Japan Specialist

Mark Chadwick

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>The Nikkei 225 index dropped by 2.7% this week, closing at 37,913 points, due to political uncertainty ahead of Japan's general election, rising global bond yields, and disappointing economic data</li>
<li>Japan's weakening services and manufacturing sectors, as indicated by declining PMIs and easing inflation, highlight slowing domestic demand and economic uncertainty, raising concerns about future growth prospects.</li>
<li>Konica Minolta (4902): Gained 25% after activist investor, Effissimo Capital, declared a significant 5.8% stake in the company.</li>
</ul>


The Nikkei 225 index dropped by 2.7% this week, closing at 37,913 points, due to political uncertainty ahead of Japan's general election, rising global bond yields, and disappointing economic data
Japan's weakening services and manufacturing sectors, as indicated by declining PMIs and easing inflation, highlight slowing domestic demand and economic uncertainty, raising concerns about future growth prospects.
Konica Minolta (4902): Gained 25% after activist investor, Effissimo Capital, declared a significant 5.8% stake in the company.


Japan Weekly | Nikkei Drops; Political Uncertainty; Weakening Economy

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Fanuc’s Q2 operating income surged 25% year-on-year, but the beat was driven by a one-time 9 billion yen unrealized profit, raising concerns about sustainability.</li>
<li>Total orders fell from 198 billion yen to 186 billion yen, with a notable slowdown in Factory Automation orders, particularly in China.</li>
<li>Despite inventory reductions, Fanuc’s inventory/sales ratio remains elevated at 43%; shares down 9% since Q1 and underperforming the broader index for the year.</li>
</ul>


Fanuc’s Q2 operating income surged 25% year-on-year, but the beat was driven by a one-time 9 billion yen unrealized profit, raising concerns about sustainability.
Total orders fell from 198 billion yen to 186 billion yen, with a notable slowdown in Factory Automation orders, particularly in China.
Despite inventory reductions, Fanuc’s inventory/sales ratio remains elevated at 43%; shares down 9% since Q1 and underperforming the broader index for the year.


Fanuc (6954) | Q2 Profit Boost Masked by One-Time Gains

Asian Hedge Fund Manager, Long Short Equity, Macro

David Mudd

<ul>
<li>Hong Kong markets continue to outperform globally this year with short selling declining and mainland buying increasing.  These trends should accelerate going into next year.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sun-art-retail-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:401:1" rel="noopener">Sun Art Retail (6808 HK)</a>resumed trading after announcing that the company is entertaining one or more potential acquisition plans for the company.  The company also announced strong 1H25 earnings.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/shanghai-electric-group-company-limited-d542164d-4d5a-4ce0-b33e-5fe6bc34722c" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8777:1" rel="noopener">Shanghai Electric Group Company (2727 HK) </a>announce a buyback plan for 10% of A and H shares outstanding.  The company also announced the acquisition of the China Fanuc robotics business.
</li>
</ul>


Hong Kong markets continue to outperform globally this year with short selling declining and mainland buying increasing.  These trends should accelerate going into next year.

Sun Art Retail (6808 HK)resumed trading after announcing that the company is entertaining one or more potential acquisition plans for the company.  The company also announced strong 1H25 earnings.


Shanghai Electric Group Company (2727 HK) announce a buyback plan for 10% of A and H shares outstanding.  The company also announced the acquisition of the China Fanuc robotics business.



The Heat Is On: News Flow and Sentiment in CHINA / HONG KONG (October 22)

Japanese Equity Specialist, Ortus Advisors

Andrew Jackson

Japanese Equity Specialist

Ortus Advisors

<ul>
<li>US semis and tech related setting a bullish tone for JP SPE with NVDA closing at record highs.</li>
<li>Steep drop for oil to hit Japex, Index and refiners while US P&amp;C strength should also be reflected in JP peers.</li>
<li>Possible downside for Fujitsu with NTT Docomo announcing a pivot away from their base station equipment.</li>
</ul>


US semis and tech related setting a bullish tone for JP SPE with NVDA closing at record highs.
Steep drop for oil to hit Japex, Index and refiners while US P&amp;C strength should also be reflected in JP peers.
Possible downside for Fujitsu with NTT Docomo announcing a pivot away from their base station equipment.


