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Metis TechBio Soars 173% in Hong Kong Trading Debut

Metis TechBio's (HKG:7666) shares opened 173% above their initial public offering price during the company's Hong Kong debut on Wednesday morning.The China-based AI-driven nanotechnology company opened at HK$28.68 per share, well above the offer price of HK$10.50.

HKG:7666

Asia54d ago

EBR Systems Secures Purchasing Agreement With HCA Healthcare; Shares Up 10%

EBR Systems (ASX:EBR) signed a purchasing agreement with HCA Healthcare, marking a key step in the commercial rollout of its WiSE cardiac resynchronization therapy system, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.The agreement facilitates wider deployment by simplifying procurement and contracting across HCA's hospital network, making it easier for clinicians and administrators to access the system, per the filing.The company already operates at several HCA sites in Texas, and the partnership is expected to accelerate adoption and US commercial expansion, the filing added.The company's shares rose 10% in recent Wednesday trade.

ASX:EBR

Asia54d ago

GNI Group's NDA Application for Liver Fibrosis Drug Accepted for Review in China

GNI Group (TYO:2160) said its investigational drug F351 has been accepted for regulatory review in China, marking a key step toward potential approval for treating liver fibrosis linked to chronic hepatitis B, according to a Wednesday filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.The application, submitted through its China-based subsidiary Gyre Therapeutics, has moved into substantive evaluation by China's drug regulator following validation of the filing.F351, also known as hydronidone, has been granted priority review status by China's National Medical Products Administration, a designation that can shorten assessment timelines for therapies with significant clinical value.The treatment targets liver fibrosis caused by chronic hepatitis B, a major health burden in Asia that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer if untreated, with limited existing therapeutic options.

TYO:2160

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: Shiseido Shifts Raw Material Strategy Amid Petrochemical Shortages

Shiseido (TYO:4911) is considering replacing oil-derived materials with plant-based alternatives as disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict strain global supply chains for skincare and beauty products, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.The company said shortages of petroleum-based naphtha could affect key ingredients used in moisturizers, makeup and other cosmetics. It is reviewing its supplier network and exploring alternative raw materials to reduce dependence on petrochemical inputs, according to the report.CEO Kentaro Fujiwara said the company is preparing for adverse scenarios while adjusting operations, estimating a 5 billion yen impact on core operating profit this fiscal year due to higher input and logistics costs and weaker regional sales, the report said.Despite these pressures, Shiseido reported first-quarter core operating profit of 13 billion yen, above analyst expectations, supported by cost controls and internal restructuring, according to the report.The company also plans to shut its Hsinchu plant in Taiwan in the second half of 2027, a move expected to reduce fixed costs by about 1 billion yen annually.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TYO:4911

Asia54d ago

Zip Says High Court Rules It Must Stop Using Zip Trademark in Australia, Shares Down 7%

Zip (ASX:ZIP) said the High Court of Australia has delivered judgment in trade mark infringement proceedings brought by Firstmac, requiring Zip and its units to cease using the Zip trademark in Australia in relation to its products and services within 28 days, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.The company said the decision does not impact its US business, which represents about 80% of divisional cash earnings, or its New Zealand business, with no change in the use of the Zip brand by either business, the filing added.Firstmac is a private non-bank Australian lender that offers a product named ZIP Home Loan, the loan provider's website showed.The company's shares fell 7% in recent Wednesday trade.

ASX:ZIP

International54d ago

Japan Bank Lending Growth Accelerates to 5.4% In April

Japan's bank lending growth accelerated in April, with total loans and discounts at major, regional and shinkin banks rising 5.4% year-over-year to 670.647 trillion yen, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Japan on Wednesday.The pace of growth accelerated from the 4.8% expansion in March. Loans at major and regional banks alone rose 6% to 591.079 trillion yen.Major banks led the increase, with lending climbing 8% to 275.081 trillion yen, while regional banks posted 4.3% growth to 315.998 trillion yen. Foreign banks' yen-denominated lending rose 29% to 7.489 trillion yen.On the deposits side, deposits and certificates of deposit at city, regional and shinkin banks rose 1.9% year over year to 1,080.719 trillion yen in April.

