PRE-MARKET JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: Fast Retailing (9983 JT) Q1...

PRE-MARKET JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: Fast Retailing (9983 JT) Q1 (JPY) net 147.5bln (prev. 131.9bln Y/Y), rev. 1.03tln (prev. 895bln Y/Y), sees FY net rising 4% Y/Y to 450bln (exp. 445.4bln) and FY rev. rising 12% Y/Y to 3.8tln

• Fast Retailing reports strong Q1 results, forecasting continued growth.
• Hyundai and Kia advance in AI technology with a new robot AI chip.
• South Korean construction firms achieve record overseas orders.

Fast Retailing (9983 JT) has reported a robust performance for the first quarter, with net profit reaching 147.5 billion JPY, a significant increase from the previous year's 131.9 billion JPY. Revenue also saw a substantial rise to 1.03 trillion JPY from 895 billion JPY year-on-year. The company anticipates a 4% increase in full-year net profit to 450 billion JPY and a 12% rise in revenue to 3.8 trillion JPY. This performance underscores Fast Retailing's strong market position and growth trajectory, which may attract attention from investors looking at the retail sector in Japan.

In South Korea, Hyundai Motor (005380 KS) and its affiliate Kia Corp (000270 KS) have made strides in artificial intelligence technology by developing an on-device robot AI chip in collaboration with DEEPX. This development highlights the companies' commitment to innovation and could position them favourably in the growing AI and robotics markets. The advancement may influence investor sentiment towards Hyundai and Kia, particularly as the automotive industry increasingly integrates AI technologies.

Additionally, South Korean construction firms have secured a record USD 47.3 billion in overseas orders in 2025, marking the highest level in 11 years. This surge in international contracts reflects the competitiveness and global reach of South Korean construction companies. The construction sector's strong performance could be a focal point for market participants assessing opportunities in infrastructure and development projects.

These developments across different sectors in Japan and South Korea illustrate the dynamic nature of the Asian markets. Fast Retailing's financial results, Hyundai and Kia's technological advancements, and the construction sector's record orders provide a diverse range of opportunities and considerations for traders and investors.

Trader Insight:

• Traders are likely monitoring Fast Retailing (9983 JT) for potential impacts on the retail sector, given its strong financial performance and growth outlook.
• Market participants may consider the implications of Hyundai Motor (005380 KS) and Kia Corp (000270 KS) advancing in AI technology, which could influence sentiment in the automotive and tech sectors.
• The record overseas orders secured by South Korean construction firms could lead traders to assess opportunities in infrastructure-related stocks and ETFs, such as those focusing on global construction and development.

Disclaimer: This is not trading advice. For informational purposes only.