Daily Briefing · 2026-09-26

Concerns are growing over deteriorating profitability for exporters. Finance Minister Katayama and Secretary Bessent shared concerns about the yen's undervaluation and confirmed strengthened currency cooperation. On the diplomatic front, President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States has concluded. Two more summit meetings are scheduled before the end of the year, and expectations are rising for market stability and improved business confidence. In response, the Japanese government is considering a Japan-US phone summit and plans to strengthen coordination on China policy. Regarding the Middle East situation, Iran has proposed a conditional seven-day opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, concerns persist over reduced grain production due to disruptions in fertilizer transport and the resulting global food crisis. In addition, US economic sanctions have expanded the suspension of Iran Air flights across the Middle East region. In geopolitics, the United States has proposed trilateral talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in the United Arab Emirates, seeking to resume peace negotiations. On the domestic economy, the tightening of the system for foreign entrepreneurs has led to a sharp decline in new business startups. Concerns are mounting over the negative impact on talent acquisition, economic growth, and tax revenue. In the United States, mortgage rates have exceeded 7%, and combined with high housing prices, the burden on buyers has increased significantly. At the Vatican, the Pope referred to the possibility that the rapid development of AI technology could threaten human life, suggesting the need for ethical regulation. In corporate news, Junglia is requesting additional financing, and a new investment round is believed to be underway. In the consumer sector, Otsuka Foods announced price increases for products such as Bon Curry, while Don Quijote will lower prices on its private-brand beer starting in October, resulting in contrasting effects on household budgets. Panasonic announced the discontinuation of production of its "Strada" car navigation system, and with its withdrawal from the business, a decline in related profitability is expected.