Happy New Year everyone! We are starting the new year with adjustments to the Sina ETF. (The performance here below somehow no longer corresponds to the actual performance, but so be it...) After this post you'll have peace and quiet from my ETF again :D

I sold some stocks and invested the dividends I received last year. That left me with 19 euros in cash, so it's still a 40-share ETF ;)

If this were my only portfolio, I would probably have held more cash and not reinvested directly, as the entry point doesn't always seem optimal. But I also proceeded without regard to entry points.

For the question of how high the profits or losses were, please refer to the portfolio.

Out are:

$STLAM (-0,07%) (loss)

$AFX (-1,79%) (loss)

$MC (+1,22%) (loss)

$OR (+0,84%) (loss)

$7203 (-1,04%) (loss)

$D05 (-0,68%) (Profit)

$RHM (-0,51%) (Profit)

$ENR (+2,2%) (Profit; also dropped from my "real" portfolio)

Partial sale:

$WMT (+0,13%) at 50%

Increased by:

$AAPL (+0,17%)

$MSFT (+0,11%)

$ASML (-0,33%) Since the position was down over 20%, but I am convinced in the long term

$GOOGL (+0,45%)

New additions:

$BKNG (-0,31%)

$JPM (-0,03%)

$NU (+0,51%)

$COST (+0,26%)

$AFL (+0,05%)

$INTC (+0,33%)

$CRM (+0%)

$NOVO B (+0,55%)

Toyota
$7203 (-1,04%) and NTT
$9432 (+0,34%) a Japanese 🇯🇵 telecommunications company, will 3,2 billion dollars in research and development to develop AI-powered software for the improvement of autonomous driving to develop.

The aim is to develop software which, with the help of AI to predict accidents predicts accidents and takes control of the vehicle in critical situations. -Bloomberg

Boston Dynamics $HYUD
and Toyota's research division $7203 (-1,04%) want to bring AI to the Atlas robot.

When it comes to imitating natural movements for robots, the US robotics company Boston Dynamics is one of the world leaders, and Atlas is currently one of the best humanoid robots. In future, it should be even easier to teach it new movements.

The company has entered into a partnership with the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) to bring TRI's Large Behavior Model (LBM) and Atlas together. The aim is to "accelerate the development of humanoid general-purpose robots", the TRI announced.

The LBM developed by the TRI is based on a process that was developed together with Columbia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is known as the diffusion policy. A robot learns through haptic demonstrations.

The human demonstrates, the robot learns

Diffusion policy is part of imitation learning (IL): instead of writing elaborate code to teach a robot new behaviors, a human demonstrates a movement.

This creates small, consecutive actions that are combined into a complex action. Instead of predicting a single action in one step, the diffusion policy predicts different actions and narrows them down over time. This makes a robot increasingly precise when handling objects.

The TRI has already taught robots a number of skills in this way. These include, for example, pouring liquids or using tools. They have even been able to teach the robots complex tasks such as preparing pancakes, peeling potatoes or buttering bread.

Boston Dynamics and the TRI are establishing a joint research team that will be based in Boston. "Current advances in AI and machine learning open up enormous potential for the further development of physical intelligence"said TRI CEO Gill Pratt: "The opportunity to implement TRI's AI on Boston Dynamics' hardware is critical to both of our organizations as we work to empower people and improve quality of life."

Toyota shows how it's done

$7203 (-1,04%)

https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/heute-19-uhr/rekordumsaetze-bei-toyota-video-100.html

Toyota sees potential in air cabs.

$7203 (-1,04%)

In Germany $LILM (-1,33%) on the brink of insolvency.

Perhaps a German car manufacturer will be found 🙈.

https://www.electrive.net/2024/10/05/toyota-investiert-500-millionen-us-dollar-in-flugtaxi-startup-joby/

#3

I also find it exciting that many car manufacturers are directly invested in EVTOL manufacturers. You can see the individual links in the picture below.

- $011760 (Hyundai) has founded its own company with Supernal

- $9868 (-0,68%) (Xpeng) also has its own project with XpengAH

- $MBG (-0,42%) (Mercedes) has invested in Volocopter

- $7203 (-1,04%) (Toyota) is invested in Joby Aviation

- $STLAM (-0,07%) (Stellantis) is invested in Archer and even to a large extent. In addition, Stellantis will build the air cabs for Archer in the US plant as a contract manufacturer.

You have to see how much the car manufacturers pursue this strategy when things get serious. Stellantis seems to me to be the furthest along.

This is another way to indirectly invest in the EVTOL industry without taking the full risk of being directly invested in one of the manufacturers. #evtol manufacturer directly.

