BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin with full state honors on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People, describing China-Russia relations as a force of “calm amid chaos” days after hosting U.S. President Donald Trump.
Xi and Putin met for talks kicking off the Russian leader’s roughly 24-hour state visit, marking Putin’s 25th official trip to China during his time as president. The two leaders inspected an honor guard, received a gun salute and watched as children waved flags and flowers during the red-carpet ceremony.
Xi Jinping Welcomes Putin in Beijing, Hails Ties as ‘Calm Amid Chaos’ in Veiled Jab at US
In opening remarks, Xi alluded to global instability and took a veiled jab at the United States. “The international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, while unilateral hegemonic currents are running rampant,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media.
He called on China and Russia to enhance their “comprehensive strategic coordination” in response. Xi also addressed the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, saying its “early end” would help reduce disruption to energy supplies, supply chains and trade. “A comprehensive cessation of war brooks no delay, restarting hostilities is even less desirable, and persisting with negotiations is particularly important,” he added.
Putin, whose military continues operations in Ukraine, described bilateral relations as having reached an “unprecedentedly high level” and serving as one of the “main stabilizing factors on the international stage.” He used a Chinese idiom meaning “one day apart feels like three autumns” to highlight his close personal ties with Xi, noting the two have met more than 40 times.
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The visit celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries. Discussions are expected to cover energy, industry, agriculture, transport, high-tech cooperation and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Putin told Xi that “amid the crisis in the Middle East, Russia continues to maintain its role as a reliable supplier of resources, while China remains a responsible consumer of these resources.”
China and Russia have deepened coordination across trade, diplomacy and security in recent years, driven by shared tensions with the United States and a desire to reshape what they view as a Western-dominated world order. Their partnership has been described as having “no limits.”
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The red-carpet welcome mirrored the ceremony given to Trump, including military honors and flag displays. Putin appeared relaxed during the proceedings as Russian and Chinese flags fluttered in the background.
This is Putin’s first visit to China since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Russia has faced recent challenges, including a major Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow and reported territorial losses in Ukraine.
Xi’s remarks on the Iran conflict highlight China’s interest in stable energy supplies. Beijing relies on imports from the region, and disruptions have affected global markets.
Bilateral trade between China and Russia has grown significantly, with Russia becoming a key supplier of oil, gas and other resources to China. Economic ties have helped Russia weather Western sanctions related to Ukraine.
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The two sides are expected to issue joint statements or agreements following the day of meetings. Topics likely include further alignment on international issues and practical cooperation in high-tech and infrastructure.
Xi and Putin last met in September 2025. Their frequent interactions reflect a strategic alignment that has endured despite global shifts, including the return of Trump to the White House.
For China, the visit reinforces its role in international diplomacy. For Russia, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate continued global partnerships amid ongoing conflicts.
The ceremony featured a military band and full honors typical of state visits. Top Chinese officials joined Xi in greeting Putin. The leaders stood shoulder to shoulder during parts of the welcome.
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Analysts note the increasingly asymmetric nature of the relationship, with Russia’s economy more dependent on China. Energy cooperation remains central, especially as Middle East tensions affect oil flows.
The 2001 treaty resolved historical border issues and laid the foundation for closer ties. Its 25th anniversary provides a symbolic backdrop for the current meetings.
Putin’s agenda includes discussions on the Ukraine conflict and potential coordination on Middle East developments. China has maintained neutrality on Ukraine while calling for negotiations.
State media in both countries emphasized the strength and stability of the partnership. Chinese coverage highlighted the “comprehensive strategic coordination” between the two powers.
Further outcomes from the meetings, including any signed agreements or joint declarations, are expected later on May 20 or in following days. The visit concludes Putin’s roughly 24-hour stay in Beijing.
The leaders’ personal rapport has been a consistent feature of China-Russia summits. Their more than 40 meetings since Xi took power underscore the depth of the bilateral relationship.
As global tensions persist across multiple regions, the Xi-Putin meeting signals continued alignment between the two largest authoritarian powers. The red-carpet welcome and public remarks reinforce their shared narrative on international affairs.
Shares of Eli Lilly and Company fell modestly Wednesday, trading at $1,228.75, down $6.81, or 0.55 percent, pulling back slightly after the pharmaceutical giant closed at a fresh all-time high in the previous session amid a wave of increasingly bullish analyst commentary.
Note: This article is intended to provide factual context and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Eli Lilly shares closed Tuesday at $1,235.56, up 2.96 percent, or $35.50, after touching an intraday high of $1,249.45, extending a rally that has now pushed the company’s market capitalization to approximately $1.16 trillion. According to The Motley Fool, Tuesday’s gains were driven primarily by upbeat analyst commentary, with JPMorgan analyst Chris Schott reiterating his Overweight rating on the stock while raising his price target from $1,300 to $1,400, a forecast that implied more than 13 percent additional upside even after Tuesday’s gains.
