By Asset Allocator Journal Staff
Japanese companies are significantly increasing capital expenditures, reversing years of cautious investment behavior, according to Advisor Perspectives. This shift spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing and services, and reflects growing corporate confidence in the domestic and global economic outlook. Analysts note that the trend is boosting foreign investor interest and potentially repositioning Japan in global portfolios.
Fidelity has launched its first custom model portfolio with exposure to private markets, according to WealthManagement.com. The new offering includes allocations to private equity, venture capital, and private credit, aimed at meeting growing advisor demand for diversified alternatives. The model is designed to offer institutional-style access while managing liquidity and complexity.
The Financial Times reports that CMR Surgical, a UK-based robotics firm, is expanding the international reach of its Versius robotic system for minimal access surgery. The company is growing its presence in the U.S., India, and other markets with strong demand for advanced surgical technologies. Regulatory approvals and clinical adoption are helping support global rollout efforts.

Advisor Perspectives reports that gold remains a key asset for diversification, especially during market stress or geopolitical uncertainty. Investors continue to view gold as a store of value and potential hedge, despite the absence of income generation. The article also references long-term performance comparisons to contextualize its role in multi-asset portfolios.
WealthManagement.com notes that former LPL executive Derek Bruton is returning from retirement to lead a $8.8 billion hybrid RIA, Kingswood U.S. The firm aims to expand its advisor base and build on recent acquisitions. Bruton brings previous leadership experience at LPL and Merrill Lynch to the role.
As reported in the Financial Times, Japanese chipmaker Renesas is acquiring electronics company Altium to enhance its software and design automation capabilities. The deal is part of Renesas’s broader strategy to move beyond semiconductors and expand vertically into software tools that support electronic system design. Altium shareholders approved the transaction.
BM Magazine highlights that major banking institutions are planning acquisition campaigns to increase their market share. As regulatory conditions stabilize, banks are targeting regional rivals and fintech firms to bolster competitiveness and consolidate operations. Executives cite scale and customer base expansion as key drivers behind this strategy.
Advisor Perspectives discusses how companies are adapting capital allocation and workforce decisions in response to AI and robotics advancements. Surveys show increased spending on automation and a shift in hiring patterns, with some firms reducing headcount while others retrain workers. Investor calls and earnings reports increasingly cite AI as a major focus of strategic investment.
