Global Business Magazine https://thegbm.com Business news, opinion, reviews, interviews Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:15:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://thegbm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Bizmag-logo.png Global Business Magazine https://thegbm.com 32 32 195744517 Bitmaker’s Acceleration: A Rare Case of Organic Growth in a Saturated Exchange Market https://thegbm.com/bitmakers-acceleration-a-rare-case-of-organic-growth-in-a-saturated-exchange-market/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:15:23 +0000 https://thegbm.com/bitmakers-acceleration-a-rare-case-of-organic-growth-in-a-saturated-exchange-market In a global crypto exchange landscape crowded with aggressive marketing and inflated social metrics, Bitmaker is emerging with a noticeably different trajectory. The relatively new platform has gained rapid traction in Vietnam, one of the most active retail derivatives markets in the world — and it appears to be doing so without relying on artificial hype cycles.

Market observers point out that it has been a long time since a new exchange has accelerated this quickly in a competitive region already dominated by established global players. What makes Bitmaker’s rise particularly noteworthy is not just user acquisition speed, but the structure behind it.

A 10% Cashback Model That Rewrites Trader Psychology

At the core of Bitmaker’s strategy is a first-of-its-kind 10% cashback on realized losses from leveraged positions. While exchanges typically compete through fee discounts, token incentives, or referral bonuses, directly refunding a portion of trading losses introduces a more psychologically resonant incentive.

The structure does not eliminate risk. Traders still absorb 90% of losses. However, by softening the downside, the model may reduce the emotional friction that often drives traders away after drawdowns. In high-volume derivatives markets like Vietnam, where leverage trading is deeply embedded in retail behavior, such a mechanism can increase platform stickiness and trading continuity.

Industry analysts note that incentive design in crypto exchanges has historically focused on upside rewards. Bitmaker’s model instead addresses loss aversion — one of the strongest behavioral biases in trading psychology.

Aggressive Staking as a Parallel Strategy

Alongside derivatives incentives, Bitmaker has rolled out competitive staking products featuring elevated APYs and flexible lock-up structures. This dual-track approach targets both speculative traders and passive yield seekers.

High-yield staking campaigns are commonly used for rapid user acquisition, but their sustainability depends heavily on liquidity management and internal risk controls. Sources familiar with the exchange indicate that Bitmaker’s backend infrastructure is supported by experienced market-making teams.

Backed by Professional Liquidity Experience

According to individuals close to the project, Bitmaker is supported by market makers who have previously operated on major global exchanges such as Bybit, MEXC, and Binance. Experience in liquidity provision and derivatives hedging could be critical in managing the volatility exposure created by cashback incentives.

Unlike smaller exchanges that rely primarily on promotional tactics, liquidity depth and structured risk management are often what determine long-term survivability.

Under the Radar — By Design?

Despite rapid growth in Vietnam, Bitmaker remains relatively underexposed on mainstream crypto media and Western social platforms. Notably, the exchange’s Discord community reportedly exceeds 100,000 active members across several Asian countries.

Observers suggest this may signal a focus on organic, regionally concentrated growth rather than global bot-amplified social presence. In an era where Twitter engagement metrics are frequently distorted by automated accounts, community density and trading activity may serve as more meaningful indicators of traction.

A Potential Shift in Competitive Dynamics

If sustainable, Bitmaker’s incentive architecture could place pressure on established exchanges operating in Southeast Asia. Rather than competing solely on fee compression, the exchange is experimenting with structural behavioral incentives — something rarely attempted at scale.

Questions remain around long-term economics, capital efficiency, and abuse prevention. However, early traction in one of the world’s most competitive retail derivatives markets suggests that bold incentive design, when paired with professional liquidity infrastructure, can still disrupt an otherwise saturated sector.

As Southeast Asia continues to evolve as a battleground for exchange dominance, Bitmaker’s rapid ascent may represent a new phase of trader-centric competition.

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ASTRA Therapeutics appoints Industry Leader Fabian Kausche as Chairman of the Board of Directors https://thegbm.com/astra-therapeutics-appoints-industry-leader-fabian-kausche-as-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors/ https://thegbm.com/astra-therapeutics-appoints-industry-leader-fabian-kausche-as-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors/#respond Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:15:00 +0000 https://thegbm.com/astra-therapeutics-appoints-industry-leader-fabian-kausche-as-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors

Fabian Kausche

Dr. Fabian Kausche, a distinguished animal health executive, joins ASTRA Therapeutics.
Dr. Fabian Kausche, a distinguished animal health executive, joins ASTRA Therapeutics.

Villigen, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

  • Dr. Fabian Kausche, a distinguished animal health executive, joins ASTRA Therapeutics to strengthen strategic leadership and long-term value creation.
  • Appointment reinforces ASTRA Therapeutics’ commitment to building a scalable, globally competitive animal health company focused on precision anti-parasitic innovation.
  • Board strengthened ahead of future value-creation phases, including strategic partnerships and Series A financing.