JPMorgan’s revised target was one of several price target increases issued for Eli Lilly in recent days. According to CNN, RBC Capital raised its price target on the stock to $1,500 from $1,250, while Morgan Stanley bumped its target modestly to $1,347 from $1,344. Cantor Fitzgerald had earlier raised its own target to $1,350 from $1,230 while maintaining an Overweight rating, and RBC Capital had previously reiterated an Outperform rating with a target of $1,250 before its more recent revision. The wave of upward revisions reflects broadly strengthening Wall Street sentiment toward the company heading into its next earnings report.
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Eli Lilly’s continued rally has been underpinned by strong underlying financial performance tied largely to its GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drug franchise. According to Yahoo Finance, the company reported $19.8 billion in first-quarter revenue, driven primarily by its blockbuster drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, and subsequently raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $82 billion to $85 billion. According to Investing.com, the company’s trailing revenue growth stands at 47 percent, with a price/earnings-to-growth ratio of 0.33, a figure some analysts view as attractively valued relative to the company’s growth trajectory despite its already elevated share price.
A significant regulatory tailwind has also factored into recent investor optimism. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program officially launched July 1, 2026, expanding insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications and capping patient out-of-pocket costs for Zepbound and a related drug at $50 per month for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. According to TradingKey, the program’s launch has helped ease investor concerns about broader drug-pricing pressure by demonstrating that expanded insurance access can significantly widen the pool of patients able to afford the company’s flagship treatments, offsetting some of the downward pressure on net realized drug prices that Eli Lilly has faced in recent quarters.
Despite the largely positive tone surrounding the stock, some analysts have flagged risks worth monitoring. TradingKey’s analysis noted that Eli Lilly continues to experience systemic declines in net realized drug prices, a trend expected to weigh on top-line revenue growth in the low-to-mid teens percentage range going forward, with that pricing pressure expected to intensify following the Medicare Bridge program’s rollout. The analysis also pointed to regulatory friction tied to the company’s policy restricting safety-net hospital access to the federal 340B drug discount program and its request for proprietary insurance claims data, a stance that has drawn pushback from healthcare trade associations and could expose the company to federal dispute-resolution actions, administrative penalties or litigation. Additionally, the analysis flagged heightened regulatory scrutiny tied to an FDA request for additional safety data regarding potential liver injury risk associated with one of the company’s products.
Eli Lilly has also continued advancing its broader drug pipeline and regulatory approvals in recent weeks. The company’s cancer treatment Jaypirca received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with formal European Union approval expected within roughly two months. Separately, Health Canada approved Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro for use in children as young as 10 years old, expanding the drug’s approved patient population in that market. The company also entered into a distribution and promotion agreement with Swiss market-expansion firm DKSH Holding for operations in Hong Kong and Macau, and separately reached a distribution agreement with Innovent Biologics for its drug Verzenios in certain markets.
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Not all recent news has been favorable for Eli Lilly. According to CNN, the company’s stock retreated in late June amid emerging concerns tied to China-related developments, and generic drugmaker Sandoz has submitted applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for generic versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in both Mounjaro and Zepbound, a development that could eventually introduce lower-cost competition to Eli Lilly’s core weight-loss and diabetes franchise. According to Investing.com, Eli Lilly’s U.S. patent protection for tirzepatide is set to expire in 2036, providing the company with a substantial runway before generic competition could meaningfully affect its market position domestically.
Eli Lilly, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and founded in 1876, is currently ranked as the most valuable pharmaceutical company in the world and the fourth-largest biomedical company by revenue globally, according to Google Finance. The company reached a $1 trillion market capitalization in November 2025, becoming the first health care company in history to achieve that milestone. Eli Lilly’s stock carries a Piotroski Score of 9, according to InvestingPro analysis cited by Investing.com, reflecting strong overall financial health, and the company has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years, with a current quarterly dividend of $1.73 per share.
Despite the stock’s dramatic year-over-year gain of nearly 59 percent, according to Investing.com, some analysis has suggested the shares may currently be trading above their calculated fair value, even as the company maintains strong underlying fundamentals. With Eli Lilly’s next earnings report still pending and multiple analysts continuing to raise their price targets in anticipation of continued strong results, investors are likely to keep close watch on how the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program’s early rollout affects patient volumes and pricing dynamics, along with any further developments tied to generic competition and ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the company’s drug-pricing and access policies.
Charles Payne discusses Apple’s significant price increases across various products, including iPhones, due to rising memory and chip component costs.
Apple announced Wednesday it is investing more than $30 billion in chip manufacturing in the U.S.
