Global South Strategy

Business

Moonshot AI's Latest Model Claims Edge Over U.S. Rivals as China's Tech Giants Secure Critical Nvidia Chips

Alibaba-backed Moonshot AI has unveiled an upgraded flagship model, Kimi K2.5, asserting superiority in video generation and agentic capabilities against leading U.S. models. The development coincides with Beijing's approval for major tech firms, including Alibaba, to import advanced Nvidia H200 AI chips, signaling a dual-track strategy in the intensifying global AI race.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

HSBC Upgrades New Oriental to 'Buy' After Strong Quarterly Performance, Citing Resilient Growth Strategy

HSBC has raised its rating on New Oriental Education & Technology Group (NYSE: EDU) from 'Hold' to 'Buy', following the company's better-than-expected Q2 FY2026 results. The upgrade highlights a robust recovery in core businesses and strategic expansion into new educational initiatives.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

WeRide Unveils 'Genesis' AI Simulation Platform, Aiming to Accelerate Global Autonomous Vehicle Development

Chinese autonomous driving leader WeRide has launched its proprietary general-purpose simulation model, Genesis, designed to bridge the gap between real-world data and virtual testing. The platform promises to drastically cut development time and costs for AV systems, from advanced driver-assistance features to fully autonomous robotaxis.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bank of America Doubles Down on Auto Finance, Expands Digital and Branch Strategy Amid New Retirement Program Push

Bank of America extends its partnership with Volvo Car Financial Services through 2030, solidifying its position in automotive lending. Concurrently, the bank joins JPMorgan Chase in matching contributions to the new federal 'Trump Accounts' child savings program, while advancing a dual-track expansion in digital services and physical branches.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Climate Crisis Puts Global Seafood Industry on the Brink: Adaptation Demands Urgent Investment

A stark new financial analysis warns that ocean warming and extreme weather could cost the seafood sector $15 billion annually by 2050, threatening food security and economies worldwide.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ExxonMobil's Q4 Profits Dip Amid Market Headwinds, But Long-Term Strategy Shows Resilience

ExxonMobil reported a 14% year-on-year decline in fourth-quarter net profit, pressured by lower crude prices and chemical margins. Despite the quarterly drop, the energy giant highlighted record production levels, robust cash flow, and continued heavy returns to shareholders as evidence of its strengthened operational foundation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

China Life Insurance Recalibrates Strategy: Board Reshuffle and $1.2 Billion Partnership Signal New Capital Focus

China Life Insurance announces governance changes and a major investment partnership, highlighting a strategic pivot towards long-term, related-party investments amidst evolving regulatory landscapes in Asia's insurance sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Greenlight Capital Bets on Natural Gas: Antero Resources Added to Portfolio as Energy Strategy Shifts

In its Q4 2025 letter, David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital revealed a new position in Antero Resources (AR), signaling a strategic move into the natural gas sector. The hedge fund's portfolio returned 8.5% for the quarter, outpacing the S&P 500.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Lionsgate Studios (LION) Gains Analyst Backing as Content Strategy and AI Integration Fuel Optimism

Shares of Lionsgate Studios Corp. receive a vote of confidence from Seaport Research, which raised its price target following strong box office results. The move underscores broader analyst support for the newly independent content company's library monetization and strategic use of AI.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Rio Tinto and China's Chalco Forge Joint Venture to Seize Control of Brazil's CBA in $900M Deal

Mining giant Rio Tinto and state-owned Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) have entered a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling 68.6% stake in Brazil's Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) from Votorantim, valuing the deal at approximately $902.6 million. The move signals a major consolidation in the global low-carbon aluminum sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Afternoon Brief: Measles Outbreak Surges, Ancient Tomb Unearthed, and the Politics of a Caffeine Fix

From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Jan 30, 2026

Business

CITIC Telecom CFO Steps Down: Leadership Shift Puts Governance, Dividend Strategy in Focus

The resignation of CITIC Telecom International Holdings' CFO and Executive Director Luan Zhenjun, effective January 2026, marks a significant change in the company's financial leadership. While the immediate operational impact may be limited, the move raises questions about governance continuity and capital allocation discipline at a time when the stock trades at a perceived discount to its fair value.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Apple Feels the Pinch: Global Memory Chip Shortage Begins to Bite Tech Giant

Despite record iPhone demand, Apple CEO Tim Cook warns that soaring memory chip costs are set to squeeze margins, highlighting a supply crisis gripping the entire tech industry.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Analysis: Asian Equities Trading at Steep Discounts, With Some Stocks Undervalued by Over 25%

Amidst global market turbulence, a new screen reveals a significant number of Asian stocks are trading below their intrinsic value, with discounts as high as 26.4%. We examine three standout companies from South Korea, Thailand, and Japan that appear poised for a potential re-rating.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Lockheed Martin Posts Record Backlog, Unveils Major Investment Push Amid Global Defense Demand Surge

Lockheed Martin capped a year of robust sales growth with a historic $194 billion order backlog, driven by soaring demand for its advanced defense systems. The aerospace giant announced plans for a significant 'step function' increase in capital investment for 2026 to ramp up production of missiles and next-generation capabilities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Activist Investor Tsai Capital Bets on QXO's Consolidation Strategy in Fragmented Building Sector

Activist investment firm Tsai Capital has taken a stake in QXO, spotlighting the distributor's ambitious plan to consolidate the fragmented building products industry. The move comes as QXO's stock shows strong recent momentum despite longer-term headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Dollar's Four-Year Low Raises Questions About Its Global Dominance

The U.S. dollar's recent plunge to multi-year lows has unsettled markets, fueling debate over the currency's future and the economic policies driving its decline.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Asia Markets Rebound Sharply on Tech Rally, Eyes on Earnings and Trade Tensions

Asian equities staged a strong recovery on Tuesday, with South Korea's Kospi and Japan's Nikkei leading gains as investors returned to tech stocks. The rebound follows recent volatility, with markets now focused on corporate earnings and geopolitical risks.

Feb 3, 2026

Business

Korean Stock Hedging Costs Soar to Record Highs as AI Rally Stumbles

The cost to insure against swings in South Korean equities has surged to unprecedented levels relative to US markets, signaling deep investor anxiety after a historic rally fueled by AI optimism shows signs of fatigue.

Feb 3, 2026