Villigen, Switzerland, 24 February 2026 – ASTRA Therapeutics AG today announced the appointment of Dr. Fabian Kausche as Chairman of its Board of Directors, reinforcing the company’s governance and strategic leadership as it advances its precision parasitology platform toward global scale.

Fabian Kausche brings decades of executive leadership across animal and human health, with deep expertise in R&D governance, portfolio strategy, and organizational transformation. He has repeatedly led large, multinational R&D organizations through growth, integration, and strategic repositioning. Complementing this corporate background, he also brings hands-on startup and transaction experience, having served as Chairman of the Board of PetMedix and guiding the company through its strategic development and successful acquisition by Zoetis. This combination of global leadership and entrepreneurial value-creation experience provides highly relevant strategic perspective and makes him an ideal leader for ASTRA Therapeutics as it advances toward its next phase of growth.

“Fabian’s leadership experience at the highest levels of global animal health R&D brings exactly the strategic depth we need at this stage. His ability to build high-performing teams and align innovation with disciplined governance will be instrumental as we continue advancing ASTRA Therapeutics’ mission to redefine precision in parasitology,” said Natacha Gaillard, PhD, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ASTRA Therapeutics.

Fabian Kausche commented: “ASTRA Therapeutics combines scientific differentiation with a clear strategic vision. The company’s precision approach to parasitology directly addresses one of the most urgent challenges in animal health – resistance to existing therapies. I look forward to working closely with the team to strengthen governance, advance the pipeline, and help realize the company’s long-term potential.”

Following the successful closing of its CHF 7.75 million seed financing round in July 2025, ASTRA Therapeutics is deliberately strengthening its Board of Directors and governance framework to support scaling, global partnerships, and future capital formation. The company is building the institutional foundation required to translate its ParaX® platform into differentiated, globally competitive animal health products and durable shareholder value.

Ashwani Sharma, PhD, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ASTRA Therapeutics, added: “As we advance our pipeline and prepare for our Series A financing, it is essential that our governance evolves in step with our scientific progress. Fabian’s track record in managing multi-billion-dollar R&D organizations and leading complex integrations provides strong strategic guidance as we position ASTRA Therapeutics for disciplined growth, successful capital formation, and sustained long-term value creation.”

 

Contact

Beatrix Benz
+41 79 256 77 73
media@astratherapeutics.com

 

About Dr. Fabian Kausche

Fabian Kausche brings several decades of senior executive experience in animal and human health research and development. He previously served as Global Head of R&D for Novartis Animal Health, Merial, and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, where he led large multinational organizations and oversaw the integration of the industry’s largest R&D structure.

His track record spans innovation strategy, R&D governance, portfolio optimization, and organizational transformation, with a strong focus on aligning scientific excellence with sustainable business growth. He currently leads FK Consulting, LLC, advising private equity firms, venture funds, and growth-stage companies on product innovation, governance structures, and operational effectiveness.

Fabian Kausche also served as Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, leading global research initiatives to address livestock health challenges in emerging markets. He holds multiple board and advisory roles across the global animal health ecosystem.

He holds a veterinary degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, an M.Sc. from Iowa State University, and a German PhD (Dr. med. vet.). Having completed the Advanced Management Program, he is also an alumni of Harvard Business School.

 

About Astra Therapeutics AG

ASTRA Therapeutics is a Swiss biotechnology company based at the Park InnovAARE innovation campus in Villigen, Switzerland that designs novel precision drugs against eukaryotic pathogens based on its proprietary platform ParaX®, with a focus on applications in Animal Health.

The company is backed by MIG Capital AG, a leading German venture capital firm, alongside US-based Digitalis Ventures and Borealis Ventures, as well as Kickfund, and Venture Kick.

For more information, please visit www.astratherapeutics.com

Attachments

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Direxion Delivers Four New 2X Bull Single Stock Leveraged ETFs for High Conviction Stock Traders https://thegbm.com/direxion-delivers-four-new-2x-bull-single-stock-leveraged-etfs-for-high-conviction-stock-traders/ https://thegbm.com/direxion-delivers-four-new-2x-bull-single-stock-leveraged-etfs-for-high-conviction-stock-traders/#respond Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:13:00 +0000 https://thegbm.com/direxion-delivers-four-new-2x-bull-single-stock-leveraged-etfs-for-high-conviction-stock-traders

Direxion Delivers Four New 2X Bull Single Stock Leveraged ETFs for High Conviction Stock Traders

Direxion Delivers Four New 2X Bull Single Stock Leveraged ETFs for High Conviction Stock Traders
Direxion Delivers Four New 2X Bull Single Stock Leveraged ETFs for High Conviction Stock Traders

New York, United States, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New ETFs Tied to ASML, BABA, MRVL, and SOFI Bring Direxion’s Single Stock Leveraged & Inverse Suite to 55 Fund Offerings

Direxion, the leader in Single Stock Leveraged & Inverse ETFs, today announced four new ETFs, offering 2X daily amplified exposure to ASML Holding (ASML), Alibaba Group (BABA), Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL), and SoFi Technologies Inc. (SOFI). These funds provide traders with targeted tools to express short-term bullish views on some of the market’s most actively traded semiconductor, e-commerce, and digital finance companies.