The investment, in partnership with Broadcom, is set to produce 15 billion chips, creating hundreds of U.S. jobs. Broadcom’s facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, is expanding its capabilities to produce the chips.
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“This is another major win for America and another sign that the Trump administration’s economic agenda is delivering results,” a Trump administration official told Fox News Digital. “Apple has made investing in the United States a clear priority, and we hope other companies will follow its lead. We commend Apple for recognizing this opportunity and taking meaningful steps to strengthen America’s chip supply chain.”
Apple announced it will invest more than $30 billion towards chip manufacturing in the U.S. (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Apple CEO Tim Cook touted its partnership with Broadcom and both companies’ “commitment to American manufacturing and innovation.”
“The cutting-edge components built in Fort Collins are essential to delivering the incredible performance and connectivity our customers expect, and we’re proud to deepen our investments in U.S.-based suppliers that share our commitment to excellence and innovation,” Cook said in a statement. “We’re grateful to the President and his administration for supporting important projects like this.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook thanked President Donald Trump for supporting the company’s latest efforts in chip manufacturing. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Broadcom is proud to continue to work with Apple after decades of success together, and we share a strong commitment to American innovation,” Broadcom President and CEO Hock Tan stated. “With Apple’s newest commitment, we’re pleased to expand our manufacturing footprint in Fort Collins, where we create groundbreaking technology that connects people around the world.”
Apple announced a whopping $600 billion investment in a four-year period since the beginning of the second Trump administration, including the manufacturing of AI servers at a facility in Houston.
Apple previously told Fox News Digital in October that it was partnering with local contractors to build the facility, and is working closely with Houston City College to recruit and hire local talent.
A source familiar with the conversations told Fox News Digital that President Donald Trump made a direct appeal to Cook to “go big” on American jobs and reshoring its manufacturing base, and that Cook told the president he would “step up,” which led to a commitment to the $600 billion investment in America.
A source told Fox News Digital that President Donald Trump made a direct appeal to Apple CEO Tim Cook to boost manufacturing in the U.S. (Win McNamee/Getty Images / Getty Images)
CFTC Chairman Michael Selig joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss the push to pass the Clarity Act, the future of crypto regulation, the rise of prediction markets and how the agency is responding to market volatility amid Middle East tensions.
The cost of mailing a letter will climb again this summer after federal regulators approved another round of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) price increases, including a 4-cent increase in the price of a Forever stamp.
The Postal Regulatory Commission on Wednesday approved USPS’ proposed mailing services price changes, clearing the way for the new rates to take effect on July 12.
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The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase from 78 cents to 82 cents, while mailing service prices overall will rise by about 4.8%, according to the Postal Service.
Other approved price changes include:
Domestic postcards: 61 cents to 65 cents
Metered 1-ounce letters: 74 cents to 78 cents
International postcards: $1.70 to $1.75
International 1-ounce letters: $1.70 to $1.75
The additional-ounce charge for single-piece letters will remain 29 cents. USPS has said the latest increase is necessary as it continues grappling with rising operating costs and longstanding financial challenges.
The new rates will take effect on July 12. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools… to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public,” USPS said when it proposed the increase in April.
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The Postal Service generally receives no taxpayer funding for operating expenses and instead relies on revenue from postage, products and services.
The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase from 78 cents to 82 cents. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
While the Postal Regulatory Commission approved the rate changes, it also warned that USPS continues to face significant long-term challenges, including declining mail volume, service performance issues and a deteriorating financial outlook. The commission said it had no legal basis to reject the increase because it complies with current law.
The commission also said USPS used essentially all the pricing authority available for First-Class Mail under current regulations and remains concerned about substantial declines in market-dominant mail volume, ongoing service issues and the Postal Service’s overall financial condition as it reviews whether the current ratemaking system is meeting Congress’ objectives.
The Postal Service generally receives no taxpayer funding for operating expenses. ( Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
With over a decade of institutional investment experience, I specialize in identifying growth opportunities at the intersection of technological disruption and macro-thematic energy shifts. I’ve spent the majority of that time at a hedge fund here in Rotterdam, working my way up as an analyst. My work reflects rigorous standards as I myself have a very high standard as to what I invest my money in. My primary coverage spans the technology sector—with a focus on SaaS and cloud infrastructure—and the energy and minerals markets. I tend to be very data and trend driven in my work, analyzing unit economics and supply chain gaps among a number of other often overlooked areas in business and industries.I find these offer incredible growth opportunities and are also very fun to research and follow. It’s a very active space with plenty of news coming out each week. Work is my own thoughts and research is done only by myself.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
| Revenue of $402.12M (8.20% Y/Y) beats by $27.56M
Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) Q1 2027 Earnings Call July 8, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Anne Rakunas – Director of External Communications George Uzzell – CEO & Director Brian Grass – Chief Financial Officer
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Conference Call Participants
Bob Labick – CJS Securities, Inc. Peter Grom – UBS Investment Bank, Research Division Olivia Tong Cheang – Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division Susan Anderson – Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division
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Presentation
Operator
Greetings. Welcome to Helen of Troy Limited’s First Quarter Fiscal ’27 Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this conference is being recorded. At this time, I’ll turn the conference over to Anne Rakunas, Director of External Communications.
