Sony Q3 Profit Jumps on Gaming and Image Sensors, Full-Year Outlook Raised 
Baidu Approves $5 Billion Share Buyback and Plans First-Ever Dividend in 2026 
Ford and Geely Explore Strategic Manufacturing Partnership in Europe 
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings 
Hims & Hers Halts Compounded Semaglutide Pill After FDA Warning 
Toyota’s Surprise CEO Change Signals Strategic Shift Amid Global Auto Turmoil 
CK Hutchison Launches Arbitration After Panama Court Revokes Canal Port Licences 
Trump Backs Nexstar–Tegna Merger Amid Shifting U.S. Media Landscape 
Rio Tinto Shares Hit Record High After Ending Glencore Merger Talks 
Prudential Financial Reports Higher Q4 Profit on Strong Underwriting and Investment Gains 
Tencent Shares Slide After WeChat Restricts YuanBao AI Promotional Links 
TSMC Eyes 3nm Chip Production in Japan with $17 Billion Kumamoto Investment 
Once Upon a Farm Raises Nearly $198 Million in IPO, Valued at Over $724 Million 
SpaceX Pushes for Early Stock Index Inclusion Ahead of Potential Record-Breaking IPO 
Amazon Stock Rebounds After Earnings as $200B Capex Plan Sparks AI Spending Debate 
Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5 Million in Bellwether Sexual Assault Lawsuit 
SoftBank Shares Slide After Arm Earnings Miss Fuels Tech Stock Sell-Off 
Japanese automaker stocks tumbled Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal of 25% tariffs on imported automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. The announcement sparked concerns over rising production costs and supply chain disruptions, particularly for Japanese automakers heavily reliant on the U.S. market.
The Nikkei 225 index was down 1.6% as of 02:43 GMT, with the automotive sector suffering the most. Shares of Toyota (NYSE: TM, TYO: 7203) fell 2.4% to 2,690 yen, while Nissan (OTC: NSANY, TYO: 7201) led losses with a 4.3% drop. Subaru (OTC: FUJHY, TYO: 7270) declined 4.7%, and Honda (NYSE: HMC, TYO: 7267) slipped 2.5%. Mazda (OTC: MZDAY, TYO: 7261) also fell 2.3%.
Potential tariffs could severely impact Japanese automakers, forcing higher production costs and potential shifts in manufacturing locations. The broader economic impact may extend beyond Japan, affecting global markets and trade relations. Investors remain cautious as they assess the long-term implications of these proposed trade barriers.
