Chinese autonomous-driving software specialist Momenta posted a strong first-half performance, with gross margin reaching 73.2% and adjusted net loss narrowing by about 97%. Yet despite the sharp financial improvement, doubts remain over its longer-term prospects. Supply-chain sources say that as intelligent-driving technology matures, strong software algorithms alone may no longer be enough to build a durable competitive moat.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, along with continued tensions between the US and Iran, has kept international energy prices elevated, while shipping volumes through the two major straits have fallen sharply. Against that backdrop, CPC Corporation, Taiwan (CPC), and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) are shouldering the burden of "containing inflation" by stabilizing domestic prices and easing the burden on consumers, while also absorbing high fuel costs and dealing with increasing financial pressure.
Brake system parts maker Yusin said at an investor conference on September 23 that key equipment at its new Malaysia plant is expected to be installed by the fourth quarter of 2026, with production targeted at 557,500 sets in 2027. Chairman Ching-te Chi said the company was hit by the restructuring of its largest customer, First Brands Group (FBG), which pushed Yusin into a loss in 2025 and sharply cut first-half 2026 revenue, but July and August sales have returned to year-over-year growth, suggesting early signs of a rebound.
AI adoption is accelerating, prompting global cloud providers to step up data center investment. Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba, announced a new round of global infrastructure expansion at the 2026 Apsara Conference, with plans to broaden its data center footprint across eight countries and regions over the next 12 months.
South Korea's major semiconductor, display, and electronics parts factories are staying open through the Chuseok holiday as AI-driven memory demand and new Apple iPhone panel production keep lines running. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are continuing output at key plants, while display and MLCC makers are also maintaining round-the-clock operations.
