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Markets Rally After China, US Slash Tariffs for 90 Days

Trump Stuns With Tariff Backtrack but Punishes China
This combination of pictures created on April 09, 2025 shows, L-R, Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on February 6, 2025 and US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC on April 8, 2025. (Photo by Andres MARTINEZ CASARES and SAUL LOEB / various sources / AFP)

Stocks rallied Monday after Chinese and US officials held “substantial” trade talks and slashed their tit-for-tat tariffs for 90 days, fueling hopes the two sides will pull back from a standoff that has rattled global markets.

Investors have been on a rollercoaster ride since Donald Trump unveiled eye-watering tolls on trading partners on 2 April, with the heftiest saved for Beijing, raising concerns of a trade war between the economic superpowers.

The US president eventually hiked the measures against China to 145 percent, which were met with retaliatory rates of 125 percent.

However, there have been signs of an easing of tensions and after two days of highly anticipated negotiations in Geneva, the two countries hailed progress towards ending a crisis that fueled fears of a global recession.

On Monday the two said they would slash their levies to cool tensions and give officials time to resolve their differences.

In a joint statement the US side said it would reduce tolls to 30 percent while Chinese tariffs would be cut to 10 percent.

That came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and international trade representative Li Chenggang in the first known talks since Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement.

“We’ve made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks,” Bessent told reporters, while the White House has hailed what it called a new “trade deal”.

China’s He said the atmosphere in the talks was “candid, in-depth and constructive”, adding that they were “an important first step”.

Asian markets jumped, with Hong Kong up more than three percent while Shanghai also enjoyed healthy buying interest.

Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei and Wellington were all in the green.

London, Paris and Frankfurt all rose more than one percent.

US futures surged more than one percent.

Mumbai jumped more than three percent after India and Pakistan agreed a ceasefire at the weekend following four days of missile, drone and artillery attacks between the two countries which killed at least 60 people and sent thousands fleeing.

Pakistan’s stock exchange rocketed more than nine percent.

Oil prices jumped more than three percent owing to speculation easing China-US tensions would help demand. The dollar also advanced one percent against the euro and yen.

Gold, which rallied last month over a rush to safe havens, extended losses.

“The initial reaction to the weekend US-China talks (is) predictably encouraging,” said Chris Weston at Pepperstone.

However, Karsten Junius at Bank J. Safra Sarasin was cautious.

“We expect financial markets to remain volatile over the coming months, as they have almost fully priced out negative economic surprises and could once again be disrupted by more serious obstacles in trade negotiations,” he said in a commentary.

“In all likelihood, things may still get worse before they get better.”

Investors are also awaiting the release this week of data on US inflation and retail sales, which will provide a fresh snapshot of the world’s biggest economy since the tariffs were first unveiled.


© Agence France-Presse

Prof. Mike Chan’s Precision Medicine Vision Validated by Landmark Human Cytology Study Mapping Over 400 Distinct Cell Types – with Special Focus on the Brain

HEIDELBERG, Germany, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking international study has mapped over 400 distinct human cell types, providing powerful validation for Prof. Mike Chan’s longstanding vision of organ-specific, cell-specific regenerative medicine. This pivotal research [1], authored by Prof. Mike Chan and published by Genesis Biomedical Research Institute in collaboration with global universities, represents a transformative leap in precision healthcare, including the complex realm of brain regeneration.

Prof. Mike Chan reviews a brain replica alongside the landmark Human Cytology Atlas, reflecting on decades of work in targeted organ-and-brain-specific regenerative medicine — now validated by science. “To heal the brain, we must understand every cell within it,” he says, reaffirming his long-held belief in precision-targeted therapy.
Prof. Mike Chan reviews a brain replica alongside the landmark Human Cytology Atlas, reflecting on decades of work in targeted organ-and-brain-specific regenerative medicine — now validated by science. “To heal the brain, we must understand every cell within it,” he says, reaffirming his long-held belief in precision-targeted therapy.

