Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Seven & i Holdings to Focus on 7-Eleven Growth Amid Takeover Pressure
Seven & i Holdings is shifting its focus towards expanding its profitable 7-Eleven convenience stores as it fights off a $47 billion takeover bid from Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard. The Japanese retailer announced plans to divest underperforming supermarket chains and other non-core operations, aiming to strengthen its core business and increase shareholder value.
Restructuring Strategy
The restructuring, unveiled earlier this month, involves spinning off approximately 30 non-core subsidiaries, including the struggling Ito-Yokado supermarket chain. This move is part of Seven & i’s broader effort to simplify operations and concentrate on more profitable segments, especially 7-Eleven, which has shown consistent success in Japan. Chief Executive Ryuichi Isaka emphasized that this strategic shift would enable the company to pursue disciplined growth and enhance both corporate and shareholder value.
Challenges in Overseas Markets
While Japan’s 7-Eleven stores have an impressive 27% operating margin, the company faces challenges in overseas markets, where margins are much lower—at just 3.5%. The North American division has been particularly affected by a weak economic environment, reduced consumer spending, and declining cigarette sales. Joseph DePinto, North America chief, noted that while fuel revenue remains flat, fresh food initiatives are expected to drive future growth.
Conclusion
Seven & i remains confident in its ability to create shareholder value independently, despite the takeover pressure. The company’s renewed focus on 7-Eleven, particularly in Japan, could be the key to maintaining its independence and profitability.