Nikkei 225

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: NYK Line Eyes Fleet Expansion as Oil Trade Shifts Away from Middle East

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (TYO:9101) (NYK Line) is weighing an expansion of its tanker fleet as energy flows gradually shift away from the Middle East toward longer-haul routes, Nikkei reported Wednesday.CEO Takaya Soga said oil import patterns are being reassessed across the industry as geopolitical tensions expose risks tied to heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. He said the shift in sourcing is likely to persist even if shipping routes through the region stabilize, according to the report.A move toward crude supplies from regions such as the United States and Africa would lengthen transport distances, increasing demand for very large crude carriers. NYK Line is considering adding such vessels to its fleet to capture the expected rise in shipping volumes, the report said.The company said earlier this week it expects a decline in annual profit, assuming disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue into mid-year. Soga said prolonged blockage of the key shipping route would have wider global consequences, warning that an extended disruption could strain the world economy, according to the report.Beyond crude oil logistics, NYK Line expects companies across manufacturing and trade to increase inventories and diversify supply chains, reducing dependence on single transit routes, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TYO:9101

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: Murata Expands Patent Incentives to Defend MLCC Lead

Murata Manufacturing (TYO:6981) is strengthening incentives for employee inventions and patents as it seeks to maintain its lead in multilayer ceramic capacitors amid growing competition from Chinese and South Korean rivals, Nikkei reported Wednesday.The company, which controls about 40% of the global MLCC market, offers rewards of as much as 1 million yen for inventions that lead to patents supporting competitiveness or licensing income, the report said.In fiscal 2023, Murata also introduced incentives for promising technologies before patent applications are filed, according to the report.MLCCs, which regulate electricity in electronic circuits, are used in products ranging from smartphones and electric vehicles to AI servers. Murata said demand is rising sharply as AI data centers require large volumes of high-performance capacitors, the report said.Competition in the sector has intensified, with Samsung Electro-Mechanics expanding in high-end products while Chinese manufacturers increase patent filings and production of lower-cost components, according to the report.Murata has also expanded intellectual property operations in North America and increased legal action in China to protect its technology. The company is involved in more than 10 patent lawsuits in China, compared with none a decade ago, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TYO:6981

Asia54d ago

CSL Enters Agreement to Boost Influenza Pandemic Preparedness in Latin America, Caribbean

CSL (ASX:CSL) signed a multi-year agreement with the Pan American Health Organization to boost preparedness for potential influenza pandemics in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a Wednesday statement.Under the deal, CSL Seqirus has reserved "millions" of vaccine doses that participating countries across the region can order if an influenza pandemic is declared, the company said.CSL Seqirus will collaborate with Argentine production partner Sinergium Biotech to ensure rapid manufacturing and delivery of the vaccines if required.CSL shares advanced 1% in recent Wednesday trade.

ASX:CSL

Asia54d ago

Mazda Cuts Electrification Investment as EV Demand Slows in US

Mazda Motor (TYO:7261) has reduced its planned investment in electrification by 20% to 1.2 trillion yen through 2030, according to a Wednesday statement.The revised plan was outlined in the company's fiscal 2026 results presentation, which also showed a sharp profit recovery after tariff-related pressures and cost improvements.Mazda said it is shifting toward a "multi-solution" approach rather than a full transition to battery electric vehicles, citing uneven EV adoption across global markets and varying regulatory timelines. The automaker now expects electrification spending to be lower than earlier estimates, reflecting a more selective investment approach and a review of its in-house EV program launch timing.Despite the adjustment, Mazda is still targeting electrified vehicle expansion, including a broader hybrid lineup and selective battery EV rollouts through partnerships, such as its collaboration with China's Changan Automobile.The company sold about 1.22 million vehicles in fiscal 2026, while forecasting growth to 1.32 million units in fiscal 2027, driven partly by new model launches, including the CX-5.

