Market Overview - On August 1, the South Korean stock market experienced a sudden drop, with the Seoul Composite Index falling nearly 4%, marking the largest decline since early April [4] - This decline led the Asian markets, raising concerns about the government's plan to increase taxes on businesses and investors [4] Tax Policy Changes - The South Korean Ministry of Finance proposed to lower the capital gains tax threshold from 5 billion KRW (approximately 714,250 USD) to 1 billion KRW, while also increasing transaction taxes [6] - The corporate income tax rate is set to rise from 24% to 25%, reversing the previous government's tax reduction policies [6] - The proposed changes have sparked significant backlash among retail investors, with a nationwide petition for immediate withdrawal gaining traction and public support [6][7] Economic Context - The new administration under President Lee Jae-myung aims to boost government revenue to enhance subsidies and stimulate consumption amid slowing economic growth [6] - The decline in corporate tax revenue highlights the increasing fiscal pressure on South Korea, the fourth-largest economy in Asia [6] Market Sentiment - Despite the recent downturn, the Seoul Composite Index has risen over 30% this year, benefiting from optimistic sentiments surrounding corporate governance reforms initiated by the new government [6] - However, the proposed tax adjustments are causing concern among investors, particularly as they may increase the number of taxable investors [6][9] Investor Reactions - Samsung Electronics, South Korea's largest market-cap stock, has seen consecutive declines due to disappointing earnings reports, which have affected market expectations [7] - If market momentum continues to wane, achieving President Lee's ambitious goal of pushing the stock market above 5,000 points, over 50% higher than current levels, will become increasingly challenging [9] Tax Rate Details - The proposed stock transaction tax will increase from 0.15% to 0.2% [9] - Dividend income between 20 million and 300 million KRW will be taxed at 20%, while amounts exceeding 300 million KRW will be taxed at 35% [9]

Market Overview - On August 1, the South Korean stock market experienced a sudden drop, with the Seoul Composite Index falling nearly 4%, marking the largest decline since early April [2] - The decline was attributed to government plans to increase taxes on businesses and investors, leading to cautious sentiment in one of the hottest stock markets globally [2] Tax Policy Changes - The South Korean Ministry of Finance proposed to lower the capital gains tax threshold from 5 billion KRW (approximately 714,250 USD) to 1 billion KRW, while also increasing transaction taxes [4] - The corporate income tax rate is set to rise from 24% to 25%, reversing previous tax reduction policies [4] Investor Sentiment - The proposed tax changes have sparked strong backlash among retail investors, with a nationwide petition for immediate withdrawal gaining traction and public support [5] - Despite the recent downturn, the Seoul Composite Index has risen over 30% this year, benefiting from optimistic sentiment surrounding corporate governance reforms initiated by the new government [5] Economic Context - President Lee Jae-myung, who took office in June, aims to boost government revenue to increase subsidies and stimulate consumption amid slowing economic growth [6] - The proposed tax increases may weaken support from the active retail investor community and raise concerns among foreign institutional investors who had recently regained confidence in the market [6] Market Performance - Samsung Electronics, South Korea's largest market-cap stock, has seen consecutive declines due to disappointing earnings reports that did not meet analyst expectations [6] - The market's focus is shifting towards government policy reforms, with recent tax proposals being perceived as negative news that could undermine investor confidence [8] Future Outlook - If market momentum is lost, achieving President Lee's ambitious goal of pushing the stock market above 5,000 points, which is over 50% higher than current levels, will become more challenging [8] - The proposed increase in stock transaction tax from 0.15% to 0.2% and the new tax rates on dividend income are unexpected negative developments for the market [8]

Group 1 - The South Korean stock market experienced a sudden drop, with the Seoul Composite Index falling nearly 4%, marking the largest decline since early April, primarily due to government plans to increase taxes on corporations and investors [4][5] - The proposed capital gains tax threshold will decrease from 5 billion KRW (approximately 71,425 USD) to 1 billion KRW, alongside an increase in transaction tax and a rise in the corporate income tax rate from 24% to 25%, reversing previous tax cuts [4][6] - The proposed tax changes have sparked strong backlash among retail investors, with a nationwide petition for immediate withdrawal gaining significant public support [5][6] Group 2 - Despite the recent downturn, the Seoul Composite Index has risen over 30% this year, benefiting from optimistic sentiment surrounding corporate governance reforms initiated by the new government [5] - The government, led by President Lee Jae-myung, aims to boost weak fiscal revenues to increase subsidies and stimulate consumption amid slowing economic growth [6][9] - The proposed tax adjustments are causing concern among investors, particularly as disappointing earnings reports from some companies shift market focus towards government policy reforms [9] Group 3 - Samsung Electronics, South Korea's largest market-cap stock, has seen consecutive declines due to its earnings report falling short of analyst expectations, despite previous market optimism regarding its performance in memory chips and foundry services [6][9] - The government's tax proposals, including an increase in stock transaction tax from 0.15% to 0.2% and a new tax structure for dividend income, are viewed as unexpected negative news by the market [9]