The new ETFs include:

  • Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF (Ticker: ASMU)
  • Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (Ticker: BABU)
  • Direxion Daily MRVL Bull 2X ETF (Ticker: MRVU)
  • Direxion Daily SOFI Bull 2X ETF (Ticker: SOFA)

“These companies sit at the core of the digital economy – from the chips and networks powering AI and cloud computing, to the platforms enabling global e-commerce and digital finance,” said Mo Sparks, Chief Product Officer of Direxion. “Our new Single Stock Leveraged ETFs give traders precise tools to express short-term views on the stocks driving these critical growth trends.”

With the launch of these four funds, Direxion now offers 55 single stock ETFs, spanning a wide range of sectors, including technology, e-commerce, energy, aerospace, semiconductors, automotive. This breadth gives traders the flexibility to target specific names driving market momentum. 

All Direxion Leveraged and Inverse ETFs are intended only for investors with an in-depth understanding of the risks associated with seeking leveraged investment results, and who plan to actively monitor and manage their positions. There is no guarantee these ETFs will meet their objective. Please visit the Direxion Leveraged and Inverse ETF Education Center, where you will find educational brochures, videos, and a self-paced online course to help you understand if Leveraged and Inverse ETFs – including Single Stock Daily LETFs – are right for you.

About Direxion:

Direxion equips investors who are driven by conviction with ETF solutions built for purpose and fine-tuned for precision. These solutions are available for a broad spectrum of investors, whether executing short-term tactical trades, or investing in thematic strategies. Direxion’s reputation is founded on developing products that precisely express market perspectives and allow investors to manage their risk exposure. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately $54.8 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. For more information, please visit www.direxion.com.  

There is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives.

For more information on all Direxion Shares ETFs, go to www.direxion.com, or call us at 866.301.9214.

An investor should carefully consider a Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Direxion Shares. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus call 866.476.7523 or visit our website at direxion.com. A Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Investing in the funds involves a high degree of risk. Unlike traditional ETFs, or even other leveraged and/or inverse ETFs, these leveraged and/or inverse single-stock ETFs track the price of a single stock rather than an index, eliminating the benefits of diversification. Leveraged and inverse ETFs pursue daily leveraged investment objectives, which means they are riskier than alternatives which do not use leverage. They seek daily goals and should not be expected to track the underlying stock’s performance over periods longer than one day. They are not suitable for all investors and should be utilized only by investors who understand leverage risk and who actively manage their investments. The Funds will lose money if the underlying stock’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Bull Fund will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance increases, and the Bear Fund will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance decreases, over a period longer than a single day. Investing in the Funds is not equivalent to investing directly in the underlying stock.

Direxion ETF Risks – An investment in the ETFs involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The ETFs are non-diversified and include risks associated with concentration that results from an ETF’s investments in a particular industry, sector or security which can increase volatility. The use of derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. The ETFs do not attempt to, and should not be expected to, provide returns which are a multiple or inverse of the return of their respective underlying security for periods other than a single day. For other risks including leverage, correlation, daily compounding, market volatility and risks specific to an industry or sector, please read the prospectus.

Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc. 

Attachment

CONTACT: Associate Vice President
Danielle Black
Ditto Public Relations
direxion@dittopr.co

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Panama cancels China-linked port deal, hands canal terminals to Maersk, MSC https://thegbm.com/panama-cancels-china-linked-port-deal-hands-canal-terminals-to-maersk-msc/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:02:39 +0000 https://thegbm.com/panama-cancels-china-linked-port-deal-hands-canal-terminals-to-maersk-msc

In this article

This aerial view shows a cargo ship sailing out of the Panama Canal on the Pacific side in Panama City on October 6, 2025.
Martin Bernetti | Afp | Getty Images

Panama annulled key port contracts held by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison in its official gazette Monday, transferring interim operations of the ports to Danish shipping giants A.P. Moller-Maersk and Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Co.

The notice formalized a Supreme Court ruling last month that the concessions for the Balboa and Cristobal terminals near the Panama Canal, which Panama Port Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, had held for more than two decades, were unconstitutional.

The Panamanian government on Monday formally assumed control of the port facilities, including cranes, vehicles, computer systems and software under a decree aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operations until a new concession is awarded within 18 months.

Under the interim arrangement, APM Terminals, a unit of Maersk, will operate the Balboa port on the Pacific side of the canal, while MSC’s port operating subsidiary, Terminal Investment, will run the Cristobal port on the Atlantic side.

Shares of CK Hutchison fell 0.9% at the open Tuesday. The stock has climbed over 20% so far this year.

CNBC reached out to CK Hutchison, Panama Ports Company, Maersk and MSC for comment but did not receive a response by publication.

The simmering dispute has become a geopolitical flashpoint between Washington and Beijing, with Panama caught in the crossfire.

