Investors Wooed With Freebies at Japan's Shareholder Meetings
The pickup in gifts, from collectibles to food, has been steady. A survey by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank showed 11% of firms offered them at AGMs in 2024, up from 4% in 2021. Companies that gave cash vouchers to vote totaled more than 120 last year, five times the level in 2019, an industry group estimated.
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2 hours ago
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China is betting on a real-world use of AI to challenge U.S. control
SHANGHAI - As the United States and China vie for control over the future of artificial intelligence, Beijing has embarked on an all-out drive to transform the technology from a remote concept to a newfangled reality, with applications on factory floors and in hospitals and government offices. China does not have access to the most advanced chips required to power cutting-edge models due to restrictions from Washington and is still largely playing catch-up with Silicon Valley giants like OpenAI. But experts say Beijing is pursuing an alternative playbook in an attempt to bridge the gap: aggressively pushing for the adoption of AI across the government and private sector. (The Washington Post has a content partnership with OpenAI.) Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. 'In China, there's definitely stronger government support for applications and a clear mandate from the central government to diffuse the technology through society,' said Scott Singer, an expert on China's AI sector at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. By contrast, the U.S. has been more focused on developing the most advanced AI models while 'the application layer has been totally ignored,' he said. China's push was on full display in Shanghai at its World Artificial Intelligence Conference, which ran until Tuesday. Themed 'Global Solidarity in the AI Era,' the expo is one part of Beijing's bid to establish itself as a responsible AI leader for the international community. This pitch was bolstered by the presence of international heavyweights like Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, and Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned AI researcher often called the 'Godfather of AI.' During the event, Beijing announced an international organization for AI regulation and a 13-point action plan aimed at fostering global cooperation to ensure the technology's beneficial and responsible development. 'China attaches great importance to global AI governance,' Li Qiang, China's premier, said at the opening ceremony on Saturday. It 'is willing to share its AI development experience and technological products to help countries around the world - especially those in the Global South,' he said, according to an official readout. Just last week, President Donald Trump announced a competing plan in a bid to boost American AI competitiveness by reducing regulation and promoting global exports of U.S. AI technology. Washington has moved in recent years to restrict China's access to chips necessary for AI development, in part due to concerns about potential military applications of such models and degrading U.S. tech leadership. The Trump administration's approach to chip policy, however, has been mixed. Earlier this month, the White House reversed a previous ban on specific AI chips made by U.S. tech giant Nvidia being exported to China. This shift occurred amid trade negotiations between the world's two largest economies, which have been locked in an escalating tariff and export control war since Trump returned to the Oval Office earlier this year. There was nothing but excitement about AI in the vast expo center in Shanghai's skyscraper-rich Pudong district, where crowds entered gates controlled by facial recognition. Inside, thousands of attendees listened to panels stacked with Chinese government officials, entrepreneurs and international researchers, or watched demonstrations on using AI to create video games, control robotic movements and respond in real time to conversations via smartglasses. Chinese giants like Huawei and Alibaba and newer Chinese tech darlings like Unitree Robotics were there. DeepSeek was not present, but its name was spoken everywhere. The Hangzhou-based upstart has been at the forefront of Beijing's attempt to push the government use of AI since it released a chatbot model in January, prompting a global craze and driving home China's rapid AI advances. DeepSeek has been put to work over the last six months on a wide variety of government tasks. Procurement documents show military hospitals in Shaanxi and Guangxi provinces specifically requesting DeepSeek to build online consultation and health record systems. Local government websites describe state organs using DeepSeek for things like diverting calls from the public and streamlining police work. DeepSeek helps 'quickly discover case clues and predict crime trends,' which 'greatly improves the accuracy and timeliness of crime fighting,' a city government in China's Inner Mongolia region explained in a February social media post. Anti-corruption investigations - long a priority for Chinese leader Xi Jinping - are another frequent DeepSeek application, in which models are deployed to comb through dry spreadsheets to find suspicious irregularities. In April, China's main anti-graft agency even included a book called 'Efficiently Using DeepSeek' on its official book recommendation list. China's new AI action plan underscores this push, declaring that the 'public sector should take the lead in deploying applications' by embedding AI in education, transportation and health care. It also emphasizes a mandate to use AI 'to empower the real economy' and praises open-source models - which are more easily shared - as an egalitarian method of AI development. Alfred Wu, an expert on China's public governance at the National University of Singapore, said Beijing has disseminated a 'top-down' directive to local governments to use AI. This is motivated, Wu said, by a desire to improve China's AI prowess amid a fierce rivalry with Washington by providing models access to vast stores of government data. But not everyone is convinced that China has the winning hand, even as it attempts to push AI application nationwide. For one, China's sluggish economy will impact the AI industry's ability to grow and access funding, said Singer, who was attending the conference. Beijing has struggled to manage persistent deflation and a property crisis, which has taken a toll on the finances of many families across the country. 