Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic 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.
