Hong Kong stocks take hit from Iran conflict after US strike, Hormuz threat

Huawei, once known mainly for smartphones and telecom gear, has quietly built up its chip division to become a serious competitor to industry giants like Nvidia. The article dives into how China’s tech powerhouse leveraged government support, R&D investments, and a bit of secrecy to position itself as a major player in the global semiconductor race—just as tensions over chip dominance between the U.S. and China reach a boiling point.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about corporate rivalry—it’s a glimpse into the high-stakes battle for control over the tech that powers everything from AI to defense systems. Huawei’s rise signals China’s push for self-reliance in chips, which could reshape global supply chains and geopolitical power dynamics. If you care about who controls the future of tech, this story matters.

Nvidia is riding high with its AI chips in massive demand, pushing its stock near record levels. But despite its dominant position, CEO Jensen Huang is keeping a close eye on one major competitor: China’s Huawei. This podcast episode dives into Huawei’s rise as a potential threat, featuring insights from Washington Post reporter Eva Dou, who unpacks the company’s secretive but powerful trajectory in her new book, House of Huawei.

Editor’s Note: Nvidia’s AI chip dominance isn’t as untouchable as it seems—Huawei’s growing influence could shake things up. With U.S.-China tech tensions in the background, this isn’t just about business rivalry; it’s a glimpse into how global power struggles play out in the semiconductor world. If Huawei gains ground, it could reshape who controls the future of AI hardware.

Iran’s parliament is considering a bill to halt cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to state news agency IRNA. This move comes amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and could further strain relations with Western nations.

Editor’s Note: If Iran follows through, it would mark a major escalation in its standoff with the international community over its nuclear activities. The IAEA plays a key role in monitoring compliance with nuclear agreements, so cutting ties could signal that Iran is digging in its heels—raising the risk of deeper isolation or even renewed sanctions. For global security, this is a worrying step backward.

Corpus Resources, a company you might not have heard of yet, just secured £200,000 by selling shares to keep the lights on and fund its operations. It’s a modest but crucial cash injection—enough to buy them some runway while they figure out their next move.

Editor’s Note: For small or growing businesses, even a relatively small funding round like this can be a lifeline. It signals that investors see potential, or at least enough stability to keep backing them. Whether this is a stepping stone to bigger things or just a stopgap depends on what Corpus does next—but for now, it’s a sign they’re still in the game.

Spectris, a UK-based precision measurement company, saw its stock jump a whopping 15% after agreeing to a £3.8 billion takeover by private equity firm Advent International. Investors are clearly cheering the deal, which offers a premium over Spectris' recent share price.

Editor’s Note: Big buyouts like this signal confidence in Spectris' tech and market position—Advent wouldn’t drop billions without seeing serious potential. For shareholders, it’s a quick win, but long-term, it raises questions: Will Advent streamline operations, expand the business, or flip it later? Either way, it’s a reminder that even niche engineering firms can become hot targets when their expertise is in demand.