Founder and CEO, Europacifica Consulting

Naomi Fink

Founder and CEO

Europacifica Consulting

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/015/810/original/ChartForeignInvestor.png?1478147665" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="15810"></figure><div class="content-caption">Foreign Investors are Top Shareholders (Source: JPX)</div><h2>Summary</h2><p>Foreign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data.  Yet given Japan's deflationary dynamic, Japanese equities have demonstrated a tendency to disappoint investors in terms of Return on Equity.  "Why Hold Japan?" is a question that recurs among investors - in particular during cyclical downturns. Although there remains a degree of confidence in "Abenomics", uncertainty in…</p>

Foreign Investors are Top Shareholders (Source: JPX)SummaryForeign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data.  Yet given Japan's deflationary dynamic, Japanese equities have demonstrated a tendency to disappoint investors in terms of Return on Equity.  "Why Hold Japan?" is a question that recurs among investors - in particular during cyclical downturns. Although there remains a degree of confidence in "Abenomics", uncertainty in…

Why Hold Japan, Part I: Relative Tax Regimes

EM PM, Ecstrat

Emad Mostaque

EM PM

Ecstrat

Ecstrat is a consultancy advising on asset allocation between global equity markets, with a focus on the intersection of governments, geopolitics, governance and markets.
 
Over the past few years and more especially since the Great Financial Crisis (GFC), investors have become more focused on short-term market movements and real-time returns and have consequently neglected the analysis of the underlying structural themes that underpin longer term performance.
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More specifically we believe that the evolution of governance-based relationships between investors, controlling shareholders, labour and the state is one of the primary determinants of both relative and absolute performance between individual equity markets.
 
We will endeavour to provide investors with some of the context surrounding governance-related issues which encompass many different disciplines including history, economics and political science, as well as the financial metrics which are the most obvious manifestation of the structural characteristics of each market.
 
We will pay particular attention to the shifts and potential inflection points for governance in individual markets as these are often the best lead indicators for both economic and market performance.

<p>Yesterday's high court ruling stating that parliament must have a say before any triggering of Article 50 to start the process for Britain to leave the EU puts us at point 7 in my <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-path-to-no-brexit" target="_blank">path to no Brexit</a>.</p><p>The reaction from the pro-Brexit press and prominent individuals has been sharp, from declaring the judges in question as enemies of the nation (The Daily Mail) to saying this is the darkest day for the UK since World War II and for readers to fight, fight, fight (The Daily Express).</p><p>Coming five months…</p>

Yesterday's high court ruling stating that parliament must have a say before any triggering of Article 50 to start the process for Britain to leave the EU puts us at point 7 in my path to no Brexit.The reaction from the pro-Brexit press and prominent individuals has been sharp, from declaring the judges in question as enemies of the nation (The Daily Mail) to saying this is the darkest day for the UK since World War II and for readers to fight, fight, fight (The Daily Express).Coming five months…

Leading Independent Investment Research, Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar

Leading Independent Investment Research

Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. We offer an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers, and retirement plan providers and sponsors. 

Morningstar provides data on more than 500,000 investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles, along with real-time global market data on more than 16 million equities, indexes, futures, options, commodities, and precious metals, in addition to foreign exchange and Treasury markets. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with more than $180 billion in assets under advisement or management as of June 30, 2015. We have operations in 27 countries.

Download the Morningstar Fact Sheet : http://corporate.morningstar.com/US/documents/MarketingFactSheets/AboutMorningstarFactsheet.pdf

<p>The Bank of Japan has just released its semiannual assessment on the financial system with an explicit focus on the negative interest rate environment. We view positively that the bank has acknowledged increasing side effects even after the bank has recalibrated its policy with a new focus on yield curve control.</p><p>The hurdle of implementing the NIRP has been high for Japanese banks due to a higher proportion of funding is  derived from deposits at 72% against 43% for eurozone banks and 31% for Swedish banks. An inability to reprice  its deposit below zero negatively impacts bank earnings, encumbered with low pricing power due to low market concentration. An aging demographic is also adding pressure to regional banks. Half of regional banks fail to earn operating profits from lending, even assuming minimal credit charges, as they remain unable to cope with greater structural challenges. Per the central bank estimate on NIM compression, about 50% is attributed to lower market rates, about 30% to unfavorable demographics and about 20% to weak loan demand at regional banks.</p><p><em>Analyst: Mari Kumagai</em></p>

