State Street Corporation (STT.US) Chairman and CEO Ron O’Hanley said it is hard to see AI as a bubble, as market demand is supporting substantial investment in AI technology.

He said the construction of new data centers is not being carried out speculatively, but is backed by real orders. Whether a bubble emerges will depend on whether AI becomes more efficient, making all the capacity currently under construction redundant.

Following the earnings release by Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL.US), some market selling may have already been inevitable. O’Hanley said some selling in the market may have been overdue, but at present the market does not appear to be experiencing disorderly conditions.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

SINGAPORE, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- H World Hotel Management Pte. Ltd. ("H World APAC") and Agoda have entered into a five-year strategic cooperation agreement aimed at supporting H World APAC's hotel network expansion and business volume increment across the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration brings together the companies' complementary strengths in market intelligence, business analytics, hotel distribution and performance marketing.

Driving Hotel Network Expansion Across Asia-Pacific

As part of the regional growth strategy, H World APAC is targeting the opening of approximately 70 hotels over the next five years. Under the collaboration, Agoda will support H World APAC's expansion efforts by providing market intelligence, facilitating introduction to prospective hotel investors and partners, and supporting location assessment and business development initiatives in selected markets.

Leveraging Market Intelligence and Data Analytics

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in market intelligence and business data analytics, enabling both parties to identify growth opportunities and increase market share across the regions.

Through the sharing of relevant market insights and destination demand trends, H World APAC and Agoda will explore potential hotel development opportunities and strengthen network planning efforts.

Enhancing Hotel distribution and Driving Revenue Growth

A key component of the agreement focuses on creating additional value for hotels. Participating H World APAC properties will benefit from Agoda's extensive distribution network, marketing initiatives, and revenue growth programs. These initiatives are designed to help participating hotels improve visibility, drive demand, and optimize commercial performance.

"Asia-Pacific is central to the next chapter of H World Group's global growth journey. Our strengths in hotel operations, brand building, supply chain management and operational efficiency have enabled us to become the world's fourth-largest hotel group by room count. Agoda complements these capabilities with deep demand intelligence and extensive market reach across Asia-Pacific. Together, we can accelerate our expansion in a more asset-light manner while creating a more compelling value proposition for hotel owners seeking a trusted growth partner." said Murphy Zhu, President, H World Group Asia Pacific.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Agoda added, "We're excited to support H World APAC's ambitions across Asia-Pacific. Supporting growth starts with understanding where travellers want to go and what they're looking for. With Agoda's travel demand insights, global distribution reach, and local market expertise, we're well positioned to help H World APAC identify opportunities and connect its hotels with more travellers."

Through this five-year partnership, participating H World APAC hotels will gain access to a broader ecosystem of support encompassing market intelligence, business development, distribution, marketing, and performance enhancement initiatives. By combining Agoda's global reach and distribution capabilities with H World APAC's expertise in hotel management and operation, the collaboration aims to unlock new growth opportunities for hotels across the Asia-Pacific region.

Contact:
Ms. Yanni LO
Senior Marketing Manager, APAC
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (+852) 3585 3095

PIMCO CEO Emmanuel Roman said at the Fifth Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit this morning (3rd) that AI-related financing could elevate to around USD10 trillion over the next five years and eventually reach overheated levels, compared with the approximately USD12 trillion size of the US bond market.

He said downside risks could emerge from rising US interest rates, war in the Middle East and a eurozone crisis, and the problem of excessive financing may then surface.

Blackstone Inc. (BX.US) President Jon Gray said at the same occasion that the current skepticism may be healthy, but stressed that the broader momentum of AI development indicates related investment will continue to increase, while demand for capital will also grow substantially.

He believed it would be a mistake to underestimate the upcoming productivity gains, as well as changes in consumer and corporate behavior.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

• XPENG today announced the appointment of Lee Man-sik, a 30-year automotive industry veteran with a proven track record in sales and commercial operations, as Managing Director of XPENG Motors Korea, effective December 1, 2026.
• The appointment marks XPENG's planned entry into the South Korean market. Details on launch timing and local business operations will be announced at a later date.

