Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

KOSPI rose 65.47 points (0.97%) to close at 6,808.21 on the 26th, supported by large-cap buying amid easing external risks. The index recovered the 6,800 level as geopolitical tensions eased and interest rates declined, despite caution ahead of NVIDIA's earnings release. Reports via Russian state

Hyundai Motor raised its 2030 operating margin target to above 9% at its CEO Investor Day on the 26th, up from the previous 8-9% range, citing vehicle competitiveness and cost reduction capabilities. The automaker announced plans to cut cost of sales by 3 percentage points by 2030 through

SK Innovation announced on the 25th that it will absorb SK IE Technology (SKIET) through a merger, seven years after spinning off the battery separator business in 2019. The merger ratio is set at 0.1174540 SK Innovation shares per one SKIET share, with a merger date of January 1 next year,

Seoul's bond market was expected to strengthen on the 26th as international oil prices declined, according to a market analysis. The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee meeting was scheduled for the following day, with long-term bonds anticipated to show more strength than mid-term

Marvell Technology (NAS:MRVL) is scheduled to report its fiscal Q2 2027 earnings (covering May-July) on August 27, according to Joe Terranova, Chief Market Strategist at Virtus Investment Partners, who appeared on a CNBC program on August 25. Terranova stated that AI trading currently needs an

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated on the 25th (local time) that all countries must establish and present credible plans to address fiscal issues and ensure debt and deficits remain on sustainable paths. Speaking to reporters at IMF headquarters, Georgiev

NH Investment & Securities researcher Kwon A-min assessed in a report published on the 26th that the primary support level for the USD/KRW exchange rate is 1,340-1,350 won, considering the large-scale shareholder return programs announced by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The analyst estimated

The USD/KRW exchange rate is expected to cautiously test the lower end of the 1,380 won range on the 26th, according to market analysis. A wait-and-see atmosphere is likely to dominate as significant variables have not yet clearly revealed themselves. This cautious stance comes amid US-Iran

According to IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva on August 25, all countries must establish and present credible plans to address fiscal issues and ensure debt and deficits remain on sustainable paths. Speaking at IMF headquarters, Georgieva emphasized that central banks must remain highly focused on

US stock indices opened higher on August 25 (local time), with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 95.77 points (0.18%) to 53,512.93, the S&P 500 gaining 30.38 points (0.40%) to 7,683.24, and the Nasdaq Composite advancing 181.63 points (0.70%) to 26,161.82 as of 9:34 AM. The gains were driven

According to strategist Joe Terranova of Virtus Investment Partners, speaking on CNBC on August 25, Marvell Technology's Q2 earnings release on August 27 could provide a boost to the stalled artificial intelligence sector. Terranova stated that the semiconductor company's results will serve as a

According to Edaily, SK Innovation announced on August 25 its decision to absorb SKIET, a subsidiary spun off in 2019, with a merger ratio of 0.1174540 SK Innovation shares per SKIET share, effective January 1, 2027. The merger price of 14,783 won per share represents an 85.9% decline from SKIET's 2

According to an NH Investment & Securities report released on August 26, considering Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix's combined shareholder return plan of around 150 trillion Korean won, the first support level for the dollar-won exchange rate is estimated at 1,340-1,350 won, with potential

According to Yonhapinfomax, on August 25, the three major U.S. stock indices rose for a third consecutive day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 160.24 points (0.30%) at 53,577.40, the S&P 500 rose 24.42 points (0.32%) to 7,677.28, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 171.11 points (0.66%) to 26

Market participants remained deeply divided on August 26, one day before the Bank of Korea's August monetary policy meeting, with forecasts split evenly between a rate hold and a rate hike. A survey of 21 domestic and foreign financial institutions showed 11 respondents (52%) expecting the base rate

The US Dollar depreciated against major currencies on August 25 as international oil prices plunged over 3% amid signs of easing tensions between the United States and Iran. The dollar index (DXY) fell 0.134%

According to the Conference Board, U.S. consumer confidence declined to 89.4 in August, down 0.8 points from July and missing market expectations of 90.2. The index has fallen for two consecutive months. The Present Situation Index rose 6.8 points to 121.2 after three months of decline, while the

US Treasury bond prices rose on the 25th as oil prices plunged on prospects of de-escalating US-Iran tensions. The 10-year Treasury yield fell 3.70 basis points to 4.6660% as of 7:46 AM Eastern Time, according to Yonhap Infomax overseas interest rate data. The decline followed reports that the

According to a joint statement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on August 25, the two countries have agreed on a framework for establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and implementing joint

The Bank of Thailand forecasted today that economic growth will expand significantly in 2026 and 2027, in line with its previous assessments. Overall inflation for both years is expected to come in lower than previously estimated, while medium-term inflation expectations remain within the central