Japan Morning Connection: US Semis and Tech Set a Bullish Tone for Japan's SPE Majors

Derivatives and Quantitative Strategist

Gaudenz Schneider

Equity Derivatives

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nikkei-225" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22909:1" rel="noopener">Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX)</a> volatility is trading at historically high levels, and the skew is steep.</li>
<li>National, regional and global catalysts provide the potential for further near-term market turbulence. Downside risk persists.</li>
<li>The current vol environment lends itself to tactical option trades, such as put spreads or risk reversals.</li>
</ul>



Nikkei 225 (NKY INDEX) volatility is trading at historically high levels, and the skew is steep.
National, regional and global catalysts provide the potential for further near-term market turbulence. Downside risk persists.
The current vol environment lends itself to tactical option trades, such as put spreads or risk reversals.


EQD | Nikkei 225 - Persistent Volatility Amid Election Uncertainty: Tactical Opportunities Explored

Japan

FANUC CORPORATION manufactures factory automation (FA) systems and equipments, and robots. The Company's products include computerized numerically-controlled (CNC) equipment, servo motors, laser systems, industrial robots, wire-cut electric discharge machines, and CNC drill.  Fanuc participates in a joint venture with General Electric in the FA field.

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Fanuc Corp Unsp Adr (FANUY US)

Japan Weekly | Nikkei Drops; Political Uncertainty; Weakening Economy

Nikkei 225 falls 2.7% on political uncertainty, global bond yields, and weak economic data; Konica Minolta gains 25% after activist investor...

Mark Chadwick

Fanuc (6954) | Q2 Profit Boost Masked by One-Time Gains

Fanuc's Q2 operating income up 25% due to one-time profit, but concerns arise over sustainability. Orders down, inventory/sales ratio high, shares...

Mark Chadwick

The Heat Is On: News Flow and Sentiment in CHINA / HONG KONG (October 22)

HK out-perform global peers with short selling abating and mainland buying increasing. Sun Art resumed trading as it entertains potential buyout...

David Mudd

Japan Morning Connection: US Semis and Tech Set a Bullish Tone for Japan's SPE Majors

US semiconductors and tech related setting a bullish tone for JP SPE. Steep drop in oil to hit Japex, Index and refiners. Fujitsu may face downside...

Andrew Jackson

EQD | Nikkei 225 - Persistent Volatility Amid Election Uncertainty: Tactical Opportunities Explored

Nikkei 225 volatility is high with steep skew. Potential for more turbulence due to various catalysts. Tactical option trades recommended.

Gaudenz Schneider

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

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Japan Weekly | Nikkei Drops; Political Uncertainty; Weakening Economy

​Nikkei 225 falls 2.7% on political uncertainty, global bond yields, and weak economic data; Konica Minolta gains 25% after activist investor...

Mark Chadwick

Fanuc (6954) | Q2 Profit Boost Masked by One-Time Gains

​Fanuc's Q2 operating income up 25% due to one-time profit, but concerns arise over sustainability. Orders down, inventory/sales ratio high, shares...

Mark Chadwick

The Heat Is On: News Flow and Sentiment in CHINA / HONG KONG (October 22)

HK out-perform global peers with short selling abating and mainland buying increasing. Sun Art resumed trading as it entertains potential buyout...

David Mudd

Japan Morning Connection: US Semis and Tech Set a Bullish Tone for Japan's SPE Majors

US semiconductors and tech related setting a bullish tone for JP SPE. Steep drop in oil to hit Japex, Index and refiners. Fujitsu may face downside...

Andrew Jackson

EQD | Nikkei 225 - Persistent Volatility Amid Election Uncertainty: Tactical Opportunities Explored

​Nikkei 225 volatility is high with steep skew. Potential for more turbulence due to various catalysts. Tactical option trades recommended.

Gaudenz Schneider

Nikkei 225 falls 2.7% on political uncertainty, global bond yields, and weak economic data; Konica Minolta gains 25% after activist investor...

Fanuc's Q2 operating income up 25% due to one-time profit, but concerns arise over sustainability. Orders down, inventory/sales ratio high, shares...

Nikkei 225 volatility is high with steep skew. Potential for more turbulence due to various catalysts. Tactical option trades recommended.