Operating margin car manufacturers Q1/24

+38.2% Ferrari

+15.7% Porsche

+11.2% Stellantis

+10.8% Mercedes

+10.0% Toyota

+8.8%% BMW

+5.5% General Motors

+7.6% Renault

+7.2% Volvo

+6.6% Volkswagen

+5.8% Hyundai

+5.6% Honda

+5.5% Tesla

+4.7% BYD

+2.9% Ford

>> Opinions?

$TSLA (+0,12%)
$RACE (-0,07%)
$P911 (+0,22%)
$STLAM (-0,07%)
$MBG (-0,42%)
$7203 (-1,04%)
$BMW (-1,02%)
$GM (+0,19%)
$RNO (-1,71%)
$VOLV B (+0,97%)
$VOLV A (+1,13%)
$VOW (+0,47%)
$005380
$1211 (+0,49%)
$81211
$F (+0,17%)
$7267 (-1,63%)

Japanese equities: a promising outlook for 2024

Imagine Japan is a giant sushi bar and the stocks are the nigiri appetizers. For a long time, no one really looked, but now everyone realizes: "Hey, this tastes really good!" This is exactly what is happening with Japanese shares at the moment. Investors are starting to pull out their chopsticks, and for good reason. I'll give you a brief overview of the pros and cons & draw a short conclusion.

-

Reasons for optimism:

Monetary policy and reforms:

• The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is gradually moving towards a normalization of monetary policy. In March, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) raised its key interest rate for the first time in 17 years. The interest rate is now in a range between zero and 0.1%, which could further improve the investment climate (Nikko AM, 2024; Asia Fund Managers, 2024).

Strong corporate earnings and share buybacks:

• Japanese companies are showing strong earnings and increasing their dividends and share buybacks. This is partly driven by the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) reforms, which are pushing companies to increase their return on capital and make their business strategies more transparent (Nasdaq, 2023; Nikko AM, 2024).

Growth in the technology sector:

• Demand for semiconductors and other technology products, particularly related to artificial intelligence, is contributing to a positive outlook for Japanese technology companies (Nikko AM, 2024).

Foreign investment:

• International investor interest in Japanese equities is increasing. This is supported by attractive valuations and improved corporate practices. Experts predict that both local and foreign investors will increase their positions in Japanese equities (Asia Fund Managers, 2024; Goldman Sachs, 2024).

Regulatory changes and stock market initiatives:

• The TSE (Tokyo Stock Exchange) is continuously introducing reforms to increase capital market efficiency. These reforms include the unknotting of cross-selling and the promotion of management buyouts (MBOs), which could further improve corporate governance (Trustnet, 2024).

-

Challenges and risks

• Despite the positive outlook, there are also challenges. The Japanese economy still shows weaknesses, such as shrinking consumer spending and slow wage growth. These factors could slow down the economic recovery and market growth (Interactive Investor, 2023).

-

Conclusion

• The Japanese stock market offers many opportunities for investors in 2024, particularly due to the continued reforms and increasing interest from international investors. However, it remains important to keep a close eye on economic conditions and monetary policy developments.

Right after the sources used, there is a sexy overview of some possible investments!

Sources

• Byrne, M. (2023). EWJ: Japanese Stocks Look Well-Positioned for Gains in 2024, Nasdaq.
• Nikko Asset Management (2024). Japan equity outlook 2024. Nikko AM Insights.
• Trustnet (2024). 5 key themes for Japanese income investors in 2024.
• Goldman Sachs Research (2024). Japan stock market outlook 2024.
• Hobson, R. (2023). Japan stock market outlook 2024: a good time to buy? Interactive Investor.
• CTMfile (2023). US and Japanese stocks to rally in 2024.
• Asia Fund Managers (2024). Japan Outlook 2024.
• Morningstar (2024). Japan Stocks Outlook.
• BlackRock (2024). Japan Equity Themes.
• Yahoo Finance (2024). Best Japanese Stocks to Buy in 2024.

--------------------

Toyota Motor Corporation (Ticker: $7203 (-1,04%)
)

• Innovation and technologyToyota is a global leader in the automotive industry and is investing heavily in electric mobility and hydrogen technology.
• Strong financial position: The company has a solid balance sheet and plans significant share buybacks, which should be positive for shareholders.
• Market presence: With a global market presence and continued expansion into new markets, Toyota remains a major player in the global automotive sector.

Sony Group Corporation (Ticker: $6758 (-0,96%)
)

• Diversification: Sony operates in various industries, including consumer electronics, film, music and financial services, which diversifies risk.
• Gaming sector: The success of the PlayStation 5 and expansion into cloud gaming strengthens Sony's position in the lucrative gaming market.
• Technological innovations: Sony continuously invests in research and development to stay at the forefront of technology.

