'Quantamental' Japan Specialist, LightStream Research

Campbell Gunn

'Quantamental' Japan Specialist

ja research

ja research is an independent research platform focused exclusively on Japanese equities. Leveraging data and graphic analysis provided by Japan Analytics, we provide insights on small and medium-sized companies that have been ignored by the sell-side as well as challenging conventional wisdom on larger companies. We also offer analyst and corporate access, the latter with translation if required. 

Quantitative Analysis

<div class="content-caption">
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/080/728/original/2019-03-02_20-40-55.png?1551526871" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="80728"></figure>Source: Japan Analytics
</div>LIQUIDITY RULES - Despite the continuous stream of negative macroeconomic news from Japan and other economies, financial liquidity trends are the strongest in over two years, and much of this 'boom' is flowing into risk assets. Large-scale repatriation of offshore funds by US companies has also helped boost the US dollar against the yen. The Market Composite responded by rising 2.3% over the last two weeks, although only by 1% in US dollar terms.WEAK MACRO - Net exports and higher inventories offset private investment and consumption during the fourth quarter, resulting in flat GDP growth year-on-year. January industrial production fell to the lowest level in 30 months, and, with the manufacturing PMI nearing 50, the prospect is for further weakness this quarter. Inventories continue to rise and, in North Asia, to levels last seen in 2005. Combined with the sharp fall in exports in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, export pricing in back in deflationary territory, putting further upward pressure on real interest rates.  Meanwhile, January retail sales saw the largest month-on-month decline in over three years as department stores saw fewer Chinese tourists over the New Year.  Equity markets are living on 'borrowed time'.  <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/080/722/original/2019-03-02_18-02-59.png?1551517390" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="80722"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/080/724/original/2019-03-02_18-07-56.png?1551517689" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="80724"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/080/729/original/2019-03-02_20-41-51.png?1551526925" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="80729"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>HOLD FOR NOW - This bear market rally is two months old and is maturing. The Value Traded ratio is below trend again, the RSI is neutral, and the Toraku is signalling caution. We expect another month of liquidity/weak Yen-driven strength before the economic realities begin to prevail.MARKET/SECTOR STRATEGY- We continue to recommend an underweight position in Japan in global portfolios and favour undervalued domestically-orientated companies in the Information Technology, Internet, Media, Transportation, Healthcare and Telecommunications sectors. We would avoid or short the financial sectors Banks, Non-Bank Finance and Multi-Industry. We would underweight the Auto, Retail and Other Consumer Products sectors as consumer spending contracts further in the US, Europe, China and Japan. In the DETAIL section below, we will review Sector performance, company results, revisions and stock performance over the previous two weeks, as well as adding some brief comments on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/10020" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10020:1">Sakai Moving Service (9039 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/20269" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20269:1">Sumitomo Chemical (4005 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/8431" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8431:1">Parco (8251 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/4489" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4489:1">Chugai Pharmaceutical (4519 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/14674" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14674:1">Nichias (5393 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/27043" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27043:1">Raksul (4384 JP)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/10503" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10503:1">Daito Trust (1878 JP)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/14502" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14502:1">Benefit One (2412 JP)</a>.


