🔥 Hot Topics · Jul 31, 2026
China's 'Golden Grand Ring' is coming; UEFA announces boycott of all FIFA tournaments; Korean stocks surge to record highs; ChiNext opens up 5.15% with STAR 50 up over 8%; ChangXin Technology market cap tops 4 trillion; Luo Wen appointed Hebei Party Secretary; Hamas says deal with Israel reached; Japan test-fires Tomahawk missiles in the Pacific for the first time; OpenAI slashes prices on two AI models; US stocks close with double-digit gains; former Phoenix TV host Shen Beibei passes away; 'back-to-school bundle' sales slump.
1. China's 'Golden Grand Ring' Is Coming
During the 15th Five-Year Plan, three trunk routes (G219, G331, G228) will fully connect, forming a 'Golden Grand Ring' around China's borders and coast, boosting road-trip tourism, industry links, and border development.
2. UEFA Announces Boycott of All FIFA Tournaments
UEFA and its 55 member associations vote to boycott all FIFA tournaments, firmly rejecting FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership rights of the World Cup and other events to private investors.
3. Korean Stocks Surge to Record Gains
South Korea's KOSPI surges 15% intraday, its biggest single-day jump ever. SK Hynix rises over 26% and Samsung Electronics over 21%; the exchange triggers the sidecar mechanism twice to pause program trading.
4. ChiNext Opens Up 5.15%, STAR 50 Rises Over 8%
China's three major indices open higher, with ChiNext up 5.15% and STAR 50 up over 8%. Semiconductors, compute hardware, and robotics lead gains; nearly 3,200 stocks rise.
5. ChangXin Technology Market Cap Tops 4 Trillion
ChangXin Technology's market value exceeds 4 trillion yuan, cementing its status as a semiconductor powerhouse amid soaring market attention.
6. Luo Wen Appointed Hebei Party Secretary
The CPC Central Committee decides Luo Wen becomes Hebei Provincial Party Secretary; Ni Yuefeng steps down from the post and will take another assignment.
7. Hamas Says Deal with Israel Reached
Citing a Hamas official, an agreement with Israel has been reached, with a formal statement expected soon.
8. Japan Test-Fires 'Tomahawk' Missile in Pacific for First Time
Japan's Self-Defense Forces conduct their first test launch of US Tomahawk cruise missiles in the Pacific, per the defense ministry.
9. OpenAI Slashes Prices on Two AI Models
OpenAI sharply cuts prices on GPT-5.6 Terra and GPT-5.6 Luna, just about three weeks after their public release.
10. US Stocks Close with Double-Digit Gains
US AI trades regain momentum: S&P 500 up 1.66%, Nasdaq up 2.78%, Dow up 1.19%, with multiple tech leaders posting double-digit gains.
11. Former Phoenix TV Host Shen Beibei Passes Away
Former Phoenix TV host Shen Beibei passed away from illness on July 25 at age 78. A farewell ceremony will be held in Hong Kong on August 6.
12. 'Back-to-School Bundle' Sales Slump
Amid the 'most expensive back-to-school season,' PC and 3C prices have risen sharply and 'back-to-school bundles' are not selling, leaving veteran electronics dealers struggling.
Sources and verification
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