After U.S. President Donald Trump alleged last year that China was “running the Panama Canal,” CK Hutchison negotiated a $23 billion deal with a BlackRock-led consortium to sell its non-Chinese port assets. Beijing swiftly intervened, describing the sale as  “kowtowing” to American pressure and stalling the transaction.

The Hong Kong conglomerate has pushed back since the ruling last month and initiated arbitration proceedings against Panama. On Feb. 12, CK Hutchison said that “any steps” that Maersk or its subsidiary takes to operate the ports without its agreement will likely “result in legal recourse.”

Beijing also warned that the Central American country will “pay a heavy price both politically and economically” unless it changes course.

The Panama court’s ruling was seen as a major victory for the U.S., given that the White House has made blocking China’s influence over the global trade artery one of its top priorities.

China has reportedly directed state firms to halt talks over new projects in Panama and urged shipping companies to consider rerouting cargo through other ports, Bloomberg reported last week.

— CNBC’s Emily Chan contributed to this story.

By CNBC

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AI/R’s Intelligent AI Agent for Recruitment Operations Now Available in the Microsoft Marketplace https://thegbm.com/ai-rs-intelligent-ai-agent-for-recruitment-operations-now-available-in-the-microsoft-marketplace/ https://thegbm.com/ai-rs-intelligent-ai-agent-for-recruitment-operations-now-available-in-the-microsoft-marketplace/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:53:00 +0000 https://thegbm.com/ai-rs-intelligent-ai-agent-for-recruitment-operations-now-available-in-the-microsoft-marketplace Microsoft customers worldwide can now discover and deploy Llia through Microsoft Marketplace, accessing trusted solutions that accelerate innovation and business transformation with unified integration across Microsoft products

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI/R today announced the availability of Llia in the Microsoft Marketplace, the unified online destination for customers to buy trusted cloud solutions, AI apps, and agents to meet their business needs. AI/R’s customers can now discover and deploy trusted solutions through Microsoft Marketplace, with smooth integration and streamlined management across Microsoft Azure and other Microsoft products.

A reference in Agentic AI applied to software engineering and digital acceleration, AI/R now expands its reach within the Microsoft ecosystem with the availability of Llia, its intelligent AI agent designed to transform recruitment operations. Llia leverages advanced language models, autonomous workflows, and native integration with corporate systems to evaluate candidates, automate screenings, generate insights, and substantially reduce time-to-hire. Companies using Llia report hiring cycles up to three times faster and recruitment costs reduced by as much as 80%, while improving candidate and recruiter experience through streamlined, always‑available AI‑driven interactions.

“The arrival of Llia on the Microsoft Marketplace marks an important milestone in AI/R’s mission to democratize high‑impact Agentic AI. Llia was engineered to solve one of the most critical challenges organizations face—hiring better and faster—and now it is available in a secure, trusted, and fully integrated Microsoft environment. We’re excited to empower even more companies around the world with this capability,” says Alexis Rockenbach, Global CEO of AI/R.

“Microsoft Marketplace helps organizations and partners move faster, work smarter, and grow by connecting them with the right solutions—all in one trusted place,” said Cyril Belikoff, vice president, Microsoft Azure Product Marketing. “We’re happy to welcome AI/R’s solution to the growing Microsoft Marketplace ecosystem.”

Microsoft Marketplace is a single destination to find, try, and buy trusted cloud solutions, AI apps, and agents to meet your business objectives. Choose from a growing collection of solutions tailored to your unique needs, available both in Marketplace and directly within Microsoft products.

About AI/R
AI/R, headquartered in California, is an Agentic AI Software Engineering company that combines its ecosystem of highly specialized technology brands, proprietary AI platforms, and strategic partner platforms to amplify human intelligence and drive a revolution across industries, setting efficient standards for innovation and business productivity. By embedding AI into every aspect of its operations, AI/R’s mission is to make the AI revolution a revolution for everyone, empowering human talent while raising the bar for digital transformation. Let’s breathe in the future.

Milena Buarque Lopes Bandeira, milena.bandeira@aircompany.ai  

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Salvation Army Relocates to Woodbridge Shopping Center, Reaffirming Long-Term Commitment to the Woodbridge Corridor https://thegbm.com/salvation-army-relocates-to-woodbridge-shopping-center-reaffirming-long-term-commitment-to-the-woodbridge-corridor/ https://thegbm.com/salvation-army-relocates-to-woodbridge-shopping-center-reaffirming-long-term-commitment-to-the-woodbridge-corridor/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:43:00 +0000 https://thegbm.com/salvation-army-relocates-to-woodbridge-shopping-center-reaffirming-long-term-commitment-to-the-woodbridge-corridor WOODBRIDGE, Va., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Salvation Army has relocated from its former Gordon Plaza location to a new, highly visible space at Woodbridge Shopping Center, reaffirming its commitment to serving the Woodbridge community.

The new location totals approximately 19,000 square feet and is positioned at the corner of Route 1 and Occoquan Road, just two blocks from Salvation Army’s previous site. The center offers strong traffic counts, excellent visibility, and prominent pylon signage.

