Daily Briefing · 2026-09-24

President Xi Jinping is visiting the United States, where trade and investment negotiations with President Trump are taking place, and global markets are closely watching developments. Just before this, a Japan-US summit between Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump was also held, showcasing strengthened alliance ties and shared views on China. In the foreign exchange market, the yen weakened following strong US economic indicators, with the dollar reaching the 158 yen level, its weakest in three weeks. While this is a tailwind for exporters, concerns are growing over rising import costs. On the price front, the OECD revised its 2027 G20 inflation rate forecast upward to 3.6%, citing surging Middle East energy prices. In diplomacy, a US-Russia foreign ministers' meeting was held, with progress reported in discussions on halting attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities. Meanwhile, President Zelensky delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly, calling on countries to cooperate in strengthening economic sanctions aimed at cutting off Russia's funding sources. In the Middle East, the Trump administration-led peace council announced an investment plan of approximately 380 billion yen over six months for Gaza's reconstruction, though its feasibility remains uncertain. China's Premier Li Qiang, during his visit to the US, emphasized the Taiwan issue as an inviolable red line, a factor heightening tensions in US-China relations. On the corporate front, an ANA aircraft malfunction has been classified as a serious incident, raising concerns over brand damage and stock price declines. In financial markets, views are emerging that expectations of additional rate hikes ahead of the midterm elections could increase corporate borrowing costs and slow consumption, putting downward pressure on stock prices. In transportation infrastructure, the suspension of the Naibo Line due to typhoon damage is expected to extend beyond three months, raising concerns about the impact on the railway operator's earnings. In the security sector, France has newly launched a voluntary military service system for young people, with expectations of expanded investment in defense-related industries. On the household front, front-loaded demand for housing purchases amid rising interest rates is boosting consumption, while concerns are also being raised about long-term risks to household finances from increased loan burdens. In the tourism industry, suspected virus infections aboard a cruise ship have been reported, with continued risks of infection spreading among passengers and crew as well as financial losses for the industry. In industrial technology, AI and robotics technologies were showcased at a railway trade fair held in Germany, with countries including Japanese companies exploring opportunities to develop new markets.