Semiconductors
U.S. chip, EV industries struggle to take off despite huge subsidies
2 years after CHIPS Act and IRA, investments lag and supply chains remain China-reliant
Economy
U.S. consumer prices rise moderately; annual increase slows to below 3%
Expectations of Fed rate cut strength on downward inflation trend
Food & Beverage
Starbucks' new CEO Brian Niccol inherits a China headache
Cafe chain faces sliding sales in No. 2 market as consumers turn thriftier
Retail
Japan resale app Mercari delivers record profit amid U.S. troubles
China e-commerce platforms like Temu lure away Americans with cheaper products
The Big Story
Vietnam turns chip sector magnet with affordable, quality talent pool
US, Taiwan, South Korean players beat path to Vietnam though boom strains resources
Finance
Japan's SMFG lifts Jefferies stake to boost investment banking ops
Financial group chases domestic peers in key business segment
Business trends
Japan Inc. projects 1% net profit dip on yen uptick and U.S. worries
Outlook for fiscal year improves slightly, but slump continues in autos and steel
U.S. elections 2024
Trump tells Musk he hopes to 'get along' with Xi, Putin in X interview
Former President also says to Tesla CEO not everybody should have an EV
Economy
Singapore upgrades full-year GDP growth forecast to 2-3%
Trade ministry says manufacturing sector will recover gradually in second half
Currencies
Ringgit, baht gain against dollar on speculation of U.S. rate cut
Asian central banks seen weighing own moves as inflationary pressures ease
Middle East crisis
U.S. prepared for possible attacks in Middle East by Iran this week
Assassination of Hamas leader has drawn Iranian vows of retaliation against Israel
Travel & Leisure
Disney takes its cruise ships to Singapore, Japan in major expansion
Fleet will more than double by 2031 with new operations in Asia
US-China tensions
Hong Kong chip fab raises U.S. research security concerns: report
Founder of new chip facility previously received U.S. military funding
Defense
U.S. and South Korea start joint military exercises next week
Seoul also will conduct first-ever civil defense drill for nuclear attack
Sports
U.S. tops medals table at end of Paris Olympics
America bags 40 golds and 126 overall; China wins 40 golds and 91 overall
U.S. elections 2024
Harris says Fed is independent and she would never interfere in its decisions
Harris' stance on the central bank's independence in sharp contrast to Trump’s position
U.S. elections 2024
Trump campaign says it was hacked, blames Iran
Former president had strained relations with Tehran while in office
Energy
Japan's Itochu to boost capacity of U.S. solar power business by 150%
Buffett-backed trading house to increase spending on the business by $8bn
Middle East crisis
U.S. tells Israel that escalations in Middle East serve no one
Blinken stresses the need for Gaza ceasefire
Currencies
Central banks dump dollars and yuan in favor of gold
The 'stateless currency' shines as a haven amid geopolitical tension
Materials
Nippon Steel pivots away from China to zero in on U.S., India
U.S. Steel acquisition and Indian blast furnaces critical to expansion
Editor-in-Chief’s Picks
Letter from Nikkei Asia's editor: Harris takes on Trump
Shin Nakayama shares his weekly reflections and recommendations
Defense
Australian defense chief defends updated military deal with U.S., U.K.
Biden letter says agreement will allow nuclear material to be given to Australia
International relations
Nagasaki marks 79th A-bomb anniversary as Israel snub overshadows ceremony
Envoys of several nations, including U.S., refrain from attending proceedings
Defense
U.S. wants Japan to co-produce 100-plus Patriot missiles
Pentagon will accelerate collaboration with allies, top defense official says