The overall figures are good and roughly in line with the company's three- year plan.

Munich Re can't be satisfied with Ergo yet. What they've done in terms of a turnaround is good, but it's only half the battle.

There was an upgrade in the economic assessment by the BOJ and comments from governor Fukui. From that point of view an end to the zero interest rate policy is coming closer.

Such a television debate ... is uncommon to our political system.

This is really designed to do just a few things very well.

The larger companies like Sharp have the advantage when it comes to economies of scale, relationships with suppliers, research and development budgets, and cash to grow market share. We like Sharp because the company is the largest Japanese solar battery producer and passes Portfolio 21's strict sustainability criteria.