The relocation follows the closure of Gordon Plaza, which is slated for demolition as part of a redevelopment that will include a new Home Depot, expected to deliver in 2027. The move allows Salvation Army to remain in the Woodbridge corridor while upgrading to a stronger retail setting.

Woodbridge Shopping Center is co-anchored by CVS and Dixie Bones, providing Salvation Army with a high-traffic environment alongside nationally recognized retailers.

The long-term lease reflects Salvation Army’s long-term plans in the market. The store opened ahead of the holiday season.

Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization specializing in thrift retail, with proceeds supporting community programs and social services. Thrifting continues to grow in popularity across all generations.

Boosalis Properties represented the landlord in the transaction. 

We’re excited to represent the landlord in this transaction,” said George Boosalis. “Salvation Army is a strong anchor and an excellent co-anchor for CVS. It will drive traffic to the shopping center, benefit co-tenants, and serve the surrounding community.”

Interior of Salvation Army thrift store at Woodbridge Shopping Center in Woodbridge, Virginia

Salvation Army – Woodbridge Shopping Center
Salvation Army’s new, highly visible location at the corner of Route 1 and Occoquan Road, positioned in a strong retail environment alongside national co-anchors.

Exterior of Salvation Army thrift store at Woodbridge Shopping Center in Woodbridge, Virginia

Interior View | Woodbridge Shopping Center
Inside the newly opened Salvation Army location at Woodbridge Shopping Center, approximately 19,000 SF serving the local community.

Media Contact:
Maria Sarantis
Communications Director, Boosalis Properties
maria@boosalisproperties.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/804e36c6-ac48-44a7-add3-e4adb76b6bae

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9b34c80-f926-4522-9a84-b300c4867505

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U.S. Composer Appeals Vietnam Court Ruling in Copyright Dispute with Noo Phước Thịnh https://thegbm.com/u-s-composer-appeals-vietnam-court-ruling-in-copyright-dispute-with-noo-phuoc-thinh/ https://thegbm.com/u-s-composer-appeals-vietnam-court-ruling-in-copyright-dispute-with-noo-phuoc-thinh/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:43:37 +0000 https://thegbm.com/u-s-composer-appeals-vietnam-court-ruling-in-copyright-dispute-with-noo-phuoc-thinh A cross-border copyright dispute between an American composer and one of Vietnam’s top pop stars…

The post U.S. Composer Appeals Vietnam Court Ruling in Copyright Dispute with Noo Phước Thịnh appeared first on Vietnam Insider.

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A cross-border copyright dispute between an American composer and one of Vietnam’s top pop stars…

The post U.S. Composer Appeals Vietnam Court Ruling in Copyright Dispute with Noo Phước Thịnh appeared first on Vietnam Insider.

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China’s leverage rises before high-stakes summit as Supreme Court curbs Trump tariffs https://thegbm.com/chinas-leverage-rises-before-high-stakes-summit-as-supreme-court-curbs-trump-tariffs/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:52:44 +0000 https://thegbm.com/chinas-leverage-rises-before-high-stakes-summit-as-supreme-court-curbs-trump-tariffs

US President Donald Trump (L) and China’s President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will seek a truce in their bruising trade war on October 30, with the US president predicting a “great meeting” but Beijing being more circumspect. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Andrew Caballero-reynolds | Afp | Getty Images

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs has strengthened China’s hand ahead of a summit with his counterpart Xi Jinping, where Beijing is expected to push for reduced U.S. support for Taiwan, analysts said.

In a ruling Friday, the court said Trump wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement broad tariffs.

That decision has weakened Trump’s negotiating leverage as he prepared for a trip to Beijing in April, said Wendy Cutler, senior vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

“He has effectively had his wings clipped on his signature economic policy,” said Cutler, who was also a former U.S. trade representative.

Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, the first trip by an American president since his last visit in 2017. Xi is also expected to make a state visit to Washington later this year.

Analysts said the ruling could change the dynamics around efforts to extend a trade truce negotiated last year and complicate Trump’s push for Beijing to buy large quantities of U.S. soybeans, Boeing aircraft and energy exports.

“It limits Trump’s ability to deploy tariffs at will, reduces pressure on Beijing to expand soybean purchases or ease rare earth access, and gives China leverage to push for the removal of the remaining 10% tariffs linked to fentanyl,” said Dan Wang, China director of Eurasia Group.

For Beijing’s part, it could use the opportunity to press Washington to ease technology export controls, remove certain Chinese entities from U.S. sanctions lists, and cut back arms sales to Taiwan, said Xinbo Wu, director at Fudan University’s Center for American Studies.

“[The ruling] certainly helps strengthen China’s position in its negotiation with the U.S,” Wu said.

Non-tariff tools

While Trump’s tariff authority may be somewhat diminished, he could deploy non-tariff measures, such as technology controls and sanctions against Chinese entities, as negotiating tools, experts said.

“The measures with real structural impact remain non-tariff tools,” said Wang. These include expanded export controls on advanced chips and broader restrictions against Chinese tech firms, Wang said.