The Bank of Japan has just released its semiannual assessment on the financial system with an explicit focus on the negative interest rate environment. We view positively that the bank has acknowledged increasing side effects even after the bank has recalibrated its policy with a new focus on yield curve control.The hurdle of implementing the NIRP has been high for Japanese banks due to a higher proportion of funding is  derived from deposits at 72% against 43% for eurozone banks and 31% for Swedish banks. An inability to reprice  its deposit below zero negatively impacts bank earnings, encumbered with low pricing power due to low market concentration. An aging demographic is also adding pressure to regional banks. Half of regional banks fail to earn operating profits from lending, even assuming minimal credit charges, as they remain unable to cope with greater structural challenges. Per the central bank estimate on NIM compression, about 50% is attributed to lower market rates, about 30% to unfavorable demographics and about 20% to weak loan demand at regional banks.Analyst: Mari Kumagai

Lack of Term Premium Continues to Cost Japanese Banks with Limited Financial Flexibility

Macroeconomics

<p>Recent large government privatisations (Japan Post and JR Kyushu) have brought with it a positive tendency, as we pointed out in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-reflationary-role-of-ipo-s" target="_blank">The Reflationary Role of IPO’s</a>. Very closely related to the reflationary aspects of large privatisations is the Holy Grail of reflation, the diversification of household balance sheets from cash (a risk-averse strategy) to risk assets.</p><p>Inflation expectations are highly autoregressive – that is to say, deflationary consumption and saving behaviour tends to get…</p>

Recent large government privatisations (Japan Post and JR Kyushu) have brought with it a positive tendency, as we pointed out in The Reflationary Role of IPO’s. Very closely related to the reflationary aspects of large privatisations is the Holy Grail of reflation, the diversification of household balance sheets from cash (a risk-averse strategy) to risk assets.Inflation expectations are highly autoregressive – that is to say, deflationary consumption and saving behaviour tends to get…

The Holy Grail of Reflation: "from Savings to Investment"

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/015/017/original/IRF_NewsShocks.png?1476919557" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="15017"></figure><div class="content-caption">"News Shocks" to the Japanese Economy (Source: Europacifica)</div><h2>Room for small hope amid bleak Japanese policy reform record</h2><p>Until now, our analysis of Japanese structural reform, centred upon raising Japanese productivity, has revealed few tendencies that might give us hope of an imminent and conclusive end to Japan's deflationary "lost decades" dynamic.  In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/structural-reform-i-the-japanese-financial-sector" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:6375">Structural Reform I: The Japanese Financial Sector</a> we examined some of the structural characteristics within the financial sector that were…</p>

"News Shocks" to the Japanese Economy (Source: Europacifica)Room for small hope amid bleak Japanese policy reform recordUntil now, our analysis of Japanese structural reform, centred upon raising Japanese productivity, has revealed few tendencies that might give us hope of an imminent and conclusive end to Japan's deflationary "lost decades" dynamic.  In Structural Reform I: The Japanese Financial Sector we examined some of the structural characteristics within the financial sector that were…

Structural Reform III: Evidence of Bad Luck over Poor Policy

Japan

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is a holding company established through the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings. As a financial group, the Company provides a variety of financial and investment services including commercial banking, trust banking, international finance, and assets management services.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP)

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. provides comprehensive financial services through its subsidiaries. The Group provides variety of financial services such as general banking, securities brokerage, trust banking, and assets management.

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd. provides general banking services. The Company offers deposits, savings, loans, currency exchange transactions, investment trusts, national bonds, and other related banking services to individuals and businesses. Japan Post Bank also provides other financial services such as insurance agency and financing service.

Shinkin Central Bank is a central bank for shinkin banks nationwide, operating as a cooperative financial institution.  The Bank has developed businesses in a variety of fields that contribute the shinkin banking industry.  The Bank's services include enhancement of the credit standing, efficient use of shikin bank's surplus funds, and settlement of domestic exchange transaction.

