Latest news with #Suqian
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
When Empires Collide: The Strain Of Building HarmonyOS
SUQIAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 23, 2024 - Illustration Huawei's native Harmony OS operating system, China's ... More first homegrown mobile operating system, is officially released. Since Huawei launched HarmonyOS, one question has come up repeatedly: why hasn't the HarmonyOS version of WeChat matched its Android and iOS counterparts in functionality? As one of China's most widely used applications, WeChat plays a central role in daily communication, payments, and services. Its slower-than-expected development on HarmonyOS reflects broader challenges facing this new operating system—not just for Tencent, but for developers across the ecosystem. Rebuilding, Not Porting According to a Chinese podcast Yi E Chuan E on July 3, WeChat's development team began building the HarmonyOS-native version in 2024. The task involved far more than simply porting the existing Android version. HarmonyOS NEXT had removed Android compatibility entirely, requiring a full architectural rebuild using Huawei's tools and system APIs. Core functions like messaging and payments were given priority, but more complex features—such as Moments, Mini Programs, voice and video calls, and third-party plugins—needed to be re-engineered from the ground up. Much of this functionality was developed over a decade ago and lacks clean documentation, adding to the difficulty of the migration. Frequent changes to HarmonyOS itself presented an additional layer of complexity. Unlike Android, which follows a predictable annual API cycle, HarmonyOS underwent multiple API iterations in short periods. Developers noted that at one point, they had to adapt to two API versions in a single month, which increased development costs and timelines. A Platform Still Under Construction HarmonyOS remains a work in progress. Key system features such as file access, webview rendering, multi-tasking, and accessibility services are still evolving. For apps like WeChat, which depend on tight integration with system functions, any instability at the OS level can delay development or affect performance. The PC version of HarmonyOS reveals additional challenges. Though PC WeChat has a smaller user base, it is vital for office communication and livestreaming. Developers cited limitations such as partial multi-window support, a dual-runtime architecture using ArkTS and Qt, and mobile-oriented system behavior that doesn't fully align with desktop expectations. In the podcast, a Harmony developer explained they've taken a gradual rollout approach, prioritizing stability and reliability. Even features that have been internally developed are being released slowly to avoid undermining user trust. Small Developers Face Steeper Challenges Recently, a blogger called Zhuge Wang released a statistical chart. Based on the information, Zhuge Wang's chart analyzes how many apps from major Chinese internet companies are compatible with Huawei's Harmony OS. Here's a summary: A Xiaohongshu blogger analyzed the ranking of Chinese tech companies adapting the HarmonyOS If Tencent, Alibaba, Bytedance and NetEast— China's most technically advanced companies—has required over a year to rebuild their supper Apps for HarmonyOS, the road ahead for smaller developers is clearly more difficult. Developing a native HarmonyOS app often requires teams to learn new SDKs, rewrite significant portions of code, and test across unfamiliar hardware. For a product development team, in the past, they usually reserve at least two groups of R&D teams for Apple iOS and Android systems, and now with the addition of the Harmony system, it is necessary to add at least one new team not smaller than the size of either of the above groups, which means increasing 30%-50% cost, in terms of time, staffing, and resources. Maintaining three separate platforms—iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS—can be unsustainable for smaller teams. Many are taking a wait-and-see approach, delaying full adoption until the platform becomes more mature, the toolchain stabilizes, and user adoption justifies the investment. Cross-platform solutions like Flutter or Webview can provide temporary support, but they come with performance trade-offs. Native development offers better integration but demands more time and technical effort. Balancing Speed and Sustainability Huawei's push for HarmonyOS is part of a larger strategy to increase China's technological independence. But for developers, platform decisions are driven more by practical considerations. Without a large and active user base, it becomes harder to justify major engineering investments—especially for startups and smaller firms. This creates a feedback loop: users hesitate to switch without full app support, and app developers hesitate to invest without guaranteed user demand. Building a healthy app ecosystem requires careful alignment between user expectations, developer capacity, and platform readiness. While larger companies may eventually build for HarmonyOS, smaller developers often depend on efficiency, stability, and ease of development—areas where HarmonyOS is still evolving. Developer Responses and Public Expectations Online, some developers have faced pressure from users eager to see faster HarmonyOS