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XPeng Inc. ("XPENG" or "the Company," NYSE: XPEV; HKEX: 9868), a leading global Physical AI company, today announced the appointment of Lee Man-sik as Managing Director of XPENG Motors Korea, as the company prepares to bring its smart vehicles to one of Asia's most sophisticated automotive markets.

Mr. Lee brings more than three decades of automotive industry experience. Having begun his career in engineering, he has built expertise across sales, marketing, product strategy, brand communications, dealer network development and customer service. He joined Volvo Cars Korea in 2003 and played a pivotal role in establishing Volvo as a leading premium import brand in South Korea.

At Volvo Cars Korea, he led the development and execution of the brand's mid- to long-term growth strategy, with responsibilities spanning brand positioning, product planning, sales and marketing, nationwide dealer expansion and customer experience.

"Over the past thirty years, I have learned that sustainable growth for a premium brand rests not only on outstanding products but on trust built with customers," said Mr. Lee. "XPENG is a brand presenting new possibilities for the industry through innovative AI technology and a vision for future mobility. I am delighted to join this journey of change."

On the Korean market, he added: "Korean customers hold exceptionally high expectations for automobiles and are remarkably open to new technology and innovation. We believe XPENG's advanced technology and product competitiveness can offer them new choices and differentiated value. Above all, our goal is to build a brand customers can choose with confidence — one that delivers a trustworthy experience at every step of ownership."

In his new role, Mr. Lee will lead XPENG's efforts to establish its business foundation in South Korea, drawing on his deep understanding of the local automotive market and extensive experience in premium brand operations. His remit will include developing sales and service networks, building strategic partnerships and strengthening XPENG's brand presence in the market.

XPENG's planned entry into South Korea comes as the company continues to deepen its international footprint this year. In October 2026, the company delivered 50,237 vehicles worldwide — up 22% from September and 20% from a year earlier, a new monthly record. Overseas deliveries climbed to 13,326 units, surging 166% year on year to set a record of their own. The company now operates across 83 countries and regions, supported by eight R&D centers, six manufacturing bases and more than 1,200 stores worldwide. At the 2026 Paris Motor Show in October, XPENG launched its next-gen AI flagship SUV, the G9L, for the European market and showcased its latest intelligent driving technologies, while expanding opportunities for global technology partnerships. XPENG aims to bring that same differentiated technology and customer experience to South Korea, and details on launch timing and local operations will be shared in due course.

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading global Physical AI company, dedicated to bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world to reshape future mobility and smart living. Through in-house R&D, XPENG has developed a full-stack Physical AI architecture spanning Turing AI chips, world foundation models, and highly integrated software and hardware applications. This unified technology foundation of XPENG powers an expansive product portfolio of smart EVs, robotaxis, and humanoid robots, advancing the deployment of Physical AI at scale. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG is dual-primary listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With global capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, XPENG drives continuous technological innovation and fosters an open Physical AI ecosystem, making life smarter, safer, and better for users worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

For media inquiries:

XPENG PR Department

Email: [email protected] 

Marvell (MRVL.US) announced the acquisition of optical component maker Lumentum (LITE.US) at an enterprise value of USD115 billion, meaning the merger of two companies backed by NVIDIA (NVDA.US). Marvell CEO Matt Murphy said he will continue to serve as chairman and CEO of the combined company, adding that the transaction will benefit NVIDIA.

Marvell shares closed down 12.72% overnight at USD171.41. Some analysts questioned whether the acquisition price was too high, as the deal exceeds more than half of Marvell's market capitalization. Lumentum shares also closed down 18.59% at USD684.4.

Lumentum shareholders will receive 4.5 shares of Marvell for each share held, equivalent to USD1,132 per share and representing a premium of 23.9%. The transaction is expected to be completed in 1H28, after which Lumentum shareholders will own a 33% stake in the combined company.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Meta Platforms, Inc. (META.US) is seeking to raise at least USD20 billion through the issuance of multi-currency bonds to fund the construction of AI infrastructure, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported.

The bond issuance size could reportedly increase depending on investor demand. The company has asked Citigroup, Inc. (C.US) and Morgan Stanley (MS.US) to hold investor conference calls.

