US authorities have returned 58 cultural relics to China, and the broadcasting regulator has unveiled plans to integrate set-top box functions directly into television software. Meanwhile, all three Chinese stock exchanges have published their trading calendars for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, and a popular ice cream brand has staged a comeback with significantly reduced prices. These are among the key stories in today's financial news roundup.
In international news, the US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by 25 basis points, though economists suggest the impact on China's A-share market will be limited. Additionally, social media platform Douyin has announced a comprehensive crackdown on financial accounts violating regulations, while a Gen-Z shareholder's unconventional approach at an annual general meeting has sparked widespread online discussion.
US Returns 58 Cultural Relics to China
A formal handover ceremony was held at the Chinese Embassy in the United States on the 16th, during which Chinese officials successfully received 58 cultural artifacts, artworks, and paleontological fossils returned by the US side. Among the returned items is a bodhisattva statue from the Tianlongshan Grottoes in Shanxi Province, a treasured piece that was looted and taken overseas over a century ago, finally making its journey home.
Regulator Announces Set-Top Box Integration into Television Software
He Biao, Deputy Director of the National Radio and Television Administration, revealed at a State Council Information Office press conference on the 17th that the administration has collaborated with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to develop unified television technology standards this year. The new approach will embed set-top box functions as software directly into televisions, creating a simplified terminal where a single device can access all types of programming, including live broadcasts and on-demand content. Users will only need a universal remote control to power the device on and off and switch channels with a single press.
Trading Suspension Schedules Announced for Mid-Autumn and National Day Holidays
On the 17th, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and Beijing Stock Exchange jointly released their trading suspension arrangements for the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. According to the announcements, markets will be closed from Friday, September 25th through Sunday, September 27th for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with trading resuming on Monday, September 28th. For the National Day holiday, markets will be suspended from Thursday, October 1st through Wednesday, October 7th, with weekend closures on Sunday, September 20th and Saturday, October 10th. Regular trading will resume on Thursday, October 8th.
Douyin Implements Ban on Financial Accounts Violating Regulations
Douyin released a statement on the 16th regarding its continued efforts to deepen financial ecosystem governance, noting that since the platform introduced its community financial industry code of conduct in late 2025, it has been continuously refining management strategies to improve the financial content environment. The platform has identified that financial misconduct often exhibits characteristics such as high concealment, numerous variations, and rapid evolution, with violations particularly concentrated in areas including qualification issues, unapproved marketing activities, and overseas business operations.
Ice Cream Brand Chicezq Makes Comeback with Slashed Prices
At the 2026 China Ice Cream Industry Expo on the 16th, Chicezq's new CEO Chen Dacheng appeared to announce the brand's return to the market, marking its first public appearance since the company's assets changed ownership. Representatives from Chicezq stated at the expo that the initial three products in this comeback lineup are expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, with suggested retail prices of 6.9 yuan and 7.9 yuan per item, nearly half the price compared to its previous range of 13 to 16 yuan per product.
Gen-Z Shareholder's Money-Saving Tactics at Listed Company Draw Attention
In June of this year, Naixue Tea held its annual general meeting in Shenzhen, where a shareholder born after 2000 named Xie Haicheng purchased just 4 shares of Naixue stock for approximately 4 Hong Kong dollars to gain entry into the meeting. He documented his entire experience and posted the sharp questions raised during the meeting to social media platforms, quickly generating significant buzz. Veteran investor Ms. Wang commented that while she has witnessed countless people neglect company fundamentals for minor gains, ultimately losing more than they gain, she acknowledged that young people researching the rules is a positive development, indicating a growing awareness of shareholder rights. However, she emphasized that surviving long-term in the market ultimately requires focusing on a company's fundamental ability to generate profits.
Federal Reserve Announces Interest Rate Hike
On the 16th, the US Federal Reserve announced an increase of 25 basis points to the federal funds rate target range, raising the benchmark rate from 3.50% to 3.75% up to 3.75% to 4%. This marks the Fed's first rate increase in over three years, following its last move in July 2023. The Fed indicated expectations of one additional rate hike before the end of the year, and also raised its full-year economic growth forecast and year-end inflation expectations.
Economists Say Fed Rate Decision Has Limited Impact on A-Share Market
The Federal Reserve concluded its two-day monetary policy meeting on the 16th, announcing the 25 basis point increase in the federal funds rate target range to 3.75% to 4%. Yang Delong, Chief Economist at First Seafront Fund, described the decision as the proverbial shoe dropping, meaning the worst-case scenario has now been realized. He noted that regardless of whether the Fed chose to raise rates or hold steady, the market had already largely priced in the risks during previous corrections, which is why A-share markets actually staged a significant rebound on the 16th.
Comments