adoption. However, most product teams have chosen to quietly focus on refining their apps rather than rushing unfinished versions to market. Insiders note that releasing features before they are fully tested could risk not just user dissatisfaction but also long-term reputational damage—both for the apps involved and for HarmonyOS itself. It's worth noting that certain groups—in the PC and Mobile WeChat there is still a group of users (such as elderly users and users with accessibility needs) is not easy to be seen by the public, although the number of users is not large, but the adaptation of the priority is equally high. Building robust accessibility tools under a new system architecture requires time and care, particularly for features as central as voice control, large text modes, and screen readers. Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Ecosystem HarmonyOS is still at an early stage in its evolution. While its long-term goals are ambitious, the short-term reality is that it remains a complex platform to develop for—especially for small- and medium-sized teams. Whether HarmonyOS can sustain a vibrant, diverse app ecosystem will depend on how quickly Huawei can improve developer tools, stabilize its API environment, and provide meaningful support. Lowering the technical and financial barriers to entry will be crucial if HarmonyOS is to attract the full range of developers—beyond the handful of large tech firms that currently dominate the rollout. Conclusion The slower rollout of HarmonyOS-native apps, including WeChat, should not be seen as resistance or lack of commitment. It reflects the very real engineering and ecosystem challenges that come with building a new operating system from the ground up. As HarmonyOS continues to develop, the success of the platform will hinge on its ability to serve not just national objectives, but the practical needs of the developer community. For now, patience, transparency, and sustained investment in developer experience may be the most effective paths forward.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Memo To The Fed And The Treasury Department: It's The Dollar, Stupid
The USD Coin logo displayed on a smartphone in Suqian, China, on March 13, 2025. (Photo Illustration by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images When successfully directing Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential run, Democratic strategist James Carville coined a phrase that became the campaign's de facto slogan: 'It's the economy, stupid.' The uncertain state of the economy was the #1 issue for voters. The state of the dollar should be the Federal Reserve's #1 concern. Similarly, the Treasury Department and the White House should cease any talk of weakening the dollar as a means of improving our trade balance. Experience demonstrates that a weak dollar begets inflation and big economic trouble. Strong nations don't have weak currencies. It is indeed telling—and a warning of future problems—that U.S. short-term interest rates are higher than those of the EU, Britain and Japan, yet the dollar has been feeble against the euro, the pound and the yen. The very definition of inflation is lowering the value of a currency, usually by creating too much of it. In this case, the dollar is wobbling because markets lack faith in it, even though the U.S. economy is doing better than most others. This weakness fuels chatter by the so-called BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa as well as five new members—of finding an alternative to the greenback for international trade. If the dollar is not shored up, expect stablecoins to grow and evolve into monetary alternatives. In other words, the U.S. monopoly on money will face high-tech challenges. People won't stand still if inflation ruins the dollar. Former World Bank President and Treasury official David Malpass puts the dollar issue succinctly: A stable dollar means stable prices. Malpass would make a splendid replacement for Fed head Jerome Powell. Unfortunately, the Fed believes economic growth causes inflation. The institution has a strong bias against a vigorously expanding economy. This is the fundamental issue with our central bank. It's oblivious to the basic importance of a stable dollar—as are all too many economists. Money measures value like a scale measures weight, a clock measures time and a ruler measures length. It isn't a commodity like wheat or gold. It's not similar to a stock that goes up or down, depending on how well an economy is doing. When exchange rates were fixed, before we went off the gold standard in the early 1970s, the Free World flourished as never before. Floating, unstable exchange rates distort trade patterns and lead to brainpower being diverted from productive uses to trying to profit from opportunities offered by financial instability. The daily volume of currency exchange trading now exceeds $7 trillion. Noted economist and monetary expert Judy Shelton observes in her book Good as Gold: How to Unleash the Power of Sound Money , that profits are found in being nimble at arbitraging fleeting opportunities in unsettled financial markets. What a waste of people's talents. President Trump is right that Fed boss Jerome Powell is playing politics regarding interest rates. But as the president nears a showdown with Powell, he and his team should emphasize the fundamental point that the fight isn't just about the current levels of interest rates but, more important, it's about a stable and respected dollar.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Crypto Is Powering Robinhood Stock's Surge
