The 2026 World Robot Conference opened in Beijing on the 19th. Guangdong supplied 34 exhibiting companies — the largest provincial contingent nationwide — with multiple Guangdong tech firms displaying a diverse range of advanced robotic hardware.

Alibaba Group reported quarter ended June 30, 2026: group revenue rose 9% YoY. Management said Alibaba Cloud's external commercialization revenue growth accelerated to 45% YoY and AI-related product revenue posted triple-digit YoY gains for a 12th consecutive quarter. The company launched AI productivity platform Qianwen Office. Cloud revenue continues to accelerate; a higher-quality revenue mix and operating leverage lifted group EBITA margin to 12%. Instant retail kept market share while improving efficiency and e‑commerce profits remained steady. Management reiterated disciplined, ongoing investment in full‑stack AI as AI commercialization scales, which it said will increase strategic and financial flexibility.

Riksbank policy rate as of Aug 20: 1.75% (expected 1.75%; prior 1.75%).