Chip shortage in focus as Japan automakers set to report profit drop

TOKYO: While Japan’s biggest automakers report what analysts expect to be depressed earnings this week, investors looking for trading cues will be tuned into any assessment of the future impact of a global chip shortage that has forced a shake-up in production.

Automakers worldwide have had to adjust or suspend production in the past few months as factors including a surge in demand for electronic devices plus US sanctions against Chinese technology firms led to a dearth of semiconductors.