The landmark Human Cytology Atlas utilized single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional cytometry, and bioinformatics to classify and quantify human cell types across various organs — including the intricate human brain. This cellular roadmap redefines how therapies must be developed: not generically, but tailored to match specific cell populations within targeted organs.

“While precision medicine has gained widespread recognition, I have always believed that true healing demands an even deeper understanding — acknowledging that every stem cell is inherently unique.

Each of the 400+ human cell types carries distinct molecular blueprints, comprising specific molecules, amino acid sequences, proteins, glycation rates, and transcription factors, all intricately tailored to the organs and tissues they sustain.

This principle has been the cornerstone of my work in developing targeted, brain-and-organ-specific-precursor stem cell bioregenerative therapies,” said Prof. Dr. Mike Chan.

“For true regenerative success, A1 must match A1, B6 must match B6, Z10 must match Z10. There are no shortcuts when it comes to restoring the body’s natural cellular balance.”

The Brain: A Complex Frontier for Cellular Medicine

Among all organs, the brain exemplifies the need for cellular precision. As Prof. Chan noted, “To heal the brain, we must understand every cell within it.” The Human Cytology Atlas revealed extraordinary specialization within brain structures such as the frontal lobe, hippocampus, pineal gland, prefrontal cortex, and substantia nigra. Each region contains unique cell types with distinct roles, underlining why regenerative therapies must match the exact cells to the corresponding brain area [2].

Prof. Chan’s protocols at European Wellness emphasize this targeted strategy:

  • Frontal lobe neurons for Alzheimer’s disease
  • Prefrontal cortex cells for autism
  • Pineal gland cells for sleep disorders
  • Hippocampal neurons for memory and emotional balance
  • Substantia nigra cells for Parkinson’s disease

The Atlas’s validation of cell diversity confirms that brain regeneration requires organ-specific, cell-specific therapies — reinforcing European Wellness’ pioneering approach.

5 Key Breakthroughs from the Human Cytology Study

  1. Over 400 Cell Types Classified: First-ever complete catalog of human cell types with defined biological roles.
  2. Quantitative Mapping of Cells by Organ: Precision data on cell numbers and distribution enables anatomically tailored therapies.
  3. Discovery of Rare Functional Subtypes: New therapeutic targets for repair, immunity, and neuro-regeneration uncovered.
  4. Validation of Organ-Specific Cellular Identity: Proves that stem cells must be matched specifically to organ and tissue type.
  5. Recognition of Variable Regenerative Capacities: Enables smarter, prioritized treatment designs for aging and chronic diseases.

European Wellness: Precision Medicine in Action

For the first time, regenerative medicine has an exact cellular blueprint to follow. Instead of relying on generalized interventions, clinicians can now design therapies that match organ structure and cellular identity — fulfilling a vision Prof. Mike Chan and European Wellness have advocated for over four decades.

European Wellness Biomedical Group continues to be at the forefront of precision regenerative medicine. Through targeted organ-and-brain-specific precursor stem cell therapies, they deliver individualized programs targeting liver disease, cardiac conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and memory restoration.

References:

[1] Chan MKS, Jambo SA, Jumat MI, Landa F, Saili NS, et al. Human Cytology: Classification and Quantitative Cell Landscape with Numbers, Types and Functional Diversity. J Stem Cell Res. 6(1):1-42.

[2] Mike KS Chan, Mohd Iskandar Jumat*, Florisa Landa, Nur Shafawati Saili, Siti Azmah Jambo, et al. Exploring the Complexity of the Human Brain: Cell Types, Numbers, and Lobar Functions. Am J Biomed Sci & Res. 2025 26(4) AJBSR.MS.ID.003452, 

About European Wellness Biomedical Group

European Wellness is an award-winning biomedical group specializing in advanced targeted organ-and-brain-specific precursor stem cell therapy, anti-aging, and regenerative protocols. The Group operates flagship centers in Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Malaysia and all over Asia.

Bybit and Ghaf Labs Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Web3 Adoption in the Middle East

DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter a multi-year strategic partnership. The alliance aims to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

From right to left: Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Almualla - Co-founder and Board Member at Ghaf Labs; Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Bybit; and Feras Al Sadek - Co-founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs.
From right to left: Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Almualla – Co-founder and Board Member at Ghaf Labs; Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Bybit; and Feras Al Sadek – Co-founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs.

