Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

Japan's June industrial output climbed 1.9% month-over-month according to the final reading, compared with the initially estimated 1.3% increase.

According to Korea Exchange, South Korea's KOSPI closed at 6977.94 points on August 14, up 719.17 points over the prior five trading days as market volatility eased. The KOSPI 200 volatility index fell to 55.31, down 36% from July 30 when regulators adjusted leverage deposit requirements.

According to Goldman Sachs, the bank warned today, August 17, that market expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes remain too hawkish despite cooling U.S. inflation. Chief Economist Jan Hatzius stated the likelihood of a rate increase at the Fed's September meeting is "extremely low," citing

According to Zhitong Caijing, China New City (01321) posted a mid-year profit of approximately RMB 92.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, turning profitable from a RMB 35.5 million loss in the same period of 2025. The turnaround was primarily driven by investment property

According to Glassnode, as consumer confidence hits historic lows while stock markets reach new highs, capital is accelerating into equities, AI, and commodities, with Bitcoin notably sidelined in the rotation. On-chain data shows buy-wall support that formed below previous price levels has been

Baek Chan-kyu, head of NH Investment & Securities Asset Management Consulting Center, stated on August 14 that the Korean stock market (KOSPI) is expected to see reduced volatility and gradual recovery in August-September, with October earnings season serving as a potential turning point. The KOSPI

According to Geely Automotive, the company reported H1 2026 revenue of 173.6 billion yuan on August 17, up 15% year-over-year and marking a record high. Core net profit attributable to shareholders reached 9.68 billion yuan, surging 46% year-over-year and outpacing revenue growth. Gross margin

According to Jin10, domestic gold jewelry prices rose by approximately 30 yuan today (August 17) compared with last week, with most brands trading in the 1,328-1,333 yuan per gram range.

According to E-Daily on August 14, Paik Chan-gyu, head of NH Investment & Securities' asset management consulting center, anticipates the KOSPI will experience reduced volatility and gradual recovery in August-September. He noted that October's earnings season, particularly results from Samsung

According to E Daily, South Korea's KOSPI index is expected to rebound this week (starting August 14) as concerns about artificial intelligence demand moderate and interest rate pressures potentially ease. However, profit-taking sales and geopolitical risks linked to U.S.-Iran negotiations could

Kumho E&C recorded an operating profit of 287 billion won and revenue of 9,651 billion won in the first half of this year. Operating profit increased 30.6% year-over-year, driven by on-site cost management and selective project bidding strategies, with the operating margin improving to 3.0%. The

The Australian dollar (AUD/USD) reached 0.71 today, gaining 0.25% intraday.

Seoul bond market participants will monitor US Treasury yields and curve movements during the week of August 18-21, according to market observers. The Ministry of Economy and Finance will release Q2 regional economic trends on August 19 at noon, while the Korea Development Institute will publish

According to Financial Supervisory Service filings reported by Yonhap Infomax on August 17, Kumho E&C reported H1 2026 operating profit of 28.7 billion won, up 30.6% year-over-year, with operating margin improving to 3.0% on sales of 965.1 billion won. The South Korean construction company also

India's 5-year government bond yields widened by 8 basis points recently following the Reserve Bank of India's announcement to prematurely close its special dollar deposit facility for overseas residents.

According to ZhiTong Finance APP, the Hang Seng Index rose 1.61%, or 405 points, to 25,521 on August 17 in early morning trading, while the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 2.01%. Morning turnover reached 118.2 billion Hong Kong dollars. Storage-related stocks led gains as revaluation momentum

According to ARK's Q2 2026 holdings data, Cathie Wood's ARK Invest significantly shifted its portfolio, investing approximately $443 million in SpaceX while cutting semiconductor holdings. NVIDIA holdings fell 17.47%, AMD dropped 5%, and TSMC declined 16.15%. SpaceX became a top 10 holding at 2.87%

China's 10-year sovereign bond yield slides to 1.68% on Aug 17, down 0.1 basis point from the previous close. The intraday low of 1.677% marks the lowest level since July 2025.

According to Maria Llerena, head of financial research at Domini Impact Investments, the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2001 when it was sold at auction on Aug. 13. Long-end yields remain near levels last seen in 2007, adding pressure on technology stocks whose

According to SoSoValue data, XRP spot ETFs recorded net inflows of $2.25 million during the trading week ending August 14 (U.S. Eastern Time). Bitwise ETF XRP led the gains with weekly net inflows of $2.25 million. As of press time, the total assets under management for XRP spot ETFs reached $933 mi