The U.S. stance on the Taiwan issue, disputes over the South China Sea and security ties with Japan and Korea still rest largely with Trump, he added.

In a statement Monday, China’s commerce ministry said it is currently assessing the impacts from the implementation of the ruling, while urging the U.S. to remove all unilateral tariffs against its trading partners.

“China and the U.S. both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” according to the ministry’s statement translated by CNBC.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Trump responded with a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — before raising it further to 15%, which the president said would be “effective immediately.”

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump dangled a warning that more tariffs would follow: “During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs.”

It remains unclear if any official documents have been signed detailing the timing. A White House fact sheet issued Friday said the original 10% tariffs would go into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Before the ruling, Washington had imposed an additional 20% tariff on Chinese exports last year —including a 10% reciprocal tariff and a 10% fentanyl-related tariff — citing IEEPA authority. The Supreme Court’s ruling implies a net reduction of around 5% in U.S. tariffs on China, according to Goldman Sachs.

“Overall, this development suggests upside risk to our positive outlook on Chinese exports this year,” Goldman said.

A study by the trade monitoring body Global Trade Alert also named China among the top winners under the revised Section 122 tariff regime, with a 7.1 percentage point reduction in tariff rates.

John Gong, a former consultant to China’s commerce ministry, said that Beijing is not “betting their strategy on the dispute between the executive and judicial branches of the [U.S.] government, although a lower tariff rate ‘is something nice to have.'”

301 Section investigation

Still, China faces an ongoing Section 301 investigation launched last year over its compliance with the Phase One trade deal from Trump’s first term.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in October last year that China appeared not to have met its commitments to expand market access, lower non-tariff barriers, and ramp up purchases of U.S. goods and services, despite repeated U.S. engagement to address implementation concerns.

“Once the U.S. has decided that a country is an ‘unfair’ trade partner, Section 301 comes with substantial flexibilities to use tariffs or other measures,” said Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation.

China said Monday that it is “watching closely” the U.S. move in using trade investigations to maintain higher tariffs, vowing to “firmly safeguard” Chinese interests.

The ruling may have a limited impact on broader U.S.-China relations, said Scott Kennedy from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who noted that tensions extend beyond tariffs.

“The [Supreme Court] ruling doesn’t upend U.S.-China relations the way it might to U.S. ties with its allies and others, because China had already gained the upper hand,” he said.

Kennedy expects the April summit to yield limited results, such as an extension of the ceasefire and sales of U.S. products, but progress is unlikely on thornier issues such as clear guidelines for export controls or rebalancing China’s economy.

During a phone call earlier this month, Xi asserted to Trump that Taiwan is the “most important issue” in U.S.-China relations — overshadowing the commercial deals Trump touted at the time, including Chinese purchases of American energy and agricultural products.

Upcoming talks between the two leaders may prove more political than economic, said Minxin Pei, a professor of political science at Claremont McKenna College.

Xi might be “open to giving Trump a better commercial deal” in exchange for a statement on Taiwan that Beijing could claim as a victory, Pei said.

— CNBC’s Elaine Yu contributed to this story.

By CNBC

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FitVille Announces Advanced Comfort for Men with the Cloud Strider V3 Shoe https://thegbm.com/fitville-announces-advanced-comfort-for-men-with-the-cloud-strider-v3-shoe/ https://thegbm.com/fitville-announces-advanced-comfort-for-men-with-the-cloud-strider-v3-shoe/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:48:00 +0000 https://thegbm.com/fitville-announces-advanced-comfort-for-men-with-the-cloud-strider-v3-shoe An ergonomic breakthrough provides greater support for all-day mobility

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Every day, millions of men put in hours of work while standing on hard surfaces. All that pain and pressure on joints, muscles, and padding lead to swollen feet and fatigue that make it much harder to feel motivated the next day. To combat the unforgiving nature of hard surfaces on feet, international performance footwear brand FitVille unveiled a new solution for long-term comfort: the Men’s Cloud Strider V3.

most comfortable walking shoes

Relief for the feet is crucial not only for those who spend hours on end helping customers, providing services, or conducting meetings, but also for productivity. Buyers who want a little more TLC for their feet are on the hunt for the most comfortable walking shoes for standing all day, and the Cloud Strider V3 offers a blend of therapeutic design, ergonomic engineering, and performance-driven aesthetics that meet that mark.

A Brand Focused on Solving Real Foot Pain

FitVille has built a reputation for comfort-driven solutions in modern footwear since its founding in 2018. The brand’s founder struggled to find running shoes that fit truly wide feet without causing unwanted pressure on joints or instability when walking. That challenge sparked a design philosophy that liberates movement rather than makes wearers feel overly restricted.

Today, all FitVille products meet the three core pillars of therapeutic functionality, advanced comfort technology, and structural support innovation, especially for consumers aged 35-65 who are dealing with foot fatigue, swelling, knee strain, and other common issues.

