Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
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 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
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.
