Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
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.
