepening its AI commitment with a significant new investment in Anthropic, building on an existing $8 billion stake. This move aims to strengthen its competitive position against rivals like Microsoft and Google in the AI landscape. Concurrently, Amazon's Project Kuiper is advancing in the satellite internet sector, posing a challenge to SpaceX.

China's Economy Navigates Trade Tensions and Deflationary Headwinds

China's Q2 economy likely grew around 5.2% due to strong exports, but trade tensions and domestic deflation pose challenges. Weak consumer demand and bank struggles with consumer lending signal a potential slowdown in H2 2025. Policymakers face pressure for further stimulus, with the year's growth possibly falling short of the official target.

Bank of England Warns of Lingering Financial Stability Risks Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The Bank of England has issued a stark warning that global financial stability remains at risk due to intensifying geopolitical tensions and uneven economic adjustments to tighter monetary policies. While systemic vulnerabilities have not triggered a crisis, markets remain fragile and potentially susceptible to external shocks. As political fragmentation deepens and capital markets evolve, central banks and investors face growing pressure to reassess risk frameworks and financial resilience.

TSMC Reports Strong Q2 Revenue Growth, Surpassing Expectations Amid AI Boom

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) reported a significant 38.6% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue, driven by soaring demand for advanced chips powering artificial intelligence applications.

OpenAI to Launch AI-Powered Web Browser, Taking Aim at Google Chrome’s Dominance

OpenAI is preparing to launch its own AI-driven web browser within weeks, positioning itself to compete directly with Google Chrome, which currently holds over 66% of the global browser market (StatCounter, 2024). The move signals a bold push by OpenAI to expand its reach and leverage user data more directly.

China’s Industrial Policy Could Spark Equity Breakout in Late 2025, Says JPMorgan

JPMorgan strategists note that China’s efforts to curb industrial overcapacity—particularly in sectors like steel, cement, and electric vehicles—are beginning to influence equity markets. These policy moves aim to restore pricing power and shift focus toward higher-value industries such as semiconductors and renewable energy. If sustained, they could support a breakout in Chinese equities in the second half of 2025. While challenges like weak demand and trade uncertainty remain, the combination of industrial restructuring and potential policy easing may boost investor confidence and spark a broader market rally.

Reliance Jio Shelves $100 Billion IPO Plans Amid Push for Higher Valuation

Reliance Jio Platforms, the telecom and digital arm of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, will not proceed with its highly anticipated IPO this year, as the company seeks to grow revenue and expand its subscriber base before going public, according to sources familiar with the strategy.

Apple Reportedly Eyes Formula 1 U.S. Broadcast Rights Following $293 Million Racing Movie Success

Apple is reportedly in talks to secure the U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1 racing, aiming to build on the momentum of its successful motorsport film and challenge established broadcasters like ESPN.

Merck Forges Ahead: HIV Research Breakthroughs and Strategic Acquisitions Signal Future Growth

Merck is making significant advancements in HIV research, with new data on novel treatments and prevention methods. Concurrently, the company is nearing a $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma, securing the promising COPD drug Ohtuvayre. These strategic moves aim to diversify Merck's portfolio, mitigate upcoming patent expirations, and bolster long-term growth, reflected in positive stock performance and analyst price targets.

Oil Markets Brace for Turbulence: Tariff Threats and Swelling Inventories

Oil prices face headwinds from rising U.S. inventories and impending tariff expansions by President Trump. Industry reports show a substantial increase in U.S. crude stockpiles. Despite OPEC+'s planned output increases, market anxiety persists regarding oversupply and trade-related demand concerns, creating a cautious outlook for global oil markets.

Japan’s Auto Market Expands 5% in June – A Quiet but Steady Recovery

Japan’s new vehicle market posted 5% year-on-year growth in June 2025, with 393,160 units sold. This marks the third consecutive month of expansion and signals that domestic demand is returning to pre-pandemic levels. The uptick reflects a mix of improved consumer sentiment, renewed interest in hybrid vehicles, and supportive government incentives for low-emission transportation. As Japan moves toward its green mobility goals, its domestic auto sector appears to be regaining a stable footing.

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