南方财经全媒体记者 孙诗卉 业内认为，相比监事会，审计委员会制度使监督者更加接近决策中心，具有明显的信息优势。同时，借 助于外部董事制度，提高了监督者的独立性，可以有效制衡公司内部人的决策管理，实现监督。因此， 审计委员会并不是独立的外部监督，而是内嵌在公司经营管理决策中的监督，相较于监事会而言，具有 更加便利的监督条件和制度优势。 "董监高"责任敞口催生保险新需求 随着新公司法的落地，传统"三会一层"架构正被更精简高效的治理模式取代。 7月30日，中国太保发布第十届董事会第十五次会议决议公告，宣布审议并通过了不再设立监事会相关 事项的议案。而在之前，已有四家保险公司宣布不再设立监事会。7月2日，大家保险集团发布公告，不 再设立监事会，监事会各监事已辞任；6月23日，泰康保险发布公告，公司不再设立监事会，第三届监 事会各监事自动离任；更早之前，中国人保、日本财险也已经相继宣布撤销监事会。 监事会逐步退出历史舞台 2024年7月1日，新修订的公司法正式实施。新公司法指出，国有独资公司在董事会中设置由董事组成的 审计委员会行使本法规定的监事会职权的，不设监事会或者监事；有限责任公司和股份有限公司可以按 照公司章程 ...

Report Industry Investment Rating - The global economy in the macro and financial sector is rated as (Bullish) [1] Core View - The global economy maintains an upward direction, with China strengthening its domestic circulation, the US retail and food sales increasing, the market expecting the Fed to cut interest rates, the US manufacturing PMI expanding, China improving manufacturing profits, the European Central Bank cutting interest rates, Germany expanding its military and increasing industrial output, and the US government promoting AI development [1] Summary by Related Catalogs Important Information - The Trump administration's AI action plan indicates the US views AI as a zero - sum game, with data center power consumption expected to rise from 4.4% of the US total in 2023 to 6.7% - 12% in 2028 [1] - 84% of US companies' EPS and 79% of revenues are above expectations, with revenue surprises being the strongest in 4 years [1] - South Korea's corporate governance reform has attracted over $3 billion in foreign capital inflows in July, and the KOSPI has risen over 3% this year, with a total market value back to $2 trillion [1] - The possibility of the Bank of Japan raising interest rates again this year has resurfaced [1] - The US - Japan tariff agreement has pushed the Japanese stock market to a new high, but technical indicators show risks [1] - European small - cap stocks have a regional distribution advantage, with 60% of their income from Europe, and have seen 10 consecutive weeks of net inflows [1] - The key for gold prices to rise is whether ETF fund inflows can be reignited [1] Global Economic Logic - China is shifting from price - cutting competition to value - optimization. The US retail and food sales in June increased by 0.6% month - on - month. The market expects the Fed to cut interest rates in September and accelerate in 2026. The US manufacturing PMI in June was 52.0. China's manufacturing profits improved in June. The European Central Bank has cut interest rates 8 times. Germany's military has expanded by 30%, and its industrial output in May increased by 1.2% month - on - month. The US government released an AI action plan, and Meta plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in large data centers [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the significant restructuring of the board of directors at Yingda Fund Management Co., which raises concerns about governance stability due to over 50% turnover in the last 12 months [2][4] - The board size increased from 7 to 9 members, with four new directors appointed by the major shareholder, State Grid Yingda International Holdings Group, replacing two existing directors [2][3] - The removal of the supervisory board is seen as a move to enhance decision-making efficiency and aligns with the new Company Law that allows for the replacement of supervisory functions with an audit committee [4] Group 2 - The new board members, including Fan Yuhui and Li Bin, have backgrounds in investment management and risk control, which may help Yingda Fund explore new business areas such as energy-themed equity products and green finance [3][4] - The fund's fixed income business remains strong, with bond fund assets reaching 44.611 billion yuan, accounting for 73% of total assets, while equity products are significantly underrepresented, with only 0.971 billion yuan, or 1.6% [3] - The governance reform at Yingda Fund is viewed as a potential model for the public fund industry, emphasizing the need for effective governance and business transformation to achieve competitive advantages [4]

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. plans to abolish its supervisory board and amend its articles of association to enhance corporate governance and comply with legal and regulatory requirements [1][2]. Group 1: Corporate Governance Changes - The company will cancel the supervisory board, transferring its responsibilities to the audit committee of the board of directors [1][2]. - Amendments to the articles of association will include the removal of references to the supervisory board and related terms, replacing them with "audit committee" [2][3]. Group 2: Legal Compliance - The changes are in accordance with the Company Law of the People's Republic of China and relevant regulations from the Shanghai Stock Exchange [1][2]. - The board of directors has approved the proposal to abolish the supervisory board and amend the articles of association, which will be submitted for shareholder approval [2].

