Group 1 - Semiconductor company SMIC (00981) reported a 19.5% year-on-year decline in net profit for Q2, with an expected revenue growth of 5% to 7% in Q3 [1] - Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining (06693) announced the discovery of a gold-copper deposit in Laos and expects over 50% increase in net profit for the first half of the year [1] - Huya Technology (01860) saw a rise of over 2% following a nearly 12% increase in AppLovin's stock, which reported better-than-expected Q2 results and strong future growth in programmatic advertising [1] Group 2 - Guofu Hydrogen Energy (02582) surged over 9% after announcing a deep cooperation with Germany's Hemtron GmbH to develop a liquid hydrogen supply chain [2] - Hutchison China MediTech (00013) fell over 14% as it reported a 9.2% decline in revenue for the first half, despite a significant increase in net profit due to the sale of joint venture equity [2] - Cryptocurrency-related stocks saw gains, with several Ethereum ETFs rising over 5% following a favorable executive order from former President Trump allowing alternative assets in retirement accounts [2] Group 3 - Beihai Kangcheng-B (01228) increased over 26%, with a cumulative rise of nearly 900% since June, driven by the launch of a new treatment for Gaucher disease [3] - Mongolia Coal (00975) warned of a projected loss of $15 million to $25 million for the first half of the year, a significant decline from a net profit of $133 million in the same period last year [3] - Zoomlion Heavy Industry (01157) rose over 4% as excavator sales in July increased by 25.2% year-on-year, indicating strong demand in the construction sector [3] Group 4 - Lyft (LYFT.US) saw a slight decline in after-hours trading but projected strong performance for the second half of the year, expecting a 13% to 17% increase in total bookings for Q3 [4] - E.l.f. Beauty (ELF.US) dropped over 13% after reporting a 30% decline in net profit for Q2, citing potential impacts from new tariffs [4] - Airbnb (ABNB.US) reported Q2 revenue of $3.1 billion, exceeding expectations, but anticipates growth pressure in the latter half of the year due to high base effects [4] Group 5 - TSMC (TSM.US) rose 4.86% amid news of potential tariff exemptions for its $200 billion investment plan in the U.S. [5] - Baidu (BIDU.US) increased by 0.76% as it plans to launch a new inference model by the end of August [5] - ZTO Express (ZTO.US) rose 3.91% following news of a price increase in the express delivery industry in Guangdong [5] Group 6 - Fortinet (FTNT.US) fell significantly despite reporting a 14% year-on-year revenue growth for Q2, as conservative guidance raised concerns about growth momentum [6] - Duolingo (DUOL.US) surged 13.75% after reporting Q2 revenue of $252.3 million, a 41% increase, and a net profit that nearly doubled year-on-year [6] - AppLovin (APP.US) rose nearly 12% after reporting Q2 revenue of $1.259 billion, a 77% increase, and a significant rise in net profit [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent collaboration between Luckin Coffee and Duolingo, portraying it as a dramatic "marriage" that has captured public attention and generated significant marketing buzz [3][10][38]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - The partnership is characterized as a "marriage" between two brands, with Luckin Coffee being the "chief lucky officer" and Duolingo as the "chief learning officer" [16][11]. - The collaboration was announced on July 3, with a countdown to a wedding-themed event, which included extensive social media promotion and a short film titled "We Are Getting Married" [12][14]. - The event attracted participation from well-known brands like Yili, Amu Xi, and Haier, making it a high-profile occasion in the beverage industry [6][60]. Group 2: Marketing Strategy - The marketing strategy employed by Luckin Coffee involved creating a narrative around the collaboration, likening it to a soap opera with various "characters" and "drama" [38][68]. - The campaign successfully engaged consumers, leading to a rapid sell-out of collaborative merchandise, such as the "Pee Pee Cup," which exceeded sales expectations [70][69]. - The interactive and relatable approach of the campaign helped break the traditional "high-cold" marketing mold, fostering a closer connection with consumers [76]. Group 3: Public Reaction - The public's reaction included humorous commentary on social media, with users engaging in the narrative and expressing their opinions on the brands' "relationship" [8][29]. - The collaboration has been described as a classic case in the industry, showcasing how storytelling and consumer interaction can enhance brand visibility and engagement [76]. - The article notes that the ongoing "emotional drama" surrounding the partnership has kept consumers invested and eager for updates [68][77].

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Mixue Ice City and jewelry brand Zhou Dasheng, featuring the virtual character Xue Wang, has exceeded expectations, showcasing the potential of brand virtual images in cross-industry partnerships [1][18]. Brand Virtual Image Development - Mixue Ice City has successfully transformed its virtual character Xue Wang into a cross-industry IP, leveraging long-term marketing strategies and a relatable persona, unlike many other brands that have struggled to maintain their virtual images [3][10]. - The rise of virtual brand images began around 2021, with various brands exploring this concept, but many failed to sustain interest due to a lack of innovation and emotional connection with consumers [6][9]. Successful Examples and Strategies - Successful virtual characters like Xue Wang and Duolingo's Duo have demonstrated the importance of relatability, humor, and emotional engagement in building a strong brand presence [10][12]. - Xue Wang's character has been developed through various marketing strategies, including viral videos and interactive content, which have helped establish a strong connection with the audience [11][16]. Cross-Industry Collaboration - The recent collaboration between Xue Wang and Zhou Dasheng has resulted in popular products like pendants and charms, indicating the effectiveness of virtual characters in expanding brand reach and appeal [18][21]. - Other brands, such as Peace Elite with its digital spokesperson Jili, have also successfully utilized virtual characters for cross-industry marketing, demonstrating the versatility and potential of this approach [18][19]. Long-term Brand Strategy - Building a successful virtual character requires a long-term commitment to character development and audience engagement, as seen with Mixue Ice City's ongoing efforts with Xue Wang since 2018 [16][21]. - The success of virtual images is closely tied to the brand's overall identity and market understanding, emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out marketing strategy [21].