Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Seven & i Holdings Sees Shares Rise Over 10% Amid Takeover Bid
Shares of Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings surged by more than 10% following a report from Bloomberg News. The report revealed that Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), a Canadian convenience store operator, increased its takeover offer by over 20%, valuing Seven & i at a remarkable $47.1 billion. The new bid, set at $18.19 per share, marks a significant increase from ACT’s previous offer, which Seven & i had rejected for undervaluing the business.
Largest Overseas Buyout of a Japanese Company?
If accepted, this acquisition would be the largest-ever overseas buyout of a Japanese company. Seven & i, best known for operating the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, remains under scrutiny as it faces pressure from foreign investors to optimize its asset allocation. Prominent shareholders like ValueAct Capital and Artisan Partners have been pushing for strategic changes.
Upcoming Earnings and Strategic Moves
With quarterly earnings set to be announced on Thursday, investors are eagerly awaiting updates on Seven & i’s corporate strategies to enhance value. Recent reports suggest that the company is considering selling stakes in its supermarket division and Seven Bank holdings, moves that could reshape its future.
Stay tuned as this historic takeover offer unfolds, potentially reshaping the global retail landscape.