SoftBank Group Corp (Ticker: $9984 (+0,18%)
)

• Technology investmentsSoftBank is known for its strategic investments in technology companies worldwide, including the Vision Funds.
• Telecommunications: As a major player in the telecommunications sector, SoftBank is benefiting from the increasing demand for 5G technologies.
• Risk ManagementDespite some high-risk investments, SoftBank has shown an impressive ability to adapt and continue to grow.

Fast Retailing Co, Ltd (Ticker: $9983 (+0,39%)
)

• Fashion industry: As the parent company of Uniqlo, Fast Retailing is a major player in the global fashion industry.
• Expansion: The company is aggressively expanding into new markets, particularly in Asia and North America.
• E-commerce: The strong online presence and investments in digital platforms strengthen the growth potential.

--> I do not hold any of the stocks mentioned.

Are you invested in Japan? Why yes, why no? What insider tips do you have?

So, this post has been a while in the making. I hope you like it 💕 If any information is out of date, please let me know! The stock market world is big and turns fast. 😉

GG

It's that time again and the Japan season is open.

As of today, due to the time change from winter to summer, you can trade Japanese stocks with a lower spread between 8 - 9 am.

My favorites:

$7011 (-2,93%) MHI Heavy Metal

YTD+61.09% KGV 12.55

$6361 (+3,12%) Ebara Services Energy, Environment

YTD +59.06% KGV 20.53

$6501 (-0,54%) Hitachi Service IT

YTD +36.95% KGV 15.58

$7974 (+2,71%) Nintendo Entertainment

YTD +17.21% KGV 19.33

$7203 (-1,04%) Toyota Automotive

YTD +10.66% KGV 10.94

$5411 (-1,38%) JFE Holdings Chipmaking IT

YTD 10.71% KGV 5.98

$8001 (-2,87%) Itochu Trading

YTD +7.60% KGV 12.82

My favorite Etf:

$XDJP (-0,67%) Nikkei 225

YTD 15.46% TER 0.09%

Semi-annual distribution Feb + August 1.33%

There are of course countless other shares, companies and ETFs. I myself have $7011 (-2,93%) and $XDJP (-0,67%) .

Good luck

As every Sunday, the most important news from the past week and the dates for the coming week.

Here are the dates as a video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/gi-bydNnthY?si=wMn36h67rEc0oa0I

Monday:

Good news on the German economy. The economy shrank by 'only' 0.1% in the third quarter. A decline of 0.4 % was expected. In addition, the figures for the previous quarter were revised upwards to growth of 0.1%. Previously, stagnation had been expected in the second quarter.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/konjunktur/konjunktur-nur-minus-0-1-prozent-deutsche-wirtschaft-schrumpft-leicht/29471440.html

The inflation rate fell surprisingly sharply to 3.8% in October.

https://amp.focus.de/finanzen/news/inflation-schwaecht-sich-im-oktober-deutlich-ab_id_235396453.html

$MCD (+0,06%) McDonald's is growing surprisingly strongly. Recently, fast food shares have tended to be sold off due to the developments surrounding weight loss injections. However, this development is not reflected in McDonald's figures. Total sales grew by 14 % to EUR 6.69 billion. The dividend is to be increased by 10 %. We also noticed the high McDonald's density in Bordeaux. All the stores were very busy.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/-geschaeftszahlen-im-newsblog-mcdonalds-ueberrascht-mit-starkem-wachstum/24098412.html

Tuesday:

Inflation has already fallen significantly in Germany. In the eurozone, inflation is approaching the ECB's 2% target even faster. Inflation in the eurozone fell to 2.9% in October. Economists were expecting 3.1%. This is the lowest level since July 2021.

https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/konjunktur/inflation-euroraum-oktober-100.html

The head of the Greek central bank, Yannis Stournaras, believes that an interest rate cut by the ECB is realistic by mid-2024 at the earliest. However, this would also require inflation to fall below the 3% level on a permanent basis. If even the head of the Greek central bank does not expect interest rate cuts until mid-2024 at the earliest, it is very unrealistic that we will see interest rate cuts any earlier. An exception would probably be a genuine economic crisis and a resulting collapse in inflation.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geldpolitik/ezb-ratsmitglied-stournaras-das-ist-eine-wirklich-gefaehrliche-situation/29471236.html

$TMV (-0,36%) Teamviewer continues with double-digit growth. Sales increased by 10 % to EUR 158.1 million and operating profit by almost 20 % to EUR 70.3 million.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/-geschaeftszahlen-im-newsblog-teamviewer-erzielt-erneut-zweistelliges-umsatzplus/24098412.html

