TOKYO -- A survey conducted by the Japanese government showed the confidence index for firms capitalized at least 1 billion yen (9.1 million U.S. dollars) was plus 3.3 in the July-September period, rising from minus 4.7 in the previous quarter, local media reported Monday.

The figures are calculated by subtracting the percentage of firms reporting worsening conditions from those observing improvements. (Japan-Business Sentiment)

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SYDNEY -- After several rejected bids, Australia's Sydney Airport accepted a takeover bid from investment group Sydney Aviation Alliance consortium at 8.75 Australian dollar (6.44 U.S. dollars) per share on Monday, which will equate to a deal of 23.6 billion Australian dollar (17.37 billion U.S. dollars).

The bid marked the investment group's third offer since its 8.25 Australian dollar (6.07 U.S. dollars) per share offer on July 5, and 8.45 Australian dollar (6.22 U.S. dollars) per share offer on Aug. 16, both of which were knocked back on the terms of "not to be in the best interests of Sydney Airport security holders." (Australia-Sydney Airport-Takeover)

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SEOUL -- Foreign investors sold South Korean stocks for four straight months in August on worry about the COVID-19 resurgence here, financial watchdog data showed Monday.

Foreigners offloaded a net 7.82 trillion won (6.7 billion U.S. dollars) worth of domestic stocks in August, according to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). (South Korea-Foreign Stock Investment)

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BEIRUT -- The European Union (EU) on Sunday urged Lebanon's new government to implement emergency reforms and reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund to stop the country's collapse.

"This is what the new government must now focus on, with the active support of the parliament and other state institutions," a statement released by the EU delegation to Lebanon reported. (Lebanon-EU-IMF)