Resona Holdings, Inc. operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services, including banking, trust operations, and credit card services. Resona Holdings also offers consulting services related to personal loans, asset management, and asset succession.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. is a holding company established jointly by Chuo Mitsui Trust Holdings and Sumitomo Trust and Banking. As a financial group, the Bank provides trust banking business, as well as securities brokerage, assets management, and related financial services.

The Chiba Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank based in Chiba Prefecture. The Bank offers general banking services including deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transactions. The Chiba Bank also develops software and provides financial services such as leasing, securities brokerage, letter of credit, and credit cards.

Concordia Financial Group, Ltd. is a holding company established through the merger of Bank of Yokohama and Higashi-Nippon Bank. The Company provides banking services and other financial services.

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of the Bank of Fukuoka and Kumamoto Family Bank. As a financial group, the Company provides banking services including deposits, loans, foreign currency transactions. The Company also provides other financial services such as credit card, letter of credit, and leasing services.

The Bank of Kyoto, Ltd. is a regional bank in Kyoto.  The Bank provides banking services including deposits, savings, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and securities investments.  The Bank of Kyoto also provides financial services such as letter of credit, leasing, loans, and credit cards.

National Australia Bank Limited is an international banking group which operates in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the United States.  The Group offers banking services, credit and access card facilities, leasing, housing and general finance, international and investment banking, wealth and funds management, life insurance and custodian, trustee and nominee services.

DBS Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries provide a variety of financial services.  The Company offers services including mortgage financing, lease and hire purchase financing, nominee and trustee, funds management, corporate advisory and brokerage .  DBS Group also acts as the primary dealer in Singapore government securities.

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited offers a comprehensive range of financial services.  The Company's services include deposit-taking, corporate, enterprise and personal lending, international trade financing, investment banking, private banking, treasury, stockbroking, insurance, credit cards, cash management, asset management and other financial and related services.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited is a full service commercial bank. The Bank offers a wide range of products and services such as personal, commercial, and corporate banking services, including deposit accounts, loans, and investments. Kotak Mahindra Bank serves customers in India.

State Bank of India provides a wide range of banking and financial services to corporate, institutional, commercial, agricultural, industrial and individual customers throughout India.  The Bank also provides international banking to its Indian customers and has operations in other countries.

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is a diversified financial services organization.  The Company provides regional banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services nationally and in the Company's primary regional markets.

Citigroup Inc. is a diversified financial services holding company that provides a broad range of financial services to consumer and corporate customers. The Company services include investment banking, retail brokerage, corporate banking, and cash management products and services. Citigroup serves customers globally.

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk provides banking and related services.  The Bank also provides custodianship, trusteeship, and management of pension funds of financial institutions.  Through its subsidiaries, the Bank also provides leasing and consumer financing services.

Westpac Banking Corporation offers general and savings banking services.  The Company provides investment portfolio management and advice, insurance services,  consumer finance, and money market services among other services.  Westpac Banking Corp. serves individuals, businesses, and corporations worldwide.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk provides commercial banking activities and its related services. The Bank also provides banking activities based on shariah principles.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. manages financial operations for its subsidiaries. The Company provides commercial banking and a variety of financial services.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (8316 JP)

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Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (8316 JP)

Why Hold Japan, Part I: Relative Tax Regimes

SummaryForeign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data. Yet given Japan's...

Naomi Fink

Brexit: Judgement Versus Obedience

Yesterday's high court ruling stating that parliament must have a say before any triggering of Article 50 to start the process for Britain to leave...

Emad Mostaque

Lack of Term Premium Continues to Cost Japanese Banks with Limited Financial Flexibility

The Bank of Japan has just released its semiannual assessment on the financial system with an explicit focus on the negative interest rate...

Morningstar, Inc.

The Holy Grail of Reflation: "from Savings to Investment"

Recent large government privatisations (Japan Post and JR Kyushu) have brought with it a positive tendency, as we pointed out in The Reflationary...

Naomi Fink

Structural Reform III: Evidence of Bad Luck over Poor Policy

Room for small hope amid bleak Japanese policy reform recordUntil now, our analysis of Japanese structural reform, centred upon raising Japanese...

Naomi Fink

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