China Inc by BBW

Two mid-sized Chinese venture capital firms are moving in new directions, one embracing cryptocurrencies and the other diversifying beyond retail. What's driving these moves? And up-and-coming online travel agent Klook is eying a major New York IPO. Why isn't it following a more recent trend to list in Hong Kong, and is there room for yet another travel agent in a crowded field of listed companies like Trip.com and Booking.com?

Private clinic operators for medical treatments like eye and dental care are facing a difficult path as Chinese consumers rein in their spending. What's ahead for this group? And cosmetic surgery services provider So-Young's shares have soared in recent weeks as investors embrace its shifting business model. Why are they suddenly so confident?

Companies raised $13.6 billion through Hong Kong IPOs in the first half of the year, giving the city the global fundraising title for that period. What's behind the sudden boom? And a growing number of Chinese companies are experimenting with cryptocurrencies in Hong Kong, even as such currencies are banned on the Mainland. What's driving such different approaches on the Mainland and in Hong Kong?

An era has ended in Macao with the planned closure of the city's remaining "satellite casinos" by the end of the year. Does this represent the latest step in the corporatization of Macao? And former financier-turned-educator-turned -food seller Qudian has announced it's pulling out of its latest foray into last-mile delivery. What value for investors is there in this kind of ever-changing company?

An early edition toy based on the red-hot Labubu character has fetched a record $150,000 in a recent auction. What's driving the craze, and is it sustainable? And a high-profile tussle between two leading skincare brands has left one of them bruised, with its stock down 30%. How can investors steer clear of this kind of damage?

Huawei has released a PC version of its Harmony operating system, as well as two models using the OS. How likely are other PC and smartphone makers to adopt this made-in-China OS? And WeRide has launched a $100 million share buyback less than a year after its IPO. What prompted the move, and is this the best use of its dwindling cash?

A group of early investors in NEV maker Zeekr have protested a recent privatization bid for the company, saying it's too low. Will the buyer heed their complaints and raise its offer? And Chagee's maiden quarterly results show its revenue grew at just half the rate of its new store openings. What's behind the evaporting returns?

After zooming over the last few years, China's car exports to Russia skidded by 44% in the first quarter. What put on the brakes? And former microchip superstar Zhao Guowei has been sentenced to death for waste and corruption. What led to his downfall?

Starbucks has reportedly sent invitations to several parties interested in buying part of its struggling China operations. What kind of partner is the U.S. coffee giant likely to choose? And vaping companies are scrambling to diversify production away from China over concerns about Donald Trump's tariffs. Where are they going, and will they escape the tariff threat?

Uber has signed new alliances with Chinese robotaxi operators Momenta and Pony AI, and fortified an existing partnership with WeRide. Why the sudden embrace of Chinese robotaxis? And Webull's stock has charged from the gate with massive gains following its SPAC listing. What's driving this company, which is an unusual hybrid of a U.S.-based business with strong China ties?

Tim Hortons is tasting some new success in China with a bagel formula. Will this mark the start of a turnaround for the struggling chain? And a Red Bull killer named Eastroc has filed to list in Hong Kong. What’s the secret to its success, and will it attract investors to its story?

Speculation is growing on a potential delisting of Chinese shares from New York in the growing US-China trade war. Could such a mass delisting really happen? And a purist premium tea maker named Chagee raises $400 million in a Nasdaq IPO. What sets this company apart from its many rivals?

TikTok's plan to sell its US operation runs into resistance from Beijing after Trump's new tariffs. Does this spell the end for this deal? And Xiaomi enters crisis mode after a fiery crash of one of its EVs leaves three students dead. Will this put the brakes on Xiaomi's stock?

A young company called Scage is close to listing in New York through a backdoor SPAC merger. Is it really worth the high valuation it's seeking? And 52Toys has hired an investment bank for a Hong Kong IPO. Will it be able to sell investors on its toy story of rapid expansion and hot collectibles?

Online brokers Futu and UP Fintech have recorded banner results, with revenue up by 75% or more for both in the fourth quarter. What's driving the growth, and is it sustainable? And the international arm of China's tobacco monopoly reported 10% revenue growth last year, even as the number of Chinese smokers fell. What's driving the increase?

China may be preparing new policy support for its embattled solar companies, possibly in the form of ramped up building of new solar farms. Will such support be enough to raise the sector out of the doldrums? And China's securities regulator has reportedly launched a campaign to stop many smaller firms from seeking overseas listings in New York. What's driving this sudden clampdown?

The huge success of "Ne Zha 2," partly due to national pride, has lit a fire under the stock of the movie's producer, Enlight Media. How important is the nationalism factor when choosing Chinese stocks? And Hong Kong's CK Hutchinson has sold its two port operations in the Panama Canal after coming under pressure from Donald Trump. Are we likely to see more such forced asset sales over national security concerns going forward?

China's takeout dining duopoly of Ele.me and Meituan will start offering social benefits for their thousands of drivers. What's driving this change of heart and what will it mean for the market? And JD.com has announced its entering the fray, aiming to take on this established duopoly. What are its chances of success, and what does this mean for the industry?