$BAS (-0,24%) BASF posted a net loss of EUR 249 million. This was mainly due to non-cash-effective write-downs on the subsidiary Wintershall. The dividend is expected to remain stable at EUR 3.40.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/-geschaeftszahlen-im-newsblog-teamviewer-erzielt-erneut-zweistelliges-umsatzplus/24098412.html

Wednesday:

At $WE WeWork is probably considering filing for insolvency. The share therefore collapses.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/immobilien/bueroraum-anbieter-wework-aktie-bricht-nach-bericht-ueber-insolvenzplaene-ein/29475556.html

$7203 (-1,04%) Toyota delivers record figures. The car manufacturer has so far hardly focused on electromobility. In Japan, the focus is still on hybrid vehicles. Turnover for the year is expected to increase by 16% to EUR 269 billion. The profit forecast has been raised to EUR 28 billion.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/automobilindustrie-neues-rekordniveau-toyota-erhoeht-gewinnprognose-fuer-2023-um-50-prozent/29476142.html

The FED is keeping the key interest rate unchanged. The decision had been on the cards. The key rate thus remains in the range of 5.25 % to 5.50 %. However, the FED is keeping its options open for further increases should strong economic growth in the USA lead to rising inflation again.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geldpolitik/geldpolitik-us-notenbank-fed-haelt-leitzins-konstant-doch-laesst-sich-alle-optionen-offen/29473680.html

Thursday:

$BOSS (-1,27%) Hugo Boss appears to be defying the worsening retail environment. EBIT rose by 12% to EUR 103 million in Q3. The margin also improved. Sales increased by 10% to EUR 1.03 billion.

https://www.finanzen.net/amp/kostenkontrolle-hugo-boss-aktie-hugo-boss-verbessert-gewinn-und-umsatz-12987922

The BoE also did not change the current key interest rate of 5.25%. This means that key interest rates in Canada, the eurozone, the USA and the UK will remain stable. Experts expect interest rates in the UK to remain above a level of 4% until 2029. Even the head of the Greek central bank does not expect key interest rates in the eurozone to be lowered before mid-2024.

https://news.sky.com/story/interest-rates-latest-what-is-expected-interest-rate-decision-on-thursday-when-will-rates-start-to-come-down-and-will-ultra-low-rates-ever-return-12997975

The Danish group $NOVO B Novo Nordisk achieves record results thanks to the hype surrounding its slimming product. In Q3, sales increased by 29% to EUR 7.9 billion. The operating profit rose to EUR 3.6 billion. Novo Nordisk is now one of the most valuable European companies alongside LVMH. Much of the hype has been priced into the valuation, so the share is no longer a bargain.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/daenischer-pharmakonzern-novo-nordisk-erzielt-rekordergebnis/29477518.html

$AAPL (+0,17%) Apple misses analysts' expectations in China. Otherwise, things are going well thanks to the new iPhone. Profits rose by almost 10 % to just under USD 23 billion in the third quarter.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/it-internet/quartalszahlen-apple-dank-iphone-nachfrage-mit-mehr-gewinn/29479724.html

Friday:

$BMW (-1,02%) BMW further increased deliveries and earnings in the third quarter. At 10.3%, the return on sales was at the upper end of the target range. Car sales increased by 5.3%. Sales of electric cars rose by 80% to 93,000 and operating profit increased to EUR 4.35 billion.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/autoindustrie-nach-starkem-quartal-bmw-erhoeht-die-investitionen-in-elektroautos/29480076.html

$VNA (+0,34%) Vonovia is on course. The Group has already generated EUR 3.7 billion from sales this year. The Group had aimed for EUR 2 billion. This means that the Group does not have to take on new debt at significantly worse conditions. FFO (mainly income from rents) will fall slightly as a result of the sales. Depreciation and amortization led to a non-cash loss of EUR 3.8 billion in the first nine months. However, no further write-downs had to be made in the 3rd quarter.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/immobilien/immobilien-so-setzt-die-immobilienkrise-vonovia-zu/29480052.html

New job data from the US reinforces the impression that interest rates are no longer rising and continues to push the stock market higher. 150,000 new jobs were added in October, 180,000 were expected. The number of jobs created in September was also subsequently revised downwards.

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/11/03/jobs-report-october/71430177007/

The most important dates for the coming week:

Monday: 09:55 Purchasing Managers' Index (DE)

Tuesday: 04:30 Interest rate decision (Australia)

Wednesday: 11:00 Retail Sales (Eurozone)

Thursday: 02:30 Inflation data (China)

Friday: 16:00 Consumer Confidence (USA)