Uniqlo posted record-high profit on double-digit revenue growth in Europe and the US, advancing to No. 2 worldwide. Meanwhile, AI stocks temporarily declined following reports about OpenAI’s sales outlook, while the FOMC minutes, US interest-rate trends and growing demand for cyber defense also drew attention.
Fast Retailing, which operates Uniqlo, achieved double-digit revenue growth in the European and US markets and was positioned as the world’s No. 2 apparel company after ZARA. An analysis indicated that the expansion of its overseas operations and the passing through of higher prices to local markets lifted profit, resulting in record-high profit.
AI-related stocks temporarily declined following reports about OpenAI’s sales outlook, and the risk of circular trading was also noted. However, views were expressed that practical use in the field, including at Dots, is progressing and that AI is moving into the commercialization stage.
As the release of the FOMC minutes kept US long-term yields high, it was explained that major AI and semiconductor companies were recording growth rates exceeding the cost of higher interest rates. An analysis was presented that share prices would remain firm even in a high-interest-rate environment.
While cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, data reportedly shows that the number of positions bearing the AI designation is increasing. The view was presented that demand for defensive IT security stocks is rising.