Mizuho’s Top U.S. Industrials Stocks: Why Corteva and Stanley Black & Decker Stand Out 
Stuck in a creativity slump at work? Here are some surprising ways to get your spark back 
Japan Eyes Bigger GPIF Investment in Domestic Assets as BOJ Independence Concerns Grow 
SK Hynix’s $28 Billion U.S. Share Sale Draws Massive Demand Amid AI Chip Boom 
Gordie Howe Bridge to Open July 27 After U.S.-Canada Reach Toll Revenue Agreement 
Mastercard Explores Sale of Majority Stake in UK Payments Firm Vocalink: Report 
BOJ May Raise Japan Growth Forecast While Keeping Focus on Inflation Risks 
Heritage, desire and diplomacy: why China still values scotch whisky 
Gold Price Climbs Over 1% as Dollar Weakens, Fed Rate Debate and Iran Tensions Remain in Focus 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
Fed Reaffirms 2% Inflation Goal, Vows Forceful Action to Anchor Price Expectations 
Muji Owner Ryohin Keikaku Stock Soars After Raising Full-Year Earnings Forecast 
Gold Prices Set for Weekly Loss as Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Outlook Weigh 
Telenor to Buy Controlling Stake in Bahnhof in $630 Million Broadband Deal 
Concerns are growing over the financial soundness of South Korean retailers such as Lotte Mart and E-mart, as they are engaged in an intensifying price war to attract frugal consumers.
Lotte Mart saw a 10 billion won loss in the first half of this year due to higher marketing costs. E-mart's operating profit in the same period also plunged 83.1 percent year-on-year. The two companies showed a combined loss of 30 billion won in only the second quarter of this year.
Since June, major retail chains and convenience stores have been implementing "special" pricing for well-known foods including fried chicken, pizza, and coffee drinks.
The executives said that they had not intended to continue the promotional event for more than a month and had instead been offering substantial discounts for a wider range of food products in response to client requests.
On June 30, Homeplus presented Dang Dang Chicken for 6,000 won at its stores, launching the continuing price-cutting contest. People who were upset with local fried chicken franchises boosting prices owing to increased raw material prices and rising labor expenses were immediately drawn to the chicken, which was sold for a fraction of the pricing charged by restaurants. The shop has been offering Dang Dang Chicken ever since.
Other retailers jumped into the price war, including GS Retail, E-mart, and Lotte Mart. The classic Korean dish bibimbap has been made available at reduced prices at E-mart and Lotte Mart, while GS Retail's convenience shop CU has started offering a 650 won coffee that is less expensive than mineral water in this area.
Between September 1 to September 13, Homeplus' ready-made food business saw a 74 percent increase in sales year over year. During the same period, revenues at E-mart and Lotte Mart also rose by 26% and 40%, respectively.
Retailers are concerned about their profitability despite an increase in customers and sales at their locations. The initial purpose of the low prices was to draw clients while leaving almost no profit margin, if not even a loss.