SUQIAN, CHINA - JULY 5, 2025 - A Robinhood LOGO displayed on a smartphone in Suqian City, Jiangsu ... More Province on China, July 5, 2025. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) stock rose by nearly 26% over the last month due to several significant developments. Most notably, the company introduced tokenized stocks, which are essentially blockchain-based equity derivatives allowing the trading of over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs by customers in the European Union. In fact, the firm is providing tokens that are tied to the valuation of privately owned companies such as OpenAI and SpaceX for E.U. clients. Additionally, the company completed its acquisition of the global cryptocurrency exchange operator Bitstamp, which grants it over 50 active licenses and registrations globally. While Robinhood has been providing crypto trading services for several years, this acquisition enables the firm to strengthen its enterprise options, enhance its lending and staking infrastructure, and offer more specialized products tailored for hedge funds, fintechs, and registered investment advisors. The market has also been increasingly focused on the crypto narrative in recent months, driven by a more positive regulatory environment and increasing support from the Trump administration, which has contributed to the stock's performance. So, is HOOD appealing at its current price of around $95 per share? Robinhood stock has momentum working in its favor, with robust recent growth and margins, although there are certain risks that investors need to consider. However, for investors seeking less volatility than individual stocks, the Trefis High Quality portfolio offers an alternative – having outperformed the S&P 500 and achieved returns surpassing 91% since its launch. How Does Robinhood Markets' Valuation Compare to The S&P 500? When assessing the price per dollar of sales or profit, HOOD stock appears costly relative to the broader market. • Robinhood Markets has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 24.1 compared to a figure of 3.1 for the S&P 500 • Moreover, the company's price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio stands at 74.5, while for the S&P 500, it is 20.9 • Additionally, it has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 49.5 compared to the benchmark's 26.9 How Have Revenues for Robinhood Markets Changed in Recent Years? Robinhood Markets' Revenues have seen substantial growth over recent years. • Robinhood Markets has experienced its top line grow at an average rate of 30.0% over the last 3 years (compared to an increase of 5.5% for S&P 500) • Its revenues have grown 59.6% from $2.0 billion to $3.3 billion in the last 12 months (versus growth of 5.5% for S&P 500) • Furthermore, its quarterly revenues grew 50.0% to $927 million in the most recent quarter from $618 million a year ago (compared to a 4.8% increase for S&P 500) How Profitable Is Robinhood Markets? Robinhood Markets' profit margins are significantly higher than many companies in the Trefis coverage universe. • Robinhood Markets' Operating Income over the last four quarters amounted to $1.3 billion, reflecting a notably high Operating Margin of 39.0% • Over the most recent four-quarter period, Robinhood Markets' Net Income was $1.6 billion – signifying a notably high Net Income Margin of 48.8% (compared to 11.6% for S&P 500) How Resilient Is HOOD Stock During A Downturn? HOOD stock has underperformed compared to the benchmark S&P 500 index in several recent downturns. While investors are hopeful for a soft landing for the U.S. economy, what could the impacts be in the event of another recession? Our dashboard How Low Can Stocks Go During A Market Crash illustrates how key stocks performed during and after the last six market crashes. • HOOD stock declined 90.2% from a high of $70.39 on August 4, 2021, to $6.89 on June 16, 2022, versus a peak-to-trough drop of 25.4% for the S&P 500 • The stock fully recouped to its pre-Crisis peak by June 3, 2025 • Since then, the stock has risen to a high of $97.98 on July 5, 2025 • HOOD stock dropped 75.7% from $70.39 on August 4, 2021, to $17.11 on December 29, 2021, against a peak-to-trough decline of 33.9% for the S&P 500 • The stock fully regained its pre-Crisis peak by June 3, 2025 Putting All The Pieces Together: What It Means For HOOD Stock In conclusion, Robinhood Markets' performance across the discussed parameters is summarized as follows: • Growth: Extremely Strong • Profitability: Extremely Strong • Financial Stability: Weak • Downturn Resilience: Weak • Overall: Strong While HOOD stock appears promising, investing in a single stock comes with risks. Conversely, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, comprising 30 stocks, has demonstrated a history of comfortably outperforming the S&P 500 over the last four years. What accounts for this? In aggregate, HQ Portfolio stocks delivered better returns with reduced risk compared to the benchmark index; a smoother ride, as highlighted in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What's Happening With WOLF Stock?