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Anne Rakunas Director of External Communications
Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Helen of Troy’s First Quarter Fiscal ’27 Earnings Conference Call. The agenda for the call this morning is as follows: I will begin with a brief discussion of forward-looking statements. Scott Uzzell, our CEO, will then share his thoughts and areas of focus; and Brian Grass, our CFO, will provide an overview of our financial performance in the first quarter and outline our expectations for the full-year fiscal ’27.
Following our prepared remarks, we’ll open up the call for Q&A. This conference call may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations with respect to future events or financial performance.
Generally, the words anticipates, believes, expects and other similar words are words identifying forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause anticipated results to differ materially from the actual results. This conference call may also include information that may be considered non-GAAP financial information. These non-GAAP measures are not an alternative to GAAP financial information and may be calculated differently than the non-GAAP financial information disclosed by other parties.
Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) is a preferred land right for foreign investment in Indonesia, enabling legal entities to build and operate on land temporarily, supporting commercial, industrial, and development projects.
Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) in Indonesia
Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) is the most common land right utilized by foreign investors for commercial projects in Indonesia. It enables eligible legal entities, including foreign-managed PT PMAs, to develop and operate buildings on land for a predetermined period. While HGB offers significant development rights, it is merely one of several recognized land rights under Indonesian law, which also includes Hak Milik, Hak Pakai, Hak Guna Usaha (HGU), and Management Rights (HPL). Each type affects ownership, business activities, financing options, and future dealings differently.
Importance of Land Titles in Investment Projects
Having a clear land title, especially an HGB, is crucial for foreign investors engaged in acquiring commercial properties, establishing manufacturing units, leasing industrial land, or developing hospitality ventures. HGB has become the preferred choice because it permits development and operational activities on land held by Indonesian legal entities, including foreign-owned companies, supporting long-term business stability.
HGB: Rights and Limitations
Hak Guna Bangunan allows investors to construct and possess buildings on land for a specified period without granting outright ownership of the land itself. This legal framework ensures investors can develop, utilize, and commercialize properties effectively. However, it is important to recognize that HGB does not confer full ownership rights, which can influence future transactions and mortgage options.
Fiat is bringing its tiny electric Topolino to the U.S., offering American buyers a two-seat neighborhood EV that costs less than many used cars but tops out at just 19 mph.
The Stellantis-owned brand announced Tuesday that the Topolino is available to order through select U.S. dealers. It starts at $13,995, or $14,985 after destination fees.
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The low sticker price comes as vehicles remain historically expensive. Three-year-old used vehicles averaged $31,548 in the first quarter of 2026, the second-highest first-quarter price on record behind 2022’s first-quarter peak of $32,164, according to Edmunds.
But the bargain price comes with limits. The vehicle is designed for use “beyond crowded streets,” including private neighborhoods, resorts, coastal areas and golf-cart-friendly communities, according to Fiat.
The vehicle comes in two body styles, the Topolino and the Topolino Dolcevita. (Fiat)
The EV is about 8 feet long, weighs 1,073 pounds and gets up to 46 miles of range from a 5.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Fiat said it can fully charge in about five hours using a 2.3-kilowatt AC charger.
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By the end of the summer, owners will be able to add a free conversion kit that turns the Topolino into a federally regulated low-speed vehicle, or LSV.
The upgrade would raise the Topolino’s top speed to 25 mph and allow it on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
“An LSV is a federally regulated street-legal motor vehicle capable of speeds between 20 and 25 mph. Unlike standard golf carts restricted to the golf course, LSVs are legal on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less,” the company said in the announcement.
The Topolino gets up to 46 miles of range and uses a 5.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. (Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The vehicle will be offered in two body styles, the Topolino and the Topolino Dolcevita.
Features include a Verde Vita exterior color, 14-inch wheels with vintage covers, LED lamps, hinged opening windows, a digital cluster, phone holder, bag hook and luggage space.
The standard Topolino comes with a panoramic sunroof, while the Topolino Dolcevita adds a roll-back soft top and rope-style doors.
“Topolino represents a new chapter for the brand in the U.S. – defined not just by size, but by purpose,” Olivier Francois, brand CEO at Fiat, said in a statement. “With Topolino, we bring a feeling, a lifestyle, a reminder that mobility can be joyful, expressive and beautifully simple.”
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