Source: Japan Analytics
LIQUIDITY RULES - Despite the continuous stream of negative macroeconomic news from Japan and other economies, financial liquidity trends are the strongest in over two years, and much of this 'boom' is flowing into risk assets. Large-scale repatriation of offshore funds by US companies has also helped boost the US dollar against the yen. The Market Composite responded by rising 2.3% over the last two weeks, although only by 1% in US dollar terms.WEAK MACRO - Net exports and higher inventories offset private investment and consumption during the fourth quarter, resulting in flat GDP growth year-on-year. January industrial production fell to the lowest level in 30 months, and, with the manufacturing PMI nearing 50, the prospect is for further weakness this quarter. Inventories continue to rise and, in North Asia, to levels last seen in 2005. Combined with the sharp fall in exports in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, export pricing in back in deflationary territory, putting further upward pressure on real interest rates.  Meanwhile, January retail sales saw the largest month-on-month decline in over three years as department stores saw fewer Chinese tourists over the New Year.  Equity markets are living on 'borrowed time'.  Source: Japan AnalyticsHOLD FOR NOW - This bear market rally is two months old and is maturing. The Value Traded ratio is below trend again, the RSI is neutral, and the Toraku is signalling caution. We expect another month of liquidity/weak Yen-driven strength before the economic realities begin to prevail.MARKET/SECTOR STRATEGY- We continue to recommend an underweight position in Japan in global portfolios and favour undervalued domestically-orientated companies in the Information Technology, Internet, Media, Transportation, Healthcare and Telecommunications sectors. We would avoid or short the financial sectors Banks, Non-Bank Finance and Multi-Industry. We would underweight the Auto, Retail and Other Consumer Products sectors as consumer spending contracts further in the US, Europe, China and Japan. In the DETAIL section below, we will review Sector performance, company results, revisions and stock performance over the previous two weeks, as well as adding some brief comments on Sakai Moving Service (9039 JP), Sumitomo Chemical (4005 JP), Parco (8251 JP), Chugai Pharmaceutical (4519 JP), Nichias (5393 JP), Raksul (4384 JP), Daito Trust (1878 JP), and Benefit One (2412 JP).   

🇯🇵 Japan • Fortnightly Update - Liquidity Rules

- MARKET COMPOSITE -
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/076/724/original/2019-01-26_17-35-03.png?1548496734" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="76724"></figure>
<div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>
SLOW &amp; STEADY RECOVERY - From December 25th's lows of 8% by number and 11% by value, the percentages of Japanese stocks above the weighted sum of moving averages have continued to recover to now 19% by number and 26% by value. Total Market Value has now risen by 11.2% from the Christmas Day low and is overdue a 'breather'.
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- SECTORS -
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/076/725/original/2019-01-26_17-29-21.png?1548497304" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="76725"></figure>
<div class="content-caption">
LEGEND: The 'sparklines' show the three-year trend in the weighted percentage above moving average relative to the Market Composite and the 'STDev' column is a measure of the variability of that relative measure. The table also provides averages for the breaks above and breaks below and the positive and negative crossovers.</div>
SECTOR BREAKDOWN - The top six sectors measured by their percentage above the weighted average of 5-240 Days remain domestic and defensive. REITs, Information Technology, Media, Healthcare and Utilities continue from our previous review with Restaurants replacing Transportation. Equally predictable is the bottom half-dozen - Banks, Autos, Metals, Building Materials, and Chemicals remain from two weeks ago, with Construction replacing Autos. 
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- COMPANIES -
<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/076/763/original/2019-01-27_15-07-37.png?1548569281" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="76763"></figure>
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<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/076/775/original/2019-01-27_16-34-40.png?1548574490" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="76775"></figure>
Source: Japan Analytics
</div>
COMPANY MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - As with the Market Composite and Sectors, the Moving Average Outlier indicator uses a weighted sum of each company's share price relative to its 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120-day and 240-day moving averages. 'Extreme' values are weighted sums greater than 100% and less than -100%. We would caution that this indicator is best used for timing shorter-term reversals and, in many cases, higher highs and lower lows will be seen. 
In the DETAIL section below, we highlight the current top and bottom twenty-five larger capitalisation outliers, as well as those companies that have seen the most significant positive and negative changes in their outlier percentage in the last two weeks and provide short comments on companies of particular note. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/26722" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26722:1">UUUM (3990 JP)</a> is currently the most 'extreme' positive outlier, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/20895" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20895:1">Welcia (3141 JP)</a> the most 'extreme' negative outlier

- MARKET COMPOSITE -

Source: Japan Analytics
SLOW &amp; STEADY RECOVERY - From December 25th's lows of 8% by number and 11% by value, the percentages of Japanese stocks above the weighted sum of moving averages have continued to recover to now 19% by number and 26% by value. Total Market Value has now risen by 11.2% from the Christmas Day low and is overdue a 'breather'.

