Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Event-Driven

Since the 17th of March we have published several notes regarding skews in performance between names that have heavy weights in TOPIX vs. those with heavy weights in the Nikkei. While it has required some very nimble trading the alpha generation if you were on the right side of the trades has been exceptionally good. We summarise the performance of the names we have highlighted and our thoughts on when to close out these trades below.

Since the 17th of March we have published several notes regarding skews in performance between names that have heavy weights in TOPIX vs. those with heavy weights in the Nikkei. While it has required some very nimble trading the alpha generation if you were on the right side of the trades has been exceptionally good. We summarise the performance of the names we have highlighted and our thoughts on when to close out these trades below.

Taking Stock of the Almost Excessive Alpha Generation From TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trades

On Thursday we highlighted a number of stock pairs that had seen extreme levels of relative performance dislocations, speculating that this was due to relative value unwinds that were being rushed for completion prior to the long weekend. This morning the skews are reversing and with Nikkei now outperforming Topix (+02.7% vs. -0.87% at the time of this writing) we believe this opportunity is being realised quickly. Our thoughts on next steps below.

On Thursday we highlighted a number of stock pairs that had seen extreme levels of relative performance dislocations, speculating that this was due to relative value unwinds that were being rushed for completion prior to the long weekend. This morning the skews are reversing and with Nikkei now outperforming Topix (+02.7% vs. -0.87% at the time of this writing) we believe this opportunity is being realised quickly. Our thoughts on next steps below.

Japan Long Weekend Portfolio Blowout Theme Is Working Quickly

We previously highlighted the strong skew between names which have a heavy weighting in Topix vs. those which have a heavy weighting in the Nikkei. Given extreme looking skews even in individual names it does not seem unreasonable that some relative value fund(s) are exiting positions aggressively prior to what could be a key long weekend for Japan with potentially heavy volatility on Monday. We examine some striking performance discrepancies below.

We previously highlighted the strong skew between names which have a heavy weighting in Topix vs. those which have a heavy weighting in the Nikkei. Given extreme looking skews even in individual names it does not seem unreasonable that some relative value fund(s) are exiting positions aggressively prior to what could be a key long weekend for Japan with potentially heavy volatility on Monday. We examine some striking performance discrepancies below.

What Is Getting Blown Out of Portfolios Before the Long Weekend in Japan?

With the BOJ announcing yesterday that it would double the upper limit of its ETF purchases to ¥12trn a year and its previous policy shift to favour TOPIX-based ETFs over Nikkei-based ETFs it made sense for TOPIX to outperform Nikkei today. However, we found the degree of outperformance to be slightly surprising as TOPIX rose 2.60% while the Nikkei barely squeaked out a +0.06% gain. Below, we examine some individual names within the two indices to try and identify pairs which could generate alpha based on this theme.

With the BOJ announcing yesterday that it would double the upper limit of its ETF purchases to ¥12trn a year and its previous policy shift to favour TOPIX-based ETFs over Nikkei-based ETFs it made sense for TOPIX to outperform Nikkei today. However, we found the degree of outperformance to be slightly surprising as TOPIX rose 2.60% while the Nikkei barely squeaked out a +0.06% gain. Below, we examine some individual names within the two indices to try and identify pairs which could generate alpha based on this theme.

Equity Bottom-Up

In spite of the overall risk-off environment we remain broadly positive on Japanese gaming names. The shift to digital downloads remains a tailwind and with higher margins we believe that the companies should broadly benefit. We believe any impact from consumers being more home-bound is likely to be marginal but positive. We would highlight Capcom in particular as one to watch in the sector due to the potential for some big titles to be released next year.

In spite of the overall risk-off environment we remain broadly positive on Japanese gaming names. The shift to digital downloads remains a tailwind and with higher margins we believe that the companies should broadly benefit. We believe any impact from consumers being more home-bound is likely to be marginal but positive. We would highlight Capcom in particular as one to watch in the sector due to the potential for some big titles to be released next year.

Capcom – 4 Key Titles Next Year Could Drive Guidance Above Consensus

Japan

CAPCOM CO., LTD. develops consumer video game software.  The Company also develops, manufactures, markets, and leases arcade game machines.  Capcom also operates amusement facilities.

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Capcom Co Ltd (9697 JP)

Taking Stock of the Almost Excessive Alpha Generation From TOPIX-Nikkei Skew Trades

Since the 17th of March we have published several notes regarding skews in performance between names that have heavy weights in TOPIX vs. those...

Mio Kato

Japan Long Weekend Portfolio Blowout Theme Is Working Quickly

On Thursday we highlighted a number of stock pairs that had seen extreme levels of relative performance dislocations, speculating that this was due...

Mio Kato

What Is Getting Blown Out of Portfolios Before the Long Weekend in Japan?

We previously highlighted the strong skew between names which have a heavy weighting in Topix vs. those which have a heavy weighting in the Nikkei....

Mio Kato

The Topix Vs. Nikkei Skew

With the BOJ announcing yesterday that it would double the upper limit of its ETF purchases to ¥12trn a year and its previous policy shift to...

Mio Kato

Capcom – 4 Key Titles Next Year Could Drive Guidance Above Consensus

In spite of the overall risk-off environment we remain broadly positive on Japanese gaming names. The shift to digital downloads remains a tailwind...

Mio Kato

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