Sportswear & Celebrity Commerce: Stephen Curry ends sneaker free agency with a 10-year endorsement deal with China’s Li-Ning, expanding Curry Brand into golf, athleisure and lifestyle, with plans for stores in the US and China. China Consumer Services: China’s “companionship economy” is growing fast, with paid “climbing buddies” and social partners turning loneliness and gig work into bookable experiences worth about $7.4bn in 2025. Southeast Asia Travel Retail: Vinpearl signs MoUs with CAITO and Klook to boost resort, golf and MICE distribution for Filipino travelers across Southeast Asia. India Macro for Shoppers: India’s CPI inflation is projected to rise to 4.8% in FY27 if crude averages $90/bbl, with West Asia risks feeding into energy costs. Beverages & Capital Markets: Coca-Cola explores an IPO in India for Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, its main bottler, targeting a 2027 listing and potential partial stake sale. China Retail Brand Reshuffle: General Mills agrees to sell its mainland China Haagen-Dazs shops to a group including Ningji, signaling continued Western brand readjustments in China. ASEAN Digital Trade: ASEAN DEFA negotiations conclude, setting common rules for cross-border data, digital payments and online consumer protection. Japan Supply Shock: Japan faces a banana shortage risk as Middle East-linked fuel and ethylene constraints disrupt ripening logistics. AI Infrastructure for Enterprises: ai& and Plug and Play Japan team up to help firms deploy AI using Japan-based sovereign infrastructure. Robotics Education Trend: China’s humanoid robot study tours are spreading, turning youth learning into hands-on exposure at training centers and robotics hubs.