37-year-old beer brand closes down operations, no bankruptcy yet

The upcoming holiday season in the US is expected to reflect a divide, with wealthier consumers likely to spend more while others face financial constraints. Average salaries have risen, and certain regions report high household incomes, suggesting a robust market for luxury goods.

Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that the recent rapid decline of the yen is not driven by economic fundamentals, indicating concerns over the currency's volatility. This statement reflects the government's frustration with the yen's fluctuations amid ongoing market uncertainties.

Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama expressed concerns that the recent volatility of the yen is not aligned with economic fundamentals, highlighting the government's frustration with the currency's fluctuations. This statement reflects ongoing challenges faced by Japan's economy amid significant market pressures.

Anchor Brewing, a historic craft brewery established in 1869 in San Francisco, has permanently closed its iconic pub after 36 years of operation, following a series of setbacks including the cessation of national sales and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing earlier in 2023.

Micron Technology Inc. has announced plans to invest ¥1.5 trillion ($9.6 billion) in a new plant in western Japan, aimed at producing memory chips specifically for artificial intelligence applications, as reported by Nikkei. This investment marks a significant step in enhancing Japan's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

Jasmin Argyrou, Head of Global Investment Management Australia at UBS, expressed a positive outlook for global equities in 2026, highlighting potential growth drivers in Europe, emerging markets, and Japan during her interview with Bloomberg.

Toyota announced plans for a significant investment in the United States, driven by strong output and sales performance. This move comes amid a challenging economic landscape shaped by tariffs affecting the automotive industry, particularly for Japanese automakers facing high export duties to the U.S.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet has approved a draft supplementary budget for the fiscal year ending March 2026, amounting to 18.303 trillion yen (approximately $117.10 billion). This decision reflects the government's intent to stimulate the economy amid ongoing financial challenges.