Thursday, July 21, 2005

by Brian Turner

The Tokyo equities markets were nearly unchanged on Thursday as the Nikkei 225 and the Topix each lost just 0.1 percent as the Nikkei closed at 11,786.73 and the Topix ended the trading day at 1,194.76.
Some export-dependent stocks were stronger on data showing that export volumes were up for the first time in [...]

China revaluation benefits Asian currencies

by Brian Turner

As predicted, China’s revaluation of its currency has benefited other Asian currencies, at least temporarily.
While analysts say that the currencies, some of which rose sharply after Beijing’s announcement on Thursday, will continue to rise for several weeks, so called “hot money” that has been flowing into Asia betting on a revaluation could begin [...]

Japanese equity markets quiet for earnings reports

by Brian Turner

After a day off for a holiday on Monday, the Japanese equities markets remained close to unchanged on Tuesday as investors played a waiting game ahead of a series of quarterly earnings reports due out of the United States later in the week.
Among the reports being anticipated are those from Google, McDonalds, and [...]

Thursday, July 14, 2005

by Brian Turner

The Tokyo equities markets were up on Thursday on an assessment released Wednesday by the Bank of Japan that said the Japanese economy is continuing its recovery, as well as on buying in the technology sector on news that American chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices realized better-than-expected quarterly earnings.
Tokyo Electron gained 3.2 percent to [...]

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Anticipation for group quarterly results gives way to profit sharing in Tokyo

by Brian Turner

The Tokyo equities markets were lower on Wednesday on profit taking after several up days and in anticipation of a group of quarterly results to be reported next week.
In addition, the Bank of Japan released an assessment indicating that the Japanese economy is continuing its recovery.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. fell 3.6 percent [...]

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Kahma, Daiki, and Homac announce merger

by Brian Turner

In Tokyo, equities markets hit a four-month high, as export-dependent stocks did well once again on good employment news from the United States.
Also, three home centre chains, Kahma, Daiki, and Homac, announced that they will merge by September of 2006. The merger will create the largest retailer in the sector, with assets [...]

Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Japanese lower partliament votes for privatization

by Brian Turner

In Japan on Tuesday, the lower house of parliament voted to go ahead with privatization of the nation’s state-owned post office.
The vote, which must be followed by approval by the upper house of parliament, was widely seen as a vote of confidence in prime minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Koizumi’s own party, the Liberal [...]

Sunday, July 3, 2005

Chinese car makers warn on profits

by Brian Turner

Both Chongqing Changan Auto and Shanghai Automotive Company, two of China’s biggest automobile manufacturers, have issued profit warnings for the first half of the year.
Figures could show that profits have fallen by more than 50 percent for both companies when they announce first-quarter results in August.
Chinese law requires companies to issue [...]