Meta's potential USD-denominated bonds may have maturities ranging from 5 years to 30 years, while EUR-denominated bonds may have maturities ranging from about 4 years to slightly more than 38 years, sources divulged.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Chinese robotics companies continue to support multiple development initiatives of US technology firms, particularly in robotic hand technology. Over the past few months, NVIDIA (NVDA.US) showcased two humanoid robot training solutions, one using Sharpa robotic hands and the other using Wuji robotic hands. The founders of both companies have ties to Shanghai.

Pan Yunzhe founded Wuji in 2019 and later relocated most of the team to Shenzhen. Investors include Ant Group, HSG and Future Capital. According to PitchBook data, Wuji Hand 2 released a demonstration video last week showing it could autonomously spin a pen despite external interference.

When NVIDIA unveiled its first reference humanoid robot design on May 31, it also mentioned Stanford University and ETH Zurich. The system uses the robot body of YUSHU TECHNOLOGY (688836.SH) and Sharpa robotic hands, with deliveries originally scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.

NVIDIA did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding whether deliveries had already begun and whether researchers would test both reference robots simultaneously.

Singapore-headquartered Sharpa was co-founded by HESAI-W (02525.HK) CEO Li Yifan. Sharpa said its manufacturing and research operations are based in Shanghai.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

上海2026年11月2日 /美通社/ -- 10月31日至11月1日，初音未來(Hatsune Miku)「未來有你2026」(MIKU WITH YOU 2026)演唱會在上海舉行。中國拼搭角色類玩具品牌布魯可作為本屆演唱會官方戰略合作伙伴，展示了旗下「奇跡版」(Fantastics)系列和「綺遇記」(DaaLaMode)系列的初音未來產品組合，並帶來「綺遇記」系列2款新品首展。同時，布魯可首次舉辦初音未來主題BFC (Blokees Family Creator)優秀作品展，集中呈現20余件粉絲攝影及改造作品。

2024年10月，布魯可首次將初音未來引入「奇跡版」系列，推出初音未來公式服。2025年10月，初音未來IP進一步拓展至「綺遇記」系列，以拼裝、可動、換裝、展示及收藏等多元形式，豐富初音未來的表達。目前，布魯可已開發50款不同主題、不同形態的初音未來相關產品。

本次演唱會上，布魯可帶來「綺遇記」系列2個新品的首展。其中，BLOKEES-DaaLaMode1/12–ULTRAMIKU- 「Kaiju Party」 Collaboration Series-Gomora Ver.（布魯可積木人綺遇記1/12奧特曼x初音未來聯名系列-怪獸派對-哥莫拉款）取材奧特曼經典怪獸形象，將全可動模型與毛絨服飾相結合，帶來別具一格的跨IP體驗。BLOKEES-DaaLaMode1/12–Snow Miku（布魯可積木人綺遇記1/12雪未來）則還原雪未來標志性冬日風格造型，服飾細節豐富，搭配透感漸變發型與專屬配件，擁有18處以上可動關節。

除產品創新外，布魯可攜BFC (Blokees Family Creator)創作者社區一同參與本次盛會。這場初音未來主題BFC作品展，展品包括來自第四屆BFC創作大賽以及初音未來專屬創作活動的優秀作品。創作者通過攝影、定制改造與創意表達等方式，從不同視角重新詮釋初音未來。

BFC (Blokees Family Creator)是布魯可打造的全球創作者社區，通過創作賽事、線下活動及作品展等形式連接玩家。本次將產品與BFC創意作品一同帶到演唱會現場，布魯可持續深化IP、產品、創作與分享之間的聯結，為粉絲提供全新方式，與初音未來互動、表達對IP的熱愛。

- Earnings Call Scheduled for 7:00 a.m. ET on November 16, 2026 -

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XPeng Inc. ("XPENG" or the "Company," NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading global Physical AI company, today announced that it will report its third quarter 2026 unaudited financial results on Monday, November 16, 2026, before the open of U.S. markets.

The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on November 16, 2026 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on November 16, 2026).

