The New Zealand Herald (January 20) reported that China's highest-profile entrepreneur, Jack Ma, appeared on January 20 in a 48-second online video, ending a 2 1/2-month absence from public view that prompted speculation about the future of the e-commerce billionaire and his Alibaba Group. In the video, Jack Ma congratulated teachers supported by his foundation and made no mention of his disappearance or official efforts to tighten control over Alibaba and other internet companies over the past six months. The video appeared on Chinese business news and other websites. His reappearance sparked a rally in the company’s Hong Kong-listed shares, which rose nearly 9% in that day's trade.

(Comment: There is no information yet on Jack Ma's whereabouts or whether he is allowed free telephone and personal contact with people.)