'So much of China's AI policy is shaped by the state of the economy. The economy has been struggling for a few years now, and applications are one way of catalyzing much-needed growth,' he said. 'The venture capital ecosystem in AI in China has gone dry.' Others point out that local governments trumpeting their usage of DeepSeek is more about signaling than real technology uptake. Shen Yang, a professor at Tsinghua University's school of artificial intelligence, said DeepSeek is not being used at scale in anti-corruption work, for example, because the cases involve sensitive information and deploying new tools in these investigations requires long and complex approval processes. He also pointed out that AI is still a developing technology with lots of kinks. 'AI hallucinations still exist,' he said, using a term for the technology's generation of false or misleading information. 'If it's wrong, who takes responsibility?' These concerns, however, felt far away in the expo's humming hallways. At one booth, Carter Hou, the co-founder of Halliday, a smartglasses company, explained how the lenses project a tiny black screen at the top of a user's field of vision. The screen can provide translation, recordings and summaries of any conversation, and even deploy 'proactive AI,' which anticipates questions based on a user's interactions and provides information preemptively. 'For example, if you ask me a difficult question that is fact related,' Hou said, wearing the trendy black frames, 'all I need to do is look at it and use that information and pretend I'm a very knowledgeable person.' Asked about the event's geopolitical backdrop, Hou said he was eager to steer clear of diplomatic third rails. 'People talk a lot about the differences between the United States and China,' he said. 'But I try to stay out of it as much as possible, because all we want to do is just to build good products for our customers. That's what we think is most important.' Kiki Lei, a Shanghai resident who started an AI video company and attended the conference on Sunday, seemed to agree with this goal. She said that Chinese AI products are easier to use than U.S. products because companies here really 'know how to create new applications' and excel at catering to, and learning from, the large pool of Chinese technology users. Robots, perhaps the most obvious application of AI in the real world, were everywhere at the conference - on model factory floors and in convenience stores retrieving soda cans, shaking disbelieving kids' hands, or just roaming the packed halls. At the booth for ModelBest, another Beijing-based AI start-up, a young student from China's prestigious Tsinghua University, who was interning at the company, demonstrated how a robot could engage with its surroundings - and charm its human interlocutors. Looking directly at the student, the robot described his nondescript clothing. 'The outfit is both stylish and elegant,' the robot continued. 'You have a confident and friendly demeanor, which makes you very attractive.' - - - Pei-Lin Wu in Taiwan contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: Robots ruled at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where China displayed its latest tech and AI innovation. Washington Post China correspondent Katrina Northrop reported from the event on July 26.(c) 2025 , The Washington Post Embed code: Related Content Pets are being abandoned, surrendered amid Trump's immigration crackdown The Post exposed this farmer's struggle. Then the USDA called. Kamala Harris will not run for California governor, opening door for 2028 run Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 hours ago
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Trip.com Group (NASDAQ:TCOM) Is Doing The Right Things To Multiply Its Share Price
If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out for. Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. So on that note, Group (NASDAQ:TCOM) looks quite promising in regards to its trends of return on capital. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Group: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.084 = CN¥14b ÷ (CN¥248b - CN¥77b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2025). So, Group has an ROCE of 8.4%. On its own, that's a low figure but it's around the 10% average generated by the Hospitality industry. Check out our latest analysis for Group In the above chart we have measured Group's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Group for free. The Trend Of ROCE While in absolute terms it isn't a high ROCE, it's promising to see that it has been moving in the right direction. The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 8.4%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 33% more capital is being employed now too. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Group thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital. The Bottom Line To sum it up, Group has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. Since the stock has returned a staggering 119% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence. While Group looks impressive, no company is worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic for TCOM helps visualize whether it is currently trading for a fair price. While Group may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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6 hours ago
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Trillions On The Sidelines: Could Corporate Cash Be The Key To Bitcoin's Next Big Move?
