Business
Japan top business lobby urges Trump to promote investment with U.S.
The head of Japan's biggest business lobby on Tuesday urged the U.S. administration under the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump to foster a business environment that promotes bilateral investment. "I hope the U.S. government will adopt policies that foster predictability and encourage businesses to invest with confidence," Masakazu Tokura, chairman… Read
What's next for EVs under Trump?
President Donald Trump signed an executive order promising to eliminate what he incorrectly labels “the electric vehicle mandate” imposed under former President Joe Biden. His order on Monday is consistent with pledges Trump made on the campaign trail to end what he calls a “preposterous” focus on EV's by Biden… Read
Japan 2024 convenience stores sales at record high on inbound tourism
Sales from seven major Japanese convenience store chains hit a record high of 11.8 trillion yen in 2024, bolstered by inbound tourism and demand for readily consumable snacks and drinks, data by a Japanese franchising authority showed Monday. The sales were up 1.2 percent from the previous year, marking a… Read
Trump holding off on tariffs but betting Day 1 moves can cut energy prices and tame inflation
Donald Trump is holding off on tariffs during his first day and placing a big bet that his executive actions can cut energy prices and tame inflation. But it's unclear whether his orders will be enough to move the U.S. economy as he promised. “The inflation crisis was caused by… Read
Nippon Steel lawsuit against Biden set to start in early February
The trial for Nippon Steel Corp's lawsuit seeking to nullify former U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to block its $14.1 billion takeover of U.S. Steel Corp is set to begin in early February, court documents obtained by Kyodo News showed Monday. The opening brief will be filed by the Nippon… Read
Bitcoin soars past $109,000 ahead of possible early action on crypto by Trump
The price of bitcoin surged to over $109,000 early Monday, just hours ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, as a pumped up cryptocurrency industry bets he'll take action soon after returning to the White House. Once a skeptic who said a few years ago that bitcoin “ seems like a scam,”… Read
Starbucks plans corporate layoffs as part of turnaround
Starbucks plans an unspecified number of layoffs as it restructures its corporate staff. In a letter to employees, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said the Seattle coffee giant needs to ensure all work has a clear and accountable owner who can make decisions. The company also needs to reduce… Read
Many major Japanese firms pulling commercials from scandal-hit Fuji TV
Many major Japanese companies said Monday they are suspending commercials on Fuji Television Network Inc, as the broadcaster faces scrutiny over its alleged involvement in a misconduct scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a male member of the now-defunct popular idol group SMAP. Nissan Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp, Suntory Holdings, cosmetics… Read
Bank of Japan poised to raise rates to highest in 17 years
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates on Friday barring any market shocks after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office Monday, a move that would lift short-term borrowing costs to levels unseen since the 2008 global financial crisis. A tightening in policy would underscore the central bank's resolve to… Read
Asian shares track Wall Street's strong finish ahead of Trump's inauguration
Asian shares advanced early Monday after U.S. stock indexes rallied to close out their best week in two months, while U.S. futures and oil prices were little changed. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 2.3% to 20,041.09 after China’s central bank kept its key lending rates unchanged and the Shanghai Composite… Read