- SECTORS -


LEGEND: The 'sparklines' show the three-year trend in the weighted percentage above moving average relative to the Market Composite and the 'STDev' column is a measure of the variability of that relative measure. The table also provides averages for the breaks above and breaks below and the positive and negative crossovers.
SECTOR BREAKDOWN - The top six sectors measured by their percentage above the weighted average of 5-240 Days remain domestic and defensive. REITs, Information Technology, Media, Healthcare and Utilities continue from our previous review with Restaurants replacing Transportation. Equally predictable is the bottom half-dozen - Banks, Autos, Metals, Building Materials, and Chemicals remain from two weeks ago, with Construction replacing Autos. 

- COMPANIES -



Source: Japan Analytics

COMPANY MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - As with the Market Composite and Sectors, the Moving Average Outlier indicator uses a weighted sum of each company's share price relative to its 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120-day and 240-day moving averages. 'Extreme' values are weighted sums greater than 100% and less than -100%. We would caution that this indicator is best used for timing shorter-term reversals and, in many cases, higher highs and lower lows will be seen. 
In the DETAIL section below, we highlight the current top and bottom twenty-five larger capitalisation outliers, as well as those companies that have seen the most significant positive and negative changes in their outlier percentage in the last two weeks and provide short comments on companies of particular note. UUUM (3990 JP) is currently the most 'extreme' positive outlier, and Welcia (3141 JP) the most 'extreme' negative outlier

Japan: Moving Average Outliers - Tech[nical] Rebound

Doing bespoke work since 2002....., Custom Products Group

Patrick Hansen

Doing bespoke work since 2002.....

Custom Products Group

Custom Products was started 14 years ago at Lehman Brothers by current co-founder Patrick Hansen, CFA. After 3 years at Lehman, Patrick moved the team to Macquarie Securities where Simon Rigney (co-founder) joined. 3 years ago we took Custom Products independent. 

Our core strength can be summed up three words. 1- Customization - we have very little off the shelf products and most work is done on a one on one bespoke basis. 2- Speed - We pride ourselves in our ability to get requests back to the client very quickly. 3- Confidentiality - We do not redistribute. There is no grace period where we wait a week and then mass blast. Any request stops with that client.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

We all know that Japan has tried to give the impression that they are improving corporate governance. However, when you start to dig into the numbers you see that it is basically just window dressing. We looked at the ages of the Independent Directors and they are not young.... Most should be gardening somewhere in Shizuoka.

We all know that Japan has tried to give the impression that they are improving corporate governance. However, when you start to dig into the numbers you see that it is basically just window dressing. We looked at the ages of the Independent Directors and they are not young.... Most should be gardening somewhere in Shizuoka.  

Independent Director Is a Great Way to Supplement Retirement in Japan....

MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - Our moving average outlier indicator uses a weighted sum of the share price relative to the 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120 day and 240-day moving averages. Extreme values are weighted sums greater than 100% and less than -100%. We would caution that this indicator is best used for timing shorter-term reversals and, in many cases, higher highs and lower lows will be seen in future. POSITIVE MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS 28TH OCTOBER - Of the positive outlier identified last week, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/8467" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:8467:1">Workman (7564 JP)</a> has since declined by 3% and is still overbought with a Relative Price Score of 4.65. The interim results released on 6th November show a slowing of earnings momentum scoring '4' compared to a score of '9' the previous quarter. We continue to advise profit taking. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/069/394/original/2018-11-11_15-13-17.png?1541916831" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="69394"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/069/395/original/2018-11-11_15-14-13.png?1541916865" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="69395"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div>NEGATIVE MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS 28TH OCTOBER - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/9990" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9990:1">Shima Seiki (6222 JP)</a> which was the most extreme negative outlier recovered 9% but is still the third-most oversold large cap. Of our so=called 'Fallen Angels', <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/4126" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4126:1">Lasertec (6920 JP)</a> rose by 25% after good results and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/9145" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9145:1">Tokai Carbon (5301 JP)</a> recovered by 13%. Both remain overbought are likely to peak out in terms of their share price in the next few months. Of the other Fallen Angels, the best performance was from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/14527" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14527:1">Ulvac (6728 JP)</a> which rose 20%, and the worst was <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/15801" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15801:1">Nippon Gas (8174 JP)</a> which rose 8%. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/379" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:379:1">Sumco (3436 JP)</a> had the second-best two-week performance after <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/18107" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18107:1">Advantest (6857 JP)</a> rising by 26% as it Q3 results were very strong, and their initial full-year forecast suggest FYOP will be 10% above TTM OP.  Our two 'bounce-but-fully-priced' stocks <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/13316" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13316:1">M3 (2413 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/3294" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3294:1">Pigeon (7956 JP)</a> rose by 3% and 11%, respectively although they remain 'Fully Priced'. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/109" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:109:1">Idemitsu Kosan (5019 JP)</a> was unchanged over the period.<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/069/396/original/2018-11-11_15-39-17.png?1541918405" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="69396"></figure><figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/069/397/original/2018-11-11_15-39-55.png?1541918418" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="69397"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><div class="content-highlight">In the DETAIL section below, we highlight the current top and bottom twenty-five larger capitalisation outliers as well as those companies that have seen the most significant positive and negative changes in their outlier percentage in the last two weeks and provide short comments on companies of particular note. </div>

MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - Our moving average outlier indicator uses a weighted sum of the share price relative to the 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120 day and 240-day moving averages. Extreme values are weighted sums greater than 100% and less than -100%. We would caution that this indicator is best used for timing shorter-term reversals and, in many cases, higher highs and lower lows will be seen in future. POSITIVE MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS 28TH OCTOBER - Of the positive outlier identified last week, Workman (7564 JP) has since declined by 3% and is still overbought with a Relative Price Score of 4.65. The interim results released on 6th November show a slowing of earnings momentum scoring '4' compared to a score of '9' the previous quarter. We continue to advise profit taking. Source: Japan AnalyticsNEGATIVE MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS 28TH OCTOBER - Shima Seiki (6222 JP) which was the most extreme negative outlier recovered 9% but is still the third-most oversold large cap. Of our so=called 'Fallen Angels', Lasertec (6920 JP) rose by 25% after good results and Tokai Carbon (5301 JP) recovered by 13%. Both remain overbought are likely to peak out in terms of their share price in the next few months. Of the other Fallen Angels, the best performance was from Ulvac (6728 JP) which rose 20%, and the worst was Nippon Gas (8174 JP) which rose 8%. Sumco (3436 JP) had the second-best two-week performance after Advantest (6857 JP) rising by 26% as it Q3 results were very strong, and their initial full-year forecast suggest FYOP will be 10% above TTM OP.  Our two 'bounce-but-fully-priced' stocks M3 (2413 JP) and Pigeon (7956 JP) rose by 3% and 11%, respectively although they remain 'Fully Priced'. Idemitsu Kosan (5019 JP) was unchanged over the period.Source: Japan AnalyticsIn the DETAIL section below, we highlight the current top and bottom twenty-five larger capitalisation outliers as well as those companies that have seen the most significant positive and negative changes in their outlier percentage in the last two weeks and provide short comments on companies of particular note. 

