Quick News: Japanese Manufacturing Firms See Decline, Auto Industry Struggles Amid Global Slowdown

**Quick News: Over 50% of Japanese Manufacturing Firms Slow Down from April to September, Auto Industry Faces Tough Battle**

SMM, November 4 - The performance of listed manufacturing companies in Japan is decelerating. For the first time in four years, the proportion of companies experiencing a decline in final profits or incurring losses from April to September 2024 exceeded 50%, outnumbering those with profit growth. Against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown, the automobile and raw materials industries are facing a tough battle. On the other hand, companies involved in artificial intelligence (AI)-related businesses, which are in high demand, have maintained their strong momentum. (Nihon Keizai Shimbun)