For participants who wish to join the call by phone, please access the link provided below to complete the pre-registration and dial in 5 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Upon registration, each participant will receive dial-in details to join the conference call.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.xiaopeng.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately an hour after the conclusion of the call until November 24, 2026, by dialing the following telephone numbers:

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading global Physical AI company, dedicated to bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world to reshape future mobility and smart living. Through in-house R&D, XPENG has developed a full-stack Physical AI architecture spanning Turing AI chips, world foundation models, and highly integrated software and hardware applications. This unified technology foundation of XPENG powers an expansive product portfolio of smart EVs, robotaxis, and humanoid robots, advancing the deployment of Physical AI at scale. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG is dual-primary listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With global capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services, XPENG drives continuous technological innovation and fosters an open Physical AI ecosystem, making life smarter, safer, and better for users worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

Contacts:

For Investor Enquiries: 
IR Department
XPeng Inc.
E-mail: [email protected] 

Helen Wu
Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +1-212-481-2050 or +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: [email protected] 

For Media Enquiries: 
PR Department
XPeng Inc.
E-mail: [email protected] 

YEREVAN, Armenia, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec" or "the Company") released its first Global Biodiversity Conservation Report at the closing ceremony of the China Pavilion during the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 29. The report outlines Sinopec's approach to integrating biodiversity protection into corporate governance, industrial operations, and international projects and highlights its conservation initiatives that cover habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and technological innovation.

Zhong Ren, a director with Sinopec Group, attended the event and delivered remarks that emphasized the Company's commitment to balancing energy development with environmental conservation. He noted that Sinopec's biodiversity initiatives reflect its efforts to support international energy cooperation while reducing the environmental impact of its operations. A representative from Sinopec's Brand Department also presented the report and outlined the Company's biodiversity management framework and conservation achievements.

Sinopec incorporates biodiversity considerations into its health, safety and environment (HSE) management system and applies conservation requirements throughout project planning, construction, operations, and decommissioning. The report details the Company's approach to avoiding ecologically sensitive areas and restoring habitats affected by industrial activities. By the end of 2025, Sinopec had withdrawn 992 oil wells, 112 gas wells, and 181 water wells from operation, as well as various production and storage facilities as part of its environmental management initiatives.

Restoring habitats and protecting wildlife

Several projects demonstrate how Sinopec is adapting industrial facilities to support biodiversity. In Hubei Province, the Company closed 11 riverside oil depots and 17 terminals along the Yangtze River. The Wangjiahe oil depot terminal, which operated for 63 years, has since been transformed into a conservation education and observation center for the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise. At Sinopec's Zhenhai refining complex in Zhejiang Province, a protected egret habitat has expanded from 2,200 to 15,000 square meters and supports a bird population of approximately 4,000. The Company has also documented the birds' migration patterns through the industrial site. In Beijing, the Niukouyu Wetland at Yanshan Petrochemical has been transformed from an industrial wastewater treatment facility into a habitat supporting nearly 160 wild bird species.

Sinopec is also investing in technologies that are intended to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. These include China's first million-tonne-scale carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) demonstration project along with a 60,000-metric-ton-per-year industrial facility that produces fully biodegradable PBST materials, designed to help address plastic pollution in agricultural environments.

Sinopec extends conservation efforts worldwide

International projects featured in the report include wildlife migration corridors near drilling operations in Uganda's Murchison Falls National Park, where measures help reduce disruption to elephants and lions. In Ecuador, Sinopec has restored 2.4 million square meters of rainforest vegetation and monitored over 800 plant and animal species. Along Angola's Atlantic coast, the Company has planted more than 7,000 mangroves to support coastal ecosystem restoration. In Australia, a long-term marine turtle management program has used acoustic tagging and satellite tracking to monitor 47 green sea turtles and inform measures to reduce disturbances from maritime operations.

Moving forward, Sinopec will continue to expand international cooperation and strengthen biodiversity conservation across its global operations.

About SINOPEC

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") is one of China's largest integrated energy and chemical companies. Its businesses span oil and gas exploration and production, refining, petrochemicals, fuels marketing and distribution, and research and development. Sinopec also advances lower-carbon energy technologies and solutions. For more information, visit SINOPEC's official website.