Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles indicates that the South Korean won (KRW) has significant appreciation potential, being undervalued by approximately 12% according to Nomura's model, making it one of the most undervalued currencies among emerging markets and G10 currencies [1][3][4] - The discussions between South Korean and U.S. officials regarding the KRW/USD exchange rate suggest that the U.S. government may favor a weaker dollar, potentially making exchange rates a key topic in upcoming trade negotiations [2][3] - The South Korean National Pension Service (NPS) may increase its foreign exchange hedging ratio, which could significantly boost demand for the KRW, especially if the NPS raises its overseas investment hedging ratio to 10% [1][4] Group 2 - Basic economic factors also support the appreciation of the KRW, as various models indicate that the currency remains undervalued, reinforcing the notion that external pressures are not the sole drivers of its potential rise [3][4] - The potential for foreign investment outflows or currency hedging by asset management firms, which manage approximately $1.3 trillion, poses a risk that could further influence the KRW's value [4] - As of May 9, 2025, South Korean retail investors have a total overseas investment of $139 billion, with indications that they are selling overseas assets due to concerns over a weakening dollar, which could impact the KRW [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac reported net earnings per diluted share of $0.05, significantly impacted by net investment losses compared to net investment gains in Q1 2024 [6] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share remained unchanged at $1.66 year-over-year [6][13] - Adjusted return on equity (ROE) was 12.7% excluding foreign currency remeasurement, indicating a solid performance [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Japan experienced a 12.6% year-over-year sales increase, driven by significant contributions from Sumitas and a 6.3% increase in cancer insurance sales [6][8] - Aflac US saw a 3.5% year-over-year increase in sales, with strong performance in group life, disability, and network dental [9][17] - Net earned premiums for Aflac Japan declined by 5%, while underlying earned premiums adjusted for deferred profit liability and other factors declined by 1.4% [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aflac Japan's total benefit ratio was 65.8%, down 120 basis points year-over-year, while the U.S. total benefit ratio was 47.7%, up 120 basis points year-over-year [15][18] - Persistency in Japan improved to 93.8%, up 40 basis points year-over-year, while U.S. persistency increased to 79.3%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to appeal to younger customers through products like Sumitas and is focused on cross-selling medical and cancer policies [7][9] - Aflac continues to emphasize strong capital and cash flow management while maintaining a commitment to liquidity and capital ratios [10][11] - The company is strategically deploying capital, having repurchased $900 million in stock and paid $317 million in dividends in Q1 2025 [11][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying strengths of the business and potential for continued growth in both Japan and the U.S. [12] - The company is closely monitoring economic trends and adjusting its capital management strategies accordingly [38][41] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong premium persistency and adapting to market conditions [10][11] Other Important Information - Aflac Japan launched a new cancer insurance product in March 2025, which is expected to contribute positively to sales [54] - The company has a robust hedging strategy in place to manage foreign currency exposure, particularly related to the yen [26][97] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why did the ESR ratio decline in Q1? - Management explained that the decline was due to the strengthening yen, partially offset by higher Japan interest rates and dividends flowing to Aflac Inc. [32][33] Question: How should we think about capital planning given recent macro changes? - Management indicated that capital management is designed with a long-term view and is not expected to change significantly despite macroeconomic volatility [37][41] Question: What are the expectations for the new cancer product sales? - Management expressed confidence that the new cancer product will continue to grow, with expectations for sales in 2025 to exceed those of 2024 [54][100] Question: How is the competitive landscape for medical insurance in Japan? - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized Aflac's pioneering position in cancer insurance and ongoing efforts to maintain market share [58][59] Question: How are remeasurement gains expected to trend? - Management noted that significant remeasurement gains are typically unlocked in the third quarter, with smaller adjustments in other quarters [63][66] Question: Is there any anti-U.S. sentiment affecting sales in Japan? - Management stated that there is no observable anti-American sentiment affecting the business, citing strong economic ties between the U.S. and Japan [116][117]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a preference for short positions in CNY CFETS index and short SGDNEER basket, suggesting a bearish outlook on these currencies [3][4]. Core Insights - Asian economies show limited evidence of diversifying away from US assets, primarily due to low domestic yields and growth concerns [1][2]. - Malaysia, Singapore, China, and India exhibit signs of increased USD FX hedging and asset diversification, while Japan sees foreign inflows into its assets [1][2][28]. - The report highlights that Singapore and Hong Kong have the highest US asset holdings as a percentage of GDP, indicating significant room for diversification [5][6]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Diversification Potential - Singapore and Hong Kong lead in US asset holdings relative to GDP, followed by Taiwan, Japan, and Korea [5][6]. - China’s US asset holding is relatively low at 12% of GDP when accounting for indirect holdings [5][6]. Section 2: Willingness to Diversify - China is diversifying its reserves by increasing gold holdings, now at nearly 6% of total reserves, but has not sold US treasuries [11][13]. - Taiwan's central bank holds over 80% of its FX reserves in US treasuries, indicating confidence in these assets despite potential diversification [18][19]. - Korea's National Pension Service plans to increase international asset exposure to 60% by 2028, showing no intent to repatriate assets [25][26]. Section 3: Market Observations - Malaysia's government is guiding a shift towards domestic asset allocation, with EPF reducing overseas exposure [34][35]. - Singapore's large US asset holdings are supported by its status as a financial hub, with signs of month-end repatriation flows [38][39]. - India's central bank emphasizes gold accumulation for reserve diversification amid geopolitical uncertainties [47][48]. Section 4: Currency and Investment Trends - The report notes a shift in international investors' preferences from long-duration to short-duration US treasuries, contributing to a steepening of the UST curve [59][60]. - Malaysia's foreign currency deposit ratio has increased, indicating a trend towards domestic investments [55][57].

Core Viewpoint - The long-standing strategy of foreign investors buying US dollars and investing in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices has faced significant challenges due to the recent trade war initiated by the Trump administration, leading to substantial losses in both stock and currency investments [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The S&P 500 index has declined by 6% this year, while returns for investors using euros and yen have dropped by 14% [1] - The rapid deterioration of this trading strategy has caused anxiety among foreign investors who previously viewed the US as a safe haven for returns [1] Group 2: Currency Hedging - Many foreign investors are now eager to increase currency hedging in their US stock portfolios, with current foreign investment assets in the US stock market amounting to approximately $18 trillion, nearly one-fifth of the total market capitalization [1][5] - The overall currency hedging ratio for foreign investors in US stocks is currently at 23%, significantly lower than the nearly 50% level seen in 2020 [5] Group 3: Hedging Costs and Strategies - The cost of hedging for investors based on currencies like the Swiss franc or yen is approximately 4% annualized for three-month hedges, while for euro-based investors, it exceeds 2% [6] - The demand for options trading as a hedging method has surged, with the trading volume of euro-dollar options reaching new highs, although increased volatility has also raised hedging costs by about 15% this year [7] Group 4: Market Outlook - Despite the current challenges, some market participants remain cautious about predicting the dollar's future movements, citing unpredictability in exchange rate fluctuations [11] - Analysts suggest that even a small outflow of international investment from the US could lead to significant market impacts, given that international investors hold approximately $28 trillion in US assets [11]