Hong Kong shares flat as investors eye trade spat and Fed meeting

HONG KONG (Nikkei Markets) — Hong Kong shares were little changed on Tuesday as investors watched a slew of external risk events, including central bank policy meetings and a Sino-American tariff deadline. The Hang Seng Index edged 0.1% lower to 26,471.58 by noon. Shenzhou International Group declined 2.9%, contributing most to the gauge’s losses by… Continue reading Hong Kong shares flat as investors eye trade spat and Fed meeting

From Disney to Big Macs, Japan’s prices are frozen in time

TOKYO — Long labeled expensive, Japan is now drawing attention for its low prices. Take Tokyo Disney, which has become a popular tourist destination in part because of its relative cheapness. One adult single-park ticket for same-day entry cost the equivalent of $69 on Oct. 31 — barely more than half the $129 price tag at Disneyland… Continue reading From Disney to Big Macs, Japan’s prices are frozen in time

Lexus to launch EV in China taking on VW and Tesla

NAGOYA — Toyota Motor is ramping up efforts to sell electric vehicles in China, the world’s largest auto market, where it plans to launch its first electric Lexus in 2020. The plan was unveiled at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in late November. China’s electric vehicle market is facing challenges after the government cut subsidies.… Continue reading Lexus to launch EV in China taking on VW and Tesla

European insurers get creative in booming China

HAMBURG, Germany — European insurers are teaming up with an unusual range of local partners, from food companies to retailers, in order to break into China’s booming insurance market that is already the world’s second biggest and is expected to triple by 2030. Ergo, part of Germany’s Munich Re Group, formed a joint venture with automaker Great Wall Motor in October… Continue reading European insurers get creative in booming China

India’s poor harvests lead to job losses at manufacturers

NEW DELHI — Freakish weather and poor harvests are taking a toll on India’s rural areas, where consumer spending earlier this year slowed so drastically that the government decided not to release the numbers. Farmers account for about half of India’s population, and their hard times are beginning to spill over into the overall economy.… Continue reading India’s poor harvests lead to job losses at manufacturers

Asian stocks rise after China manufacturing posts surprise gain

HONG KONG (Nikkei Markets) — Asian shares outside of Japan edged higher on Monday after two separate surveys showed that China’s manufacturing activity unexpectedly improved last month. The Nikkei Asia300 Index rose 0.14% to close at 1,302.61. China’s factory activity expanded in November, according to official data released over the weekend. The official November manufacturing… Continue reading Asian stocks rise after China manufacturing posts surprise gain

Nissan chief says new models, not discounts, key to revival

YOKOHAMA — Makoto Uchida, the new CEO of Nissan Motor, promised a re-invigorated alliance with Renault, an end to the short-term pursuit of profits, and an embrace of what he called his three core values of “respect, transparency and trust” as he took charge of the troubled Japanese carmaker. “The alliance with Renault is an important… Continue reading Nissan chief says new models, not discounts, key to revival

Mekong region’s East-West Corridor takes shape

YANGON — The opening of a new bridge between Thailand and Myanmar a few weeks ago marks another step in the integration of supply chains in Southeast Asia, linking four countries in the Indochinese Peninsula to the Indian Ocean. Not only will such integration, part of the East-West Economic Corridor, give the five Southeast Asian… Continue reading Mekong region’s East-West Corridor takes shape

Toyota’s mighty keiretsu system has met its match: digitization

TOKYO — The keiretsu system, which has helped Toyota Motor to become one of the most formidable players in the global auto market, is being breached by digital interlopers. The Japanese term refers to a pyramid of businesses tied together via cross-held shares. In the car sector, the automaker stands atop the pyramid, with its… Continue reading Toyota’s mighty keiretsu system has met its match: digitization

Nissan-Renault to launch new company for next-gen tech

PARIS/TOKYO — The automaker alliance of Nissan Motor, Renault and Mitsubishi Motors are in talks to set up a new company to jointly develop technologies for next-generation vehicles, such as artificial intelligence and electric propulsion, Nikkei has learned. By bringing together the technologies and human resources of the trio, the venture will aim for more… Continue reading Nissan-Renault to launch new company for next-gen tech