“We started this journey on the idea that footwear should feel great and provide support for more people,” says ( James , CEO of the FitVille ). “With the Cloud Strider V3, we’ve found an exceptional product that will help men seize the day and not feel like they need to soak their feet for hours on end when home.”

wide fit trainers

Wide Fit Shoes Engineered for Wide Feet

One of the defining features of the newly announced FitVille Cloud Strider V3 is its inclusive size range. These are the most comfortable walking shoes available in sizes Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) for men.

The design of the Cloud Strider V3 doesn’t feel bulky or chemical like other products on the market. The toe box has an extended space to allow more natural toe splay and to reduce friction while using the feet for balance during a prolonged workday of standing at a counter, workbench, or standing desk.

Features Any Man Can Enjoy

With the FitVille Cloud Strider V3, many concerns about wider feet, bunions, arthritis, or hammer toes are alleviated. The entire design is suitable for those passionate about running, but it also works just as well for the most comfortable walking trainers around the house doing chores, or at the office catching up on work. Features of the newly announced comfort shoes include:

  • Support for wide feet and high insteps
  • Zero break-in time with a soft, breathable upper, cushy collar, and bouncy sole
  • Arch support with extra bounce through ArchCore insoles
  • Fatigue-free steps using the WidePlatform™ that evenly distribute weight
  • A thick sole to prevent toe bending and provide immediate relief
  • Wide toe box to alleviate discomfort or pinching
  • Slip resistance traction for improved control
  • Adjustable closures or laces to fit varying foot shapes and widths
  • Lightweight design that reduces overall stress on the feet and joints

From the breathable knit upper to ensure greater airflow when walking the family dog to soft padding interior for a plush and supportive feel, your feet will appreciate the Cloud Strider V3’s unique design. The most comfortable walking shoes for standing all day need to offer exceptional shock absorption and stability, and this latest model from FitVille ensures a cushy stride that minimizes impact on the wearer’s joints.

Designed for Practical Foot Comfort

Unlike performance runners built solely for sport, the FitVille Cloud Strider V3 thrives in everyday environments. It is designed with American ingenuity to address a range of scenarios and ensure proper protection. That includes a thick, cushioned EVA midsole and a high-rebound EVA foam with a slip-resistant, patterned outsole.

“Feet take us everywhere,” continues ( James , CEO of the FitVille ). “FitVille wants to ensure our customers can meet their daily needs without sacrificing a comfortable, therapeutic fit that meets any mobility demand.”

In the arena of everyday work, the Cloud Strider V3 helps prevent wear and tear on joints and feet during healthcare shifts, moving from patient room to patient room, or standing all day on hardwood floors in an upscale retail shop. Warehouse employees will appreciate the shoes’ breathability as much as those commuting to offices who want the most comfortable walking trainers to ensure a smooth journey.

The benefits of the Cloud Strider V3 don’t end at work. Running errands like picking up groceries for the night’s family dinner or meeting up with friends at a local coffee shop is much easier. The shoe offers superior support, making cleaning up the kitchen, picking up the kids, or traveling to new destinations a cinch.

FitVille also took the time to ensure men with wider feet get support during daily exercise. Everything from a stroll through the park to walking the dog or getting in an early morning light jog is well supported by these comfortable, wide-fit shoes.

A Step Forward Toward Pain-Free Living

Whenever discussions about improving one’s health or meeting productivity come up, footwear is often left out of the conversation. FitVille seeks to interrupt that interaction by providing the most comfortable walking shoes, versatile enough to improve work life, home activities, and social gatherings.

With advanced impact absorption, a breathable construction, and structured arch support, including for wider feet, the Cloud Strider V3 delivers a holistic mobility solution for men dealing with long shifts and chronic foot conditions.

The FitVille Men’s Cloud Strider V3 hits the market in late February 2026, providing a supportive, structured, and aesthetically designed solution to step up any comfort game. Men seeking foot fatigue relief, especially for wider feet, can find more information at the official FitVille website. Now is the best time to keep feet healthy, no matter where people are moving next, and FitVille is here to help.

About FitVille:

FitVille is an ergonomic performance footwear brand committed to improving functional mobility and comfort using therapeutic, structured support. Inspired by the idea that everyone deserved pain-free movement, the brand designs solutions for wide feet, sensitive conditions, and those seeking a more comfortable lifestyle. Learn more by visiting the official FitVille website at.

Contact Information:

Website: https://thefitville.com/

CEO: James D Kuai

Address: 2035 Sunset Lake Road, Suite B-2, Newark, Delaware

Email: contact@thefitville.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4fe059b8-1ba1-4fea-9c44-37dc9fb6382d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25a85a77-48f1-4e16-a2dd-3e961e94b759

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Tune Talk Becomes ASEAN’s First Fully Cloud-Native Mobile Network Operator with Mavenir https://thegbm.com/tune-talk-becomes-aseans-first-fully-cloud-native-mobile-network-operator-with-mavenir/ https://thegbm.com/tune-talk-becomes-aseans-first-fully-cloud-native-mobile-network-operator-with-mavenir/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://thegbm.com/tune-talk-becomes-aseans-first-fully-cloud-native-mobile-network-operator-with-mavenir From MVNO to MNO Enabled by Mavenir’s Cloud-Native OSS/BSS Platform

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tune Talk, one of Malaysia’s most recognized mobile brands, has completed its evolution into a fully independent, cloud-native mobile network operator (MNO) through a strategic partnership with Mavenir, the network software provider building AI‑driven mobile infrastructure. The deployment enables Tune Talk to operate its own network systems end‑to‑end, unlocking new speed, agility, and innovation capabilities ahead of its next phase of growth.