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. When MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) transformed from a struggling software company into a Bitcoin proxy with explosive market cap growth, it ignited a debate that's reshaping how we think about cryptocurrency investments. The question isn't just whether Bitcoin is a good investment—it's whether the strategies that work for individuals make sense for corporations, and vice versa. The Individual Investor's Bitcoin Playbook For retail investors wondering if they've 'missed the boat' on Bitcoin, the consensus among experienced crypto investors is clear: you're not too late, but your expectations need calibration. While the days of turning small investments into life-changing wealth may be behind us, Bitcoin still offers compelling long-term opportunities. Don't Miss: Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora & MGM— — no wallets, just price speculation and free paper trading to practice different strategies. The most recommended approach for individuals centers on dollar-cost averaging—making regular, small investments regardless of price fluctuations. This strategy acknowledges Bitcoin's extreme volatility while capitalizing on its long-term upward trajectory. As one analysis noted, 'every 4 years there's always a huge opportunity,' referencing Bitcoin's halving cycles. Individual investors benefit from Bitcoin's core characteristics that institutions often overlook. Its decentralized nature means no government or corporation controls it, offering protection against currency debasement and inflation. The 21 million coin cap creates scarcity that traditional currencies lack. For individuals, Bitcoin serves as both a hedge against inflation and a potential wealth-building vehicle over time. The key is self-custody for significant holdings. Hardware wallets like Trezor or ColdCard provide security that exchange-held coins cannot match. This control aligns with Bitcoin's philosophical foundation: being your own bank. Trending: Grow your IRA or 401(k) with Crypto – . Why Corporate Bitcoin Strategies Miss the Mark Despite MicroStrategy's success, corporate Bitcoin adoption faces fundamental problems. Companies hold cash for specific purposes: funding daily operations, weathering economic storms, and capitalizing on growth opportunities. Bitcoin's volatility undermines these core functions. When a company needs cash during a market downturn, Bitcoin might be down 50% or more. This defeats cash's primary purpose as a stable 'shock absorber.' Moreover, corporate managers typically lack the expertise to time cryptocurrency markets effectively, often buying high and selling low. The shareholder choice argument carries significant weight. Instead of speculating with Bitcoin, companies should return excess cash to shareholders through dividends or buybacks, allowing individuals to make their own investment decisions. The Four Exception Cases Corporate Bitcoin investment isn't always wrong, but it requires specific circumstances. First, companies with 'Bitcoin savant' leadership—executives with proven cryptocurrency expertise whom shareholders explicitly trust—might justify the strategy. MicroStrategy exemplifies this rare exception. Second, businesses requiring Bitcoin for operations, like PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) or Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), legitimately need cryptocurrency holdings proportionate to their transaction companies in countries with unstable currencies might use Bitcoin as a stability hedge. Argentina-based MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:MELI) represents this 'Bitcoin escape artist' scenario. Finally, failed companies with speculative stock characteristics might pivot to Bitcoin investment, though this remains extremely risky. The Broader Market Implications Widespread institutional Bitcoin adoption presents a double-edged sword. While it increases demand and potentially price stability, it might fundamentally alter Bitcoin's characteristics. Institutions tend to follow trends, potentially increasing volatility during downturns and making Bitcoin behave more like traditional assets. For individual investors, the takeaway remains consistent: focus on education, practice dollar-cost averaging, maintain long-term perspectives, and only invest money you can afford to lose. Corporate Bitcoin strategies shouldn't influence personal investment decisions—the two operate under entirely different risk profiles and objectives. The Bitcoin opportunity remains open for patient individual investors, even as the corporate adoption story continues evolving. Read Next: A must-have for all crypto enthusiasts: . Image: Shutterstock This article Trillions On The Sidelines: Could Corporate Cash Be The Key To Bitcoin's Next Big Move? originally appeared on