TYO:7261

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: Japanese Investors Look Abroad as Weak Yen Pressure Persists

A weaker yen has done little to slow overseas investment by Japanese companies and households, as low domestic interest rates and limited growth prospects at home continue to push capital abroad, Nikkei reported Wednesday.Net foreign direct investment by Japanese companies reached 33 trillion yen in 2025, doubling over the past decade and surpassing the previous annual record as businesses expanded in faster-growing markets overseas, according to the report.Sumitomo Forestry (TYO:1911) in February agreed to acquire US homebuilder Tri Pointe Homes for $4.2 billion, with President Toshiro Mitsuyoshi citing growth opportunities in the US and Australia amid shrinking demand in Japan, the report said.Japanese manufacturers and industrial groups are also increasing overseas spending despite the weaker yen raising acquisition costs. JFE Holdings (TYO:5411) unit JFE Steel last year agreed to invest about 270 billion yen in a unit of India's JSW Steel (BOM:500228, NSE:JSWSTEEL), according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Nikkei 225BOM:500228NSE:JSWSTEELTYO:1911TYO:5411

Asia54d ago

Nidec Confirms Suspected Process Changes Without Customer Approval

Nidec (TYO:6594) said a recent media report on quality issues was not based on an official disclosure, while confirming that internal reviews have identified suspected procedural irregularities in parts of its operations, according to a Wednesday filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.The company said a comprehensive quality inspection, conducted under a reform committee set up in late October 2025, has found instances where materials, manufacturing processes and designs may have been changed without customer approval.Nidec said no issues have been identified that would immediately affect product performance or safety. It also said discussions are ongoing on forming an external investigation panel, though no final decision has been made.The company has begun engaging with customers to provide explanations and support consultations as it assesses the scope of the findings.

TYO:6594

Asia54d ago

NSK, NTN Sign MOU to Merge Operations; NTN Shares Up 7%

NSK (TYO:6471) and NTN (TYO:6472) signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate their businesses through a joint holding company planned for October 2027, according to a Tuesday filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.Shares of NTN jumped over 7% in morning trade Wednesday, while those of NSK plunged more than 11%.The companies said the integration is aimed at strengthening long-term competitiveness amid slowing demand in China and Europe, uncertainty tied to US tariff policies, and rising pressure on the manufacturing sector.Under the plan, NSK and NTN will become wholly owned units of the holding company through a joint share transfer, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. The companies expect to sign a definitive agreement within about six months, with shareholder votes scheduled for June 2027.NSK and NTN said they aim to improve efficiency by combining management resources, strengthening supply chains, and expanding higher-value businesses such as maintenance and product lifecycle management.The companies also said the integration would support the development of new products and technologies by combining their engineering capabilities and operational expertise.

TYO:6471TYO:6472

Asia54d ago

Argent Minerals Extends Silver Mineralization at New South Wales Project

Argent Minerals (ASX:ARD) confirmed broad and shallow silver mineralization extending beyond the Lode 100 resource boundary at its Kempfield project in New South Wales, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.Results include 91 meters at nearly 40 grams per tonne (g/t) grade of silver from 8.3 meters, including 14 meters at 60 g/t grade of silver from about 35 meters, and 29 meters at 60.2 g/t grade of silver from 71 meters, the filing said.

ASX:ARD

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: Sojitz Targets Southeast Asia, India for Rare Earths Expansion

Sojitz (TYO:2768) is assessing rare earths investment opportunities across Southeast Asia and India as Japan seeks to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals used in high-tech manufacturing, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.Chief Financial Officer Makoto Shibuya said the company is studying regions linked to southern China, including Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as possible supply sources. India and other markets could also be considered if viable projects emerge, according to the report.Rare earths are used in products ranging from electric vehicle magnets and smartphones to defense systems. China controls much of the global supply chain, prompting Japan and other countries to diversify sourcing, the report said.Sojitz and Japan-backed energy agency Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security have partnered with Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) for more than a decade through a joint venture focused on rare earths development in Australia. The companies agreed in March to begin discussions on mineral exploration projects and potential mine development both within and outside Australia, according to the report.Sojitz has also ruled out participation in the proposed Alaska LNG project, with Shibuya saying the US-backed venture remains too expensive. The company has gradually reduced its exposure to energy investments over the past decade, while keeping liquefied natural gas as one of its remaining focus areas, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