SUQIAN, CHINA - MAY 9, 2025 - An illustration photo shows the Wolfspeed LOGO displayed in a ... More smartphone in Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, China on May 9, 2025. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Wolfspeed stock (NYSE:WOLF) surged nearly 100% during after-hours trading on Monday, June 30, following the silicon carbide semiconductor firm's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, indicating a significant shift in its restructuring strategy. The bankruptcy protection filing presents a tactical chance for Wolfspeed to realign its financial foundation. The company anticipates exiting Chapter 11 by the close of the current quarter with notable enhancements: This restructuring may enable Wolfspeed to compete more effectively in the expanding silicon carbide market for electric vehicles without the encumbrance of overwhelming debt obligations. That said, if you seek upside with a smoother ride than an individual stock, consider the High Quality portfolio, which has outperformed the S&P, and clocked >91% returns since inception. Separately, see – QuantumScape: 40x Upside For QS Stock? The Financial Mess Wolfspeed's route to bankruptcy highlights essential operational shortcomings despite being part of a promising industry. The company's financial indicators for the past twelve months clearly illustrate this reality: The company has consistently consumed cash while struggling to scale production within the competitive semiconductor landscape. Recent quarterly results displayed revenues of only $185 million, falling short of expectations, with fiscal 2026 revenue guidance of $850 million not meeting the $960 million consensus forecast. Underlying Risks Despite the doubling of stock value and debt restructuring efforts, Wolfspeed remains a highly speculative investment. Firstly, the company needs to demonstrate it can achieve profitability post its recent restructuring attempt, something it has struggled with despite years of losses and various such initiatives. Secondly, the silicon carbide semiconductor market is home to fierce competition from established companies, such as STMicroelectronics, which have robust balance sheets and reliable execution capabilities. Lastly, there is an increased risk of dilution for existing shareholders, as they often face significant dilution during bankruptcy proceedings, with creditors typically obtaining equity stakes in the reorganized entity. Surely, Wolfspeed's recent restructuring initiatives could result in a meaningful turnaround. Analysts, on average, project a price of $4.20 for WOLF stock, a notable increase from its June 30 price of $0.40, suggesting over 10x upside potential. However, regardless of this potential, the stock is seen as very risky, as noted earlier. Just keep in mind – WOLF stock remains quite volatile, and as a long-term investment avenue, you might consider the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, which is founded on quality, aiming for reliability, predictability, and growth through compounding. Featuring a collection of 30 stocks, it has a proven track record of significantly outperforming the S&P 500 over the past four years. What accounts for this? As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks have delivered superior returns with reduced risk compared to the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster experience, as demonstrated in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Circle Stock At 60% Safety?
An illustration shows the USD Coin logo displayed on a smartphone in Suqian, China, on March 13, ... More 2025. (Photo Illustration by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) has been one of the most exciting fintech IPOs in recent months. Since its debut at $31 per share in early June, the stock has surged to current levels of almost $240 - an 8x gain. Missed the surge? Don't worry. There's still a smart way to potentially profit from Circle's long-term growth, with a built-in margin of safety and returns far better than cash or bonds. With crypto back in vogue and much-anticipated stablecoin regulation bill clearing the Senate, investors may be pricing in too much, too soon. But what if you could get in at a 60% plus discount - say, around $100 a share? Now we're talking. If that price sounds like a bargain and you've got some dry powder, here's a clever trade to consider. The Trade: 20% yield at 60% margin of safety, by selling Put Options CIRC stock is trading at about $240. You can sell a long-dated Put option expiring June 18, 2026, about a year away, with a strike price of $100, and collect roughly $1,965 in premium per contract (each contract represents 100 shares). That's a 19.65% yield on the $10,000 you're setting aside for the possibility of buying the stock in just 12 months. Plus, don't forget, this cash parked in a savings or money market account will earn an extra 4% per annum. So we're talking about an overall yield close to 24%. Separately, see Is COIN Stock A Buy As Stablecoin Bill Clears The Senate? And here's the kicker. You're agreeing to buy Circle stock at $100, a roughly 60% discount to the current market price, only if the stock drops below that level by the expiration date. The strategy is reliable because large institutions have tested the strategy at scale, and for the right long-term investors, it may serve just right. As an aside, market leadership is in fact one of the factors we consider in constructing the market-beating Trefis High Quality portfolio (HQ) - a strategy of 30 stocks that targets long-term value creation. HQ has outperformed the S&P 500 and achieved returns greater than 91% since inception. Sure, I see the 24% return, however, what if Circle drops more than 60%, isn't there some risk? Of course, there is risk. Because, there are two ways this could unfold: In short, you win either way, especially if you're comfortable owning a high potential company like Circle for the long haul. Is that a good deal though? It could very well be, if you consider a couple of facts: If you do end up owning CRCL stock, you're not stuck with some speculative stock. You're holding a company that is: And The Risk of a Crash Is Lower Than You Think Selling puts is only as good as the business you're willing to own. While Circle stock is certainly expensive, its fundamentals are not too bad. The Bottom Line - Margin of Safety This trade offers an asymmetric risk-reward setup, with a built-in 60% plus discount. Either way, you come out ahead. Preserve & Grow Wealth With Risk-Focused Quality Portfolios These are the kinds of margin-of-safety setups and asymmetric risk-reward tradeoffs that we seek in the Trefis HQ portfolio, which is focused on long-term value creation. With a collection of 30 stocks, it has a track record of comfortably outperforming the S&P 500 over the last 4-year period. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
