Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
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.