This partnership underscores a shared mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by enabling innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life.

Ecosystem Growth and Startup Acceleration

Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners—Dubai’s pioneering blockchain-focused private capital firm—offers tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA. With its strong regional network and regulatory insight, Ghaf Labs plays a key role in scaling blockchain projects in one of the fastest-growing digital economies.

Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region’s digital transformation.

“Our partnership with Ghaf Labs is rooted in a shared vision for the MENA region — one where crypto isn’t just adopted, but lived,” said Helen Liu, COO and Partner of Bybit. “From developer tooling to lifestyle integration, we’re building the bridges that bring crypto into everyday life.”

Investing in Talent and Community

The collaboration will also launch a series of education initiatives designed to nurture local Web3 talent. These include university partnerships, bootcamps, and developer hackathons, all aimed at empowering the next generation of blockchain builders.

Additionally, both parties will co-develop educational content to improve Web3 literacy across Arabic- and English-speaking communities in the region.

“This partnership with Bybit reflects our shared commitment to advancing Web3 infrastructure, education, and institutional engagement across the MENA region. Together, we aim to accelerate innovation and continue to position the UAE as a global hub for digital assets.”

Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs

Lifestyle, Payments, and Cultural Impact

Beyond development, the partnership highlights the real-world utility of crypto through lifestyle applications like the Bybit Card. This product connects digital assets with premium experiences, including exclusive access through partners such as Grand Millennium Hotels in Dubai—demonstrating the role of crypto in elevating travel, luxury, and everyday spending.

The alliance will also elevate the regional event scene, co-branding marquee events like The Crypto Polo Cup and Crypto Fight Night. These gatherings merge luxury, sport, and Web3 culture to amplify awareness and engagement.

With this MOU in place, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will jointly explore innovation funding, institutional integration, and blockchain-powered use cases across finance, hospitality, education, and beyond—contributing to a resilient Web3 infrastructure in MENA.

This strategic collaboration reinforces the UAE’s status as a forward-thinking jurisdiction and reflects Bybit’s long-term investment in the region’s digital future.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Ghaf Labs

Ghaf Labs is a boutique consultancy and advisory firm that specializes in web3 ventures, which are projects that use blockchain and decentralized technologies to create a more open, fair, and secure internet. Ghaf Labs helps web3 ventures expand their presence and adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, by providing them with market insights, strategic partnerships, regulatory guidance, and community building.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Hi-MO X10 Wins Smarter E AWARD 2025

MUNICH, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LONGi Solar is proud to announce that its Hi-MO X10 back contact module is among the winners of the annual Smarter E AWARD 2025 in the Photovoltaics category. The award was presented in Munich, on the eve of The smarter E Europe exhibition, ahead of Intersolar 2025. LONGi is the only Chinese module manufacturer who win the award.

The award ceremony of Hi-MO X10
The award ceremony of Hi-MO X10

The Hi-MO X10 was recognized for its contribution to advancing module technology through the integration of LONGi’s proprietary second-generation Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC 2.0) technology that is based on the highly efficient LONGi TaiRay wafer. According to the jury’s summary, the module’s  Anti-shading technology furthermore reduces the loss of power output by 70% and decreases localized temperatures by up to 28%, reducing the risk of hotspots and system fires. The jury further praised the zero-busbar (0BB) structure and the module’s Bipolar Hybrid Passivation Technology which brings significant improvements in efficiency, mechanical characteristics and reliability. All in all, the Hi-MO X10 would set new standards for performance and reliability of PV modules.

The Hi-MO X10 delivers a maximum power output of up to 670W, outperforms TOPCon modules by as much as 30W, with a module efficiency of 24.8%. The integration of zero busbar (0BB) technology enhances light absorption, improving performance in diffuse light—an advantage in markets with frequent overcast conditions. Designed for long-term reliability, the Hi-MO X10 features just 1% degradation in the first year and a 0.35% annual linear degradation rate. Its improved power temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C ensures dependable output in both hot and moderate climates.

