Social Security enforcement shock (China): China’s tax authorities are tightening social security collection using data cross-checks, forcing many firms and workers to pay backdated contributions—raising payroll costs and threatening salary cuts if companies can’t catch up. Tax-free weekend boost (Massachusetts): Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday is drawing back-to-school shoppers, with retailers reporting strong traffic and spikes in electronics and school supplies. Tax burden still crushing SMEs (Nigeria): A Central Bank of Nigeria survey finds high and multiple taxation remains the top business constraint, even after tax consolidation reforms. SME financing via bonds (Nigeria): LAPO Microfinance Bank secured N4.46bn through a listed five-year bond to expand MSME lending, digital finance, and renewable energy access. Insurance tax fight (Australia/NSW): NSW business and consumer groups are pushing to scrap the state’s insurance tax, arguing it drives up home and business premiums. Privacy scrutiny on smart glasses (Australia): The attorney-general has asked the privacy regulator to review smart glasses after concerns about discreet recording and misuse. Cross-border retail pressure (Singapore/Malaysia): Merchants brace for the JB-SG RTS Link, which could shift spending toward Johor Bahru and squeeze grocery, beauty, and food businesses. Fraud warning (Canada): Saskatchewan transportation firms report losses from a credit card scam where disputed purchases hit days later. SME hiring and labor signals (Thailand): Unemployment stays low but indicators point to weakening labor conditions and rising pressure on formal workers. Regulatory enforcement (Australia/ASIC): ASIC reports strong administrative enforcement, removing or restricting financial and credit providers and disqualifying directors to protect consumers and small businesses.