Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Jiangsu Green Low-Carbon Building International Expo will focus on "Technological Innovation Empowering High-Quality Urban and Rural Development," scheduled for April 9-11 in Nanjing, aiming to integrate technological innovation with industry development [1][4]. Group 1: Previous Expo Achievements - The previous expo in 2025 showcased nearly 15,000 square meters, attracting 119 renowned domestic and international enterprises, and hosted around 50 events with 17,000 attendees, effectively promoting the integration of the "four chains" [3]. - Notable technological displays included smart home solutions and construction robots from companies like Huawei and China State Construction Engineering Corporation [3]. - Financial collaborations resulted in 14 billion yuan in cooperation intentions, a fourfold increase from the previous year, with Jiangsu Bank and Pacific Insurance offering targeted financial and insurance services [3]. Group 2: Current Expo Preparations - The 2026 expo aligns with national strategic deployments and emphasizes the cultivation of new productive forces in the housing and urban-rural construction sector [4]. - Key areas of focus include the latest technologies and products in artificial intelligence, urban renewal, and smart construction, alongside various activities such as talent recruitment and public science education [4]. - Preparations are progressing well, with a dedicated exhibition team engaging with nearly 300 companies, including over 50 leading enterprises and several Fortune 500 companies [4]. Group 3: Innovative Exhibition Features - The expo will feature an innovative exhibition model with a "1+3" guest city approach, showcasing Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou, and Yancheng, along with a dedicated theme area for "Artificial Intelligence + Housing and Urban-Rural Construction" [5]. - Activities will promote deep integration of policy dissemination, technical exchanges, and industrial upgrades, facilitating cross-border promotion of technological achievements [5]. - The event aims to enhance service precision by aligning supply and demand, incorporating exhibition attendance into continuing education for registered professionals, and optimizing scheduling for public access [5].

Core Insights - Otis Worldwide reported a 3% increase in fourth quarter sales and an 11% rise in earnings per share year over year, with EPS meeting analyst forecasts [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The services segment, which has higher margins, drove Otis' business, with sales increasing by 8% year over year and operating margins expanding to 25.5% from 24.5% [2] - Sales and operating margins in the new equipment business experienced a decline [2] - For 2026, Otis provided sales guidance of $15 billion to $15.3 billion, slightly below the analyst average estimate of $15.26 billion, and EPS guidance indicating a mid to high-single digit percentage increase, with the analyst average estimate at +9.6% [3] Group 2: Technological Innovations - Otis is testing a new robot for elevator inspections in an airport in China, which operates unmanned and can identify issues for mechanics to address [5] - The company is working on ensuring that all robots can interface with their products, enhancing the user experience and operational efficiency [5] Group 3: Workforce Development - Otis has established an apprenticeship program in collaboration with its local elevator union, recruiting high school students and providing them with a four-year program that allows them to work and study simultaneously [6] - The program has been successful in filling positions, with high demand for slots when openings arise [6]

Market Performance - U.S. stock markets showed strong performance with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching new all-time closing highs, with the S&P 500 up 0.58% to 6,753.48 points and the Nasdaq Composite up 1.11% to 23,041.74 points [2][10] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a slight increase of 0.01% to 46,608.66 points [2][10] Corporate News - Australian fast-food chain Guzman y Gomez (GYG) reaffirmed its financial guidance and announced a $100 million share buyback, indicating confidence in its financial health and future prospects [4][10] Political and Economic Developments - Former President Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on branded pharmaceuticals will exclude generic drugs, which is crucial for maintaining lower drug costs for consumers [5][10] - House Speaker Mike Johnson supports back pay for furloughed federal workers, despite a White House memo suggesting Congress may need to approve such payments [6][10] Technological Advancements - Hitachi is integrating Nvidia AI technology for elevator inspections, aiming to enhance efficiency and potentially reduce the need for extensive human staffing [7][10]