Preliminary data show new growth drivers, including high-end manufacturing, the digital and intelligent economy, and modern services, contributed more than 40% of China's economic growth in the first half of 2026. Industrial value added above designated size rose 5.4% year on year, while high-tech manufacturing grew 13.3%. Industrial profits totaled RMB 3,947.99 billion in January–June, up 18.7%. Output of 3D printing equipment rose 48.5%, lithium batteries 39.3%, and industrial robots 28.0%. Fostering new growth drivers was made a key 2026 task.
Guangdong's banking and insurance sectors led the nation in H1 core indicators, including total assets, liabilities, deposits, loans, insurance premiums, and underwriting profits. Manufacturing loans rose by RMB 560.4 billion, with over 40% directed to high-tech manufacturing. Foreign trade enterprise loans grew 11.44%, and export credit insurance coverage increased 7.3%. Regional loan growth in northern Guangdong reached 6.22%, while small business and agriculture loans expanded 9.25% and 6.04% respectively.
US miner 3 Proton Lithium (3PL) has confirmed a large tungsten deposit at its Railroad Valley Minerals Project in eastern Nevada, with an estimated resource of about 1.78 million tons valued at approximately $152 billion at current prices. The company has raised nearly $50 million and is seeking to overturn a 2023 mining and exploration ban imposed at NASA's request. Global tungsten prices have risen nearly 600% since February 2025. The Railroad Valley portion was added to the federal FAST-41 fast-track program in 2025.
Musk has endorsed a community user's view that SpaceX's current trajectory represents a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity, replying "I think so too" to the post. The company is scheduled to release its first earnings report since listing after the US market close on August 4 Eastern Time, a milestone that will provide investors with their first formal look at SpaceX's financial results since going public.