PRE-MARKET JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: LG Energy Solution (373220 KS) won an order worth KRW 2.06tln from Mercedes-Benz (MBG GY)

JAPAN

Asahi Kasei (3407 JT) - Co. is to discontinue production of hexamethylene diamine (HMD) as part of portfolio optimisation, with the impact on performance forecast expected to be immaterial and phase-out completed by April 2027. (Newswires)

Olympus (7733 JT) - Co. announces voluntary corrective action for the single-use ligating device. (Newswires)

SoftBank (9984 JT) - Co. is in talks to buy DigitalBridge (DBRG). It was also reported that Co. subsidiary Arm Holdings (ARM) plans to set up a chip design training facility in South Korea to train about 1,400 high-level chip design specialists, aiming to strengthen the country’s semiconductor and AI sectors (Newswires)

Geopolitical

Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi said Chinese military planes directed radar at Japan's self-defence forces twice. It was separately reported that Japanese PM Takaichi said the incident involving Chinese fighter jets directing radar at Japanese planes is extremely regrettable, while she said they will respond calmly and resolutely to the development. (Newswires)

Japan is reportedly frustrated at the Trump administration’s silence over the row with China and urged the US to give PM Takaichi more public support, according to FT. (Newswires)

Australia’s Defence Minister Marles said they are deeply concerned about the actions of China following the air incident near Japan, while Marles discussed with Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi common serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Furthermore, they discussed how to work together to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, while Marles also commented that they want the most productive relationship they can achieve with China. (Newswires)

Other News

Japanese Economy Minister Kiuchi said on Friday that inflationary impact of the stimulus package is likely limited and stressed importance of stable stock, FX, and bond markets, as well as notes that the government will watch market moves with a high sense of urgency. Kiuchi also stated that specific monetary policy decisions are up to the Bank of Japan, but added that he hopes the BoJ guides policy appropriately to stably achieve 2% inflation target while working closely with the government. (Newswires)

SOUTH KOREA

LG Energy Solution (373220 KS) - Co. won an order worth KRW 2.06tln from Mercedes-Benz (MBG GY). (Newswires)

STX Engine Co (077970 KS) - Co. won an order worth KRW 60bln. (Newswires)

Samsung Electronics (005930 KS) - Co., Apple and Google oppose Indian telecom industry proposal to require smartphone makers to have their location always on, citing privacy, security, and regulatory overreach concerns, warning it could turn phones into dedicated surveillance devices with no global precedent. (Newswires)

Other News

South Korea may ease regulations on holding companies. (Newswires)

07 Dec 2025 - 23:54- EquitiesEconomic Commentary- Source: Newswires