Taobao May Launch WeChat Mini Program? Musk Spends Heavily to Increase Tesla Stake | Today's Important News Review

0916 ｜Dolphin Research Focus:

🐬 Macro/Industry

1. The Federal Reserve will hold a meeting on September 16-17 local time, with the interest rate decision announced at 2:00 AM Beijing time on September 18. Recent economic data indicates a weak labor market, and the market generally expects the Fed to cut rates by 25 basis points. Attention is on the rate cut magnitude, pace, and its actual impact on various aspects of the economy.

🐬 Individual Stocks

1.$Tesla(TSLA.US)

Regulatory filings show that CEO Elon Musk spent nearly $1 billion last Friday to increase his holdings in the company's stock. Dolphin Research notes that the market generally views this as Musk's "long-term vote of confidence" in Tesla's prospects. Dolphin Research offers another perspective:

A board proposal for a new massive performance incentive plan for Musk in 2025 is about to be voted on, with the voting scheduled for Tesla's annual meeting on November 6. If the increased holdings are registered before September 15, the newly purchased shares will be counted as voting rights.

Musk's move to increase holdings and register them as voting rights before the deadline seems to have another layer of purpose, which is to increase the chances of passing the new compensation plan vote on November 6 through increased holdings.

2.$Alibaba(BABA.US)

According to market sources, Alibaba is negotiating cooperation terms with WeChat, involving the establishment of a mini-program within WeChat for Taobao to complete transaction loops directly. As a trade-off, Taobao will enable password-free WeChat payments. If this cooperation materializes, Taobao could reach approximately 1.4 billion monthly active users on WeChat, reducing customer acquisition costs; WeChat would strengthen transaction loops and payment share. For Alibaba, waiving payment fees could potentially bring a significant increase in GMV. Currently, neither WeChat nor Taobao has responded.

3.$Coinbase(COIN.US)

The public blockchain Base initiated by Coinbase is exploring the launch of a new cryptocurrency. Base states that this token will be called "network token." Network tokens are typically used to pay fees related to in-app transactions on the blockchain ledger, and it is still in the internal discussion stage.

4.$ASML(ASML.US)

ASML's stock price surged last night. Recently, ASML announced a €1.3 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) investment in French AI startup Mistral AI, acquiring an 11% stake and becoming the largest shareholder. As a leader in lithography machines, this is its first strategic investment in large models, aiming to introduce generative AI into chip design, lithography optimization, and equipment maintenance, enhancing customer stickiness and service premium.

5.$HESAI-W(02525.HK)

On September 16, Hesai Technology successfully listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This Hong Kong stock listing is the largest fundraising project for a Chinese concept stock return since 2022, with the final issue price set at HKD 212.8 per share. The company plans to allocate approximately 50% of the raised funds for R&D investment and 35% for expanding production capacity. Dolphin Research has previously covered this in-depth, click to review "'4x' Hesai: Why the Lidar Abandoned by Tesla is 'Shining' Again?", "Hesai: Tesla's 'Abandoned Child'? Can't Stop the 'Gorgeous Comeback' of Lidar".

6.$Li Auto(LI.US)

According to official news from Li Auto, the new form of the Li i6 five-seat SUV will be officially launched on September 26. It fills the price gap between L7 and L8 at 250,000-300,000 yuan; the pure electric solution reduces range anxiety, and if priced accurately, it is expected to boost Q4 deliveries.

🐬 Leading Sectors

Shanghai and Shenzhen: Asset Management and Custody Banks, Diversified Support Services, Security and Alarm Services;

Hong Kong Stocks: Medical Institutions, Managed Healthcare, Medical Information Services;

U.S. Stocks: Coal and Consumable Fuels, Silver, Semiconductor Materials and Equipment.

🐬 Tomorrow's Focus

1. None.

Risk Disclosure and Statement of this Article: Dolphin Research Disclaimer and General Disclosure