First launched in October 2024, the Hi-MO X10 has already been widely adopted in European markets. The module represents LONGi’s strategic focus on R&D driven back contact innovation to meet performance, aesthetics and application requirements in a changing energy landscape.

Acer Reports April Revenues at NT$18.59 Billion, Up 4.2% Year-on-Year

TAIPEI, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acer Inc. (TWSE: 2353) announced its consolidated revenues for April at NT$18.59 billion with 4.2% growth year-on-year (YoY). Consolidated revenues for year-to-April reached NT$80.02 billion with 4.4% growth YoY. Highlights in April include:

  • Notebook revenues grew 3.3% YoY
  • Desktop revenues grew 2.5% YoY
  • Monitor revenues grew 12.7% YoY
  • Chromebook revenues grew 28.6% YoY, and according to the latest market research data [1], ranked No. 1 in unit share in consumer markets in both US and EMEA in Q1’25

Acer’s strategy to expand multiple business engines continued to gain momentum. Total revenues from businesses other than personal computers [2] and displays contributed 32.8% of the group’s total revenues in April and 31.9% year-to-April.

At Computex Taipei held from May 20-23, Acer will showcase its range of innovations including AI PCs, displays, gaming and connectivity portfolio, as well as appliance servers, medical and smart solutions from its subsidiaries.

[1] April 2025 Circana US, April 2025 GfK EMEA
[2] Personal computers business includes desktop and notebooks

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 9,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2025 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

Xieng Khouang Airport to Reopen in June, Defense Ministry Says

Xieng khouang Airport during under renovation. 12 March 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)

Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes. 

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.

On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024. 

Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project. 12 March 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)

Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.

The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.

Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities

The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport. 

Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.

From Seed to Community: How Lao Tobacco Limited Partners with Lao Farmers

From Seed to Community: How Lao Tobacco Limited Partners with Lao Farmers
Farmers working (photo supplied)

Across the provinces of northern and central Laos, Lao Tobacco Limited (LTL) is working on developing rural livelihoods through its LEAF Department, a division focused not only on producing quality tobacco but by supporting farmers, their families, and their communities.

Aker Horizons ASA – Launch of buy-back offer for Convertible Bonds

FORNEBU, Norway, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reference is made to the announcement made by Aker Horizons ASA (the “Company” or “Aker Horizons”) on 9 May 2025 whereby the Company among other things announced a contemplated merger, an early repayment of its NOK 2.5 billion green bond and  that the Company will offer to repurchase its NOK 1.6 billion Convertible Bond 2021/2026 with ISIN NO0010921596 (the bonds issued thereunder, the “Convertible Bonds“).

The Company has today launched an irrevocable offer to all holders of Convertible Bonds to buy back Convertible Bonds in cash at a price equal to 93 per cent. of par value of the Convertible Bonds (the “Offer“). Aker Capital AS, which holds Convertible Bonds equalling NOK 1.3 billion par value, has undertaken not to accept the redemption offer.

DNB Carnegie, a part of DNB Bank ASA (the “Manager“) has been engaged as Manager to the Company for the Offer. Bondholders who are eligible to participate in the Offer will be contacted by the Manager and may otherwise reach out to the Manager (email: bond.syndicate@dnb.no) to receive the bondholders offer form relating to the Offer.

Any Bondholders who wish to accept the Offer must have delivered a duly completed bondholders offer form to the Manager within 16:00 CEST on 16 May 2025. The Company expects to be able to publish the result of the Offer on or about 19 May 2025.

Contacts:
Kristoffer Dahlberg, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +47 91 12 44 75
Email: kristoffer.dahlberg@akerhorizons.com

Jonas Gamre, Investor Relations
Tel: +47 97 11 82 92
Email: jonas.gamre@akerhorizons.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This communication is not an offer to sell or purchase any securities, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase any securities in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such solicitation is not authorized or would be unlawful. The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

The publication, distribution or release of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/aker-horizons-asa—launch-of-buy-back-offer-for-convertible-bonds,c4148604