IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Reading between the lines of the e-book market

The industry is now worth $1.4 billion as the online reading craze tempts the big Internet players to move into the sector

New yuan channels to widen funding sources

Cross-border loan services to help lower finance costs for more domestic, overseas companies

Weak China sales may force BMW to revise full-year profit targets

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG said slowing sales in China may force it to revise this year's profitability goals, challenging new Chief Executive Officer Harald Krueger as he seeks to defend his lead in the global luxury car industry.

Toyota warns of tough times ahead as competition heats up

Toyota Motor Corp warned of tougher competition in China and raised its forecast for Japan sales as it reported quarterly profit that beat analyst estimates.

Sichuan opens up nuclear power sector

Sichuan province has become the first in China to open its nuclear power sector to private investment, according to an official notice published on Monday.

Sinopec takes steps to reduce expenses

Sinopec Group, the second-largest energy company in China, plans to cut costs by recalling 40 percent of its overseas staff in the wake of plunging oil prices.

Volatile PetroChina shares top speculative purchases

PetroChina Co has about 11 billion barrels of oil reserves, half a million employees and sales that exceed the annual economic output of South Africa.

More controls on online payments

China plans to tighten regulatory controls on the country's nearly 300 online payment firms, including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's finance affiliate.

Tujia valuation surges after fund infusion

Tujia.com has raised $300 million at a valuation of more than $1 billion, as the Chinese vacation rentals site, often compared with Airbnb Inc, pursues financing to bankroll a global expansion.

Amway pushes the envelope to expand mobile e-commerce operations in China

Amway Corp is eyeing a major push in China's online retail sector, as the world's largest direct selling company in terms of sales looks for options to counter flagging revenues and attract more younger customers in the country.

London is looking to Chinese firms for more IPO business

London is developing a growing reputation as a yuan trading center. It is hardly surprising then that Chinese companies will eventually launch more initial public offerings on the London Stock Exchange.