Core Viewpoint - The withdrawal of Alimentation Couche-Tard's acquisition proposal for Seven & i Holdings marks a significant failure in a potential major merger, highlighting the strategic challenges faced by traditional retail giants in a changing market landscape [1][2][8]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Alimentation Couche-Tard announced the withdrawal of its nearly $47 billion acquisition proposal for Seven & i Holdings after a year of limited due diligence opportunities and unproductive discussions with the management [1][6]. - Seven & i confirmed the unilateral termination of negotiations and expressed disagreement with ACT's claims, but was not surprised by the decision [1][10]. - Following the announcement, Seven & i's stock price plummeted by 9.16%, while ACT's stock surged by 17% [10]. Group 2: Market Context - The global convenience store market is shifting from expansion to competition, with operational efficiency becoming the core competitive advantage [2][11]. - The Japanese convenience store market is experiencing significant changes, with a notable increase in M&A activity, as evidenced by a 232% year-on-year growth in transaction value in the first half of 2025 [8]. - Seven & i's performance has been declining, with a 0.7% drop in revenue and an 11% decrease in operating profit in Q1 of FY2025, marking five consecutive quarters of negative growth [10][12]. Group 3: Strategic Responses - In response to its challenges, Seven & i is undergoing leadership changes and restructuring, including the appointment of a new CEO and the sale of non-core assets [12]. - Seven & i aims to enhance shareholder returns through stock buybacks and potential IPOs of its North American business, despite the failed acquisition [12]. - The company must redefine its value creation logic to adapt to the structural changes in the convenience store industry and find new growth opportunities [12].

Group 1 - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. terminated its acquisition of Japan's Seven & i Holdings Co., leading to significant losses for investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley [1] - The acquisition was valued at 6.77 trillion yen (approximately 46 billion USD) and was expected to be the largest global merger by 2025 [1] - The failure of the deal is attributed to prolonged negotiations and Couche-Tard's claim of "meaningful negotiations" not taking place [1] Group 2 - Following the announcement, Seven & i's stock price fell by 9.16%, marking the largest single-day drop in three months [2] - Seven & i plans to maintain its independent operational strategy and aims for approximately 2 trillion yen in shareholder returns by the end of fiscal year 2030 through stock buybacks and strategic partnerships [2] - The failed acquisition also impacted other sectors, with Mitsui & Co. missing a chance to sell its 2% stake in Seven & i for about 1 billion USD [2] Group 3 - The Japanese M&A market saw a significant increase, with transaction volumes reaching 232 billion USD in the first half of 2025, more than doubling year-on-year [2] - This surge is driven by government reforms aimed at improving corporate governance and a low-interest-rate environment that encourages foreign investment and private equity activity [2][3] - Major Japanese companies like Toyota and NTT are pursuing privatization of listed subsidiaries, while investment banks are expanding their operations in Japan to capitalize on this trend [3]

Group 1 - The Japanese stock market is expected to face a prolonged decline following the upcoming Senate elections, with predictions indicating that the ruling coalition may lose its majority, impacting Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government [1] - Political concerns have already affected market performance, with local stocks underperforming compared to the MSCI World Index this month [1] - If the ruling party loses its majority, the market may take an average of 35 to 75 days to bottom out, with an average total decline of about 8% during this period [1] Group 2 - The Tokyo Stock Exchange index fell by 1.2% in July after three months of gains, with a potentially weak minority government complicating trade negotiations with the U.S. and disrupting investor sentiment [2] - The increase in tariffs by Trump on Japanese goods, particularly the rise from 24% to 25%, has negatively impacted Japan's exports and heightened the risk of a technical economic recession [5] - The upcoming elections may influence corporate governance reforms in Japan, which have been a significant driver of the stock market's rise in recent years [5] Group 3 - There is a growing populist sentiment in Japan, similar to trends seen in the West, with income redistribution becoming an important theme moving forward [7] - The impact of the elections on Japan's $6.8 trillion stock market could be complex, with export companies potentially benefiting from yen depreciation while consumer stocks may rise due to opposition proposals to lower food sales tax [7] - If extreme right and left-wing parties gain strength, there could be a "triple decline" in the yen, bonds, and stocks [7]