Tune Talk_Mavenir_Strategic Partnership_Image

The shift has been enabled by adopting Mavenir’s cloud-native OSS and BSS solutions, giving Tune Talk full control of its network operations and digital service platforms, and providing a software-driven foundation for future growth.

By modernising its OSS and BSS layers with Mavenir’s cloud‑native platforms, Tune Talk now operates an independent, software‑defined network. This upgrade enables faster service deployment, more personalised AI‑driven customer experiences, and improved network reliability.

The new architecture has already accelerated the rollout of digital services, including MyDigital ID integration, Mastercard ID Theft Protection, free Personal Accident Insurance, foodpanda benefits, and in‑app streaming content such as drama and game subscriptions.

Tune Talk’s new cloud-native operational environment features zero-touch processes and self-healing automation, improving network stability while reducing operational overheads.

Phase two will deepen Tune Talk’s AI‑driven transformation, introducing advanced orchestration, next-generation BSS. These capabilities will further enhance network performance, accelerate service delivery, and unlock new revenue streams through contextual, personalised offers.

“Becoming a fully cloud-native MNO marks the start of a new chapter for Tune Talk and reinforces our ambition to build a smarter, more agile mobile network for Malaysia and beyond,” said Tune Talk CEO Gurtaj Singh Padda. “These foundations enable us to move faster, personalise services at scale, and unlock new value through AI-driven innovation for our growing customer base.”

“We’re proud to have successfully delivered this first phase of our partnership with Tune Talk, advancing their evolution as a fully cloud-native MNO,” said Mavenir President and CEO Pardeep Kohli. “The Tune Talk team is committed to constant innovation, always pushing boundaries to deliver for their customers – our fully cloud-native approach is essential to enabling the speed, flexibility and efficiency they rely on to keep delivering.”

With this deployment, Tune Talk becomes a reference model for cloud-native MNO operations not just in Malaysia but to also the ASEAN region, demonstrating how modern OSS/BSS architectures can accelerate operator independence, agility, and long-term digital transformation.

Join the conversation at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona #MWC26:   

Mavenir, in collaboration with Mobile World Live, will host a panel discussion at MWC26, “Built for More, Bound by Less: The rise of a new breed of MNO embracing AI, Cloud & 5G” on Mavenir’s stand in Hall 2, 2H60 – Monday 2nd March at 01:15 – 01:45 PM. Featuring Tune Talk’s CEO Gurtaj Singh Padda, alongside an executive speaker  from TextNow, and Mavenir’s Sandeep Singh, the session will highlight how mobile networks thrive when they combine cloud-native architectures, AI-driven insight, and flexible monetization, offering practical tactics to differentiate on experience rather than price.

To join in-person or via live streaming, please register here:
Built for More, Bound by Less: The Rise of a New Breed of MNO Embracing AI, Cloud & 5G

About Mavenir 

Mavenir is enabling intelligent, automated, programmable networks through the development of telco-first, cloud-native, AI-by-design software solutions for mobile operators. The company’s deep telco domain expertise has been proven through deployments with 300+ operators globally in over 120 countries, which together serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. Mavenir combines its deep telco experience with the cloud and IT expertise and data science skillsets essential to solving real customer challenges. Its proven software solutions are AI by design, delivering the AI-native future and operators’ evolution to TechCos. 

For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com 

Mavenir PR Contacts: 
Emmanuela Spiteri 
PR@mavenir.com 

About Tune Talk

Tune Talk is the fastest-growing fully cloud native Mobile Network Operator in Asia. Since our launch in 2009, we have remained committed to offering affordable rates and exciting incentives. As a digital lifestyle telecommunications company, our services include unlimited calls, SMS, and high-speed internet packages, tailored to meet the demands for simple, value-driven products with easy accessibility and wide distribution. Our focus on innovation and digital disruption drives us to continuously provide cutting-edge telecommunication solutions, meeting the evolving needs of our customers, and keeping us at the forefront of the industry.

For more information, please visit www.tunetalk.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Brand representative
 • Ahmad Zhafir Zulkifili
Mobile: +60 17-252 0315
Email: zhafir.zulkifili@tunetalk.com

Team Continuum PR
 • Michelle Bridget
Mobile: +60 12-697 7356
Email: michelle.bridget@continuumpr.com
 • Kashantha Ravindran
Mobile: +60 16-976 2767
Email: kashantha@continuumpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6112464-73e8-471f-a807-aae31298e49a

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