Daily Briefing · 2026-09-18

The Trump administration has approved an arms sale to Saudi Arabia worth approximately 3.7 trillion yen, including 48 F35 fighter jets. Significant revenue effects are expected for the U.S. defense industry. On the diplomatic front, coordination toward realizing a summit is progressing following a phone call between the U.S. and Chinese foreign ministers. If realized, there is potential for easing trade disputes and expanding economic cooperation, and improvement in market sentiment is expected. In domestic financial M&A, SBI has acquired Livedoor. Synergy effects worth hundreds of billions of yen are anticipated through management restructuring and financial business integration. In the restaurant industry, Saint Marc Holdings has acquired the Japanese food chain Tsurutontan. Despite strong performance, the background to the sale highlights differences in corporate valuation. In transportation infrastructure, the Kyushu Shinkansen has resumed full-line operation after 52 days. Recovery of revenue in the tourism and transportation industries and ripple effects on the regional economy are expected. In the automotive industry, Nissan plans to unveil the new Skyline in December. This aims to expand profitability in the premium segment and strengthen competitiveness in the luxury car market. In the entertainment sector, Tokyo DisneySea will invest 10 billion yen in developing new shows. Revenue growth is expected through the rollout of large-scale entertainment projects. In tourism, Marriott has opened its first location in Shikoku. New revenue sources and job creation for the regional tourism industry are expected. In Europe's defense sector, a French defense company has announced an independent AI system. This is expected to lead to reduced European dependence on the U.S. and strengthened competitiveness in the defense industry. On the diplomatic front, Canadian Prime Minister Carney has announced strengthened economic and defense cooperation with the EU against the backdrop of the U.S. tariff dispute. This represents a shift in strategy toward the U.S. Regarding the Middle East situation, the U.S. administration has denied entry to Palestinian leader Abbas, heightening political tensions. The outlook for conflict resolution through UN diplomacy has worsened. Additionally, the mistaken bombing of an elementary school in southern Iran has been recognized by the UN as a war crime, with risks of substantial compensation and legal liability being pointed out. In Europe, Russian drone attacks have heightened security risks in the border region with Poland, causing disruption to regional economic activity. In Sweden, the center-left has taken power in the general election, and a policy shift is expected to affect the economy and labor market. Regarding the China situation, Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the Taiwan issue as an inviolable red line, and the risk of continued instability in U.S.-China trade relations persists. Finally, in the agricultural sector, demands from the U.S. to lift the ban on fresh potato imports raise concerns about intensified competition and price declines in the domestic agricultural market.