India Consumer Watch: India’s consumer regulator is escalating its probe into Apple’s iOS 18 software warranty terms, after complaints that the update damaged iPhone functions and left users paying “exorbitant” repair bills. China Retail Slowdown: China’s retail sales rose just 0.4% y/y in August, the weakest since May, as auto purchases fell sharply and property weakness kept households cautious. China Investment Shift: Fixed-asset investment fell 7.2% y/y in the first eight months, with property still the biggest drag, even as officials push an innovation-led, higher-quality investment narrative. China Manufacturing Resilience: Industrial output grew 5.2% y/y in August, led by high-tech and robots, while consumption lagged. Auto Exports & Luxury Demand: BMW India expects long-wheelbase models to reach ~60% of sales by year-end, while Hyundai Motor India lifted its 2026 production plan on SUV demand. China Dealmaking Shock: Senssun plans to buy an AI computing power firm at a nine-fold premium, sending its shares down on the announcement. Smart Home Supply Chain: TCL Smart Home says its expanded Thailand refrigerator plant is in trial production, aiming to improve overseas supply reliability. Energy Transition Angle (India): India’s PM Surya Ghar is framed as a move toward distributed power, turning consumers into “prosumers” via rooftop solar at scale. Regional Mobility: Chinese e-motorcycle brands are gaining in Vietnam as Hanoi pilots low-emission zones. Trade & Shipping Risk: Yemen’s Houthis’ seizure of islands near Bab al-Mandab is framed as a direct challenge to global trade security.