ASX:LYCTYO:2768

Asia54d ago

Japanese Stocks Retreat as US Inflation Surges Amid Middle East Tensions

Japanese markets opened lower on Wednesday, mirroring a sell-off on Wall Street triggered by hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data.The Nikkei 225 slipped 0.5% in early trading, shedding 344.6 points to start at 62,398.02 as economic pressure continues to mount amid climbing global oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.The U.S.' April inflation accelerated, driven primarily by the rising costs of fuel and food, with the headline CPI rising 3.8% year-over-year, marking its highest level since May 2023.Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, increased by 2.8%.Elsewhere, President Donald Trump indicated that his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping will lean heavily toward trade negotiations.Despite the regional volatility, Trump suggested that the Iran-Israel conflict would take a backseat to economic discussions during the high-level meetings scheduled for this week.

Nikkei 225

Asia54d ago

Market Chatter: Cosmo Secures Mexican Crude after Iran War Disrupts Oil Flows

Cosmo Energy (TYO:5021) is sourcing crude from Mexico for the first time since 2023 as Japanese refiners seek alternatives to Middle East supplies disrupted by the Iran conflict and restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.Two tankers, Eagle Kuantan and Eagle Kangar, are due to transport a combined 1 million barrels of Isthmus crude sold by the trading arm of Petroleos Mexicanos. The cargoes are scheduled to load from Pemex's Pajaritos terminal on Mexico's Atlantic coast, according to the report.Japan depends on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude imports, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar among its main suppliers. Supply disruptions in the region have tightened fuel availability across industries, including food processing and medical equipment manufacturing, the report said.Cosmo said it arranged alternative crude purchases from Mexico and the US to keep its three refineries operating over the next three months, according to the report.Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum discussed potential oil supplies from Pemex during talks in April amid the conflict, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TYO:5021

Asia54d ago

Update: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Reports Higher Fiscal Q3 Cash Net Profit After Tax; Shares Fall 8%

(Updates to add stock movement in the headline and last paragraph)Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) reported a cash net profit after tax of around AU$2.7 billion for the fiscal third quarter, up 4% from a year earlier, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.The bank said its operating income was flat in the three months to March 31 compared with the average of the first two quarters of fiscal 2026, as a 1% increase in net interest income was offset by lower other operating income.The company reported a loan impairment expense of AU$316 million, and raised the forward-looking component of collective provisions by AU$200 million during the quarter."Notwithstanding an already strong level of provisioning, we have chosen to further top up our collective provisions in the quarter to reflect heightened macroeconomic risks," CEO Matt Comyn said.The bank's shares fell around 8% in recent Wednesday trade.

ASX:CBA

Asia54d ago

American Rare Earths Appoints BDO as Auditor, Targets Compliance Nasdaq Listing in H2

American Rare Earths (ASX:ARR) said it has appointed BDO Audit as its auditor, with effect from May 12, to advance its planned Nasdaq listing, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.The company said it has also engaged Rimon as a US securities law adviser to support the Nasdaq listing process, including regulatory and disclosure matters.American Rare Earths is targeting a compliance listing on Nasdaq under a Level 2 American depositary receipt program in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions, with ASX remaining the primary listing and Nasdaq as a secondary listing, the filing added.A compliance listing on Nasdaq does not involve the raising of any capital, it added.

ASX:ARR

Asia54d ago

Anson Resources Board Approves Terms for Construction of Lithium Extraction Facility at Utah Project; Shares Up 23%

Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) and POSCO approved the terms for a definitive demonstration plant agreement for the construction and operation of a direct lithium extraction facility at the Green River project in Utah, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.POSCO committed to setting up its plant to extract lithium from brines produced from the Bosydaba #1 well owned by the company, paying a facilitation fee of AU$7.2 million, the filing said.The agreement is anticipated to be signed by the second quarter of the year, with POSCO expected to start plant operation in 2027 and complete the work in 2028, per the filing.Anson Resources shares rose 23% in morning trade on Wednesday.

ASX:ASN

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