Japan: Moving Average Outliers - Results Driven

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/067/916/original/2018-10-28_08-34-54.png?1540683306" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="67916"></figure>MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - In addition to our Relative Price Score, we also monitor deviations from moving averages to highlight extreme price trends which often occur within the Overbought (+4) and Oversold (-2) levels of the Price Score, but still offer interesting short-term reversal opportunities. Our indicator uses a weighted sum of the share price relative to the 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120 day and 240-day moving averages. Extreme values are weighted sums greater than 100% and less than -100%. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/9990" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9990:1">Shima Seiki (6222 JP)</a> - chart above - is currently the most extreme negative outlier and the stock with the wort two-week negative change. Having declined by 41% in a month and 19% on Friday, is now likely to see a positive short-term reversal.A NOTE OF CAUTION - We would caution that this indicator is best used for timing shorter-term reversals and, in many cases, higher highs and lower lows will be seen in future. For longer-term positioning, the Relative Price Score and Volume Scores are preferred in addition to our residual income valuation metrics. MARKET TIMING - The number of extreme positive and negative moving average outlier values can also be indicative of the state of market optimism or pessimism.  Currently, there are only 15 very positive outliers and 149 very negative outliers. Both are the highest such number in over three years. However, we would suggest that the number of negative outliers needs to reach over 300 for a 'capitulation low'. <figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/067/921/original/2018-10-28_11-44-53.png?1540694710" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="67921"></figure><div class="content-caption">Source: Japan Analytics</div><div class="content-highlight">In the DETAIL section below, we cover the top and bottom twenty-five large capitalisation outliers as well as those companies that have seen the most significant positive and negative changes in their outlier percentage in the last two weeks and provide short comments on companies of particular note. </div>

MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - In addition to our Relative Price Score, we also monitor deviations from moving averages to highlight extreme price trends which often occur within the Overbought (+4) and Oversold (-2) levels of the Price Score, but still offer interesting short-term reversal opportunities. Our indicator uses a weighted sum of the share price relative to the 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120 day and 240-day moving averages. Extreme values are weighted sums greater than 100% and less than -100%. Shima Seiki (6222 JP) - chart above - is currently the most extreme negative outlier and the stock with the wort two-week negative change. Having declined by 41% in a month and 19% on Friday, is now likely to see a positive short-term reversal.A NOTE OF CAUTION - We would caution that this indicator is best used for timing shorter-term reversals and, in many cases, higher highs and lower lows will be seen in future. For longer-term positioning, the Relative Price Score and Volume Scores are preferred in addition to our residual income valuation metrics. MARKET TIMING - The number of extreme positive and negative moving average outlier values can also be indicative of the state of market optimism or pessimism.  Currently, there are only 15 very positive outliers and 149 very negative outliers. Both are the highest such number in over three years. However, we would suggest that the number of negative outliers needs to reach over 300 for a 'capitulation low'. Source: Japan AnalyticsIn the DETAIL section below, we cover the top and bottom twenty-five large capitalisation outliers as well as those companies that have seen the most significant positive and negative changes in their outlier percentage in the last two weeks and provide short comments on companies of particular note. 

Japan: Moving Average Outliers - Playing the Extremes

Japan

PIGEON CORPORATION manufactures and sells baby care goods.  The Company also produces maternity and elder care products.

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Pigeon Corp (7956 JP)

🇯🇵 Japan • Fortnightly Update - Liquidity Rules

LIQUIDITY RULES - Despite the continuous stream of negative macroeconomic news from Japan and other economies, financial liquidity trends are the...

Campbell Gunn

Japan: Moving Average Outliers - Tech[nical] Rebound

- MARKET COMPOSITE - SLOW & STEADY RECOVERY - From December 25th's lows of 8% by number and 11% by value, the percentages of Japanese stocks...

Campbell Gunn

Independent Director Is a Great Way to Supplement Retirement in Japan....

We all know that Japan has tried to give the impression that they are improving corporate governance. However, when you start to dig into the...

Custom Products Group

Japan: Moving Average Outliers - Results Driven

MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - Our moving average outlier indicator uses a weighted sum of the share price relative to the 5-day, 20-day, 60-day, 120...

Campbell Gunn

Japan: Moving Average Outliers - Playing the Extremes

MOVING AVERAGE OUTLIERS - In addition to our Relative Price Score, we also monitor deviations from moving averages to highlight extreme price...

Campbell Gunn

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