-
Jack Ma has returned to Alibaba’s campuses, taking a more active role than in years, amid a broader push into AI and local services. Meanwhile, Alibaba is expanding its super-app ecosystem with new AI-powered features, competing fiercely with Meituan and others in China’s digital economy.
-
Chinese tech firms, including Ant Group and Alibaba, are advancing humanoid robotics with new models and investments. Ant Lingbo Technology showcased its R1 robot at a major conference, while Alibaba-backed X Square Robot secured significant funding. Tesla also hints at its humanoid ambitions in China, signaling a competitive global race.
-
China's state-backed investors hold nearly 4 trillion yuan in stocks, surpassing foreign holdings and signaling ongoing government support. Meanwhile, Chinese equities rally, with institutional investors leading the surge, and bond issuance hits new highs amid waning foreign interest in Chinese debt.
-
Starbucks will sell a 60% stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, aiming to expand from 8,000 to over 20,000 stores. The deal provides Starbucks with capital and local expertise amid declining sales and rising local competition.
-
UK manufacturing PMI rose to 50.2 in November, the first expansion since September 2024, driven by domestic demand and larger firms. Business optimism hit a nine-month high, though employment and smaller firms still face contraction. The data suggests a cautious recovery amid mixed economic signals.