Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

Korean stocks are expected to attempt a mild rebound this week as markets digest the hawkish Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) outcome, ahead of the US-China summit scheduled for Sept 24. The KOSPI closed at 6894.23 last week, down 0.22% from the prior week's 6909.91, according to the Korea

AI voice generation platform operator Neosapiens listed on South Korea's KOSDAQ on September 21, with a public offering price of ₩10,000, below the initial guidance range of ₩13,800–₩15,800. The company's institutional demand forecast recorded a subscription rate of 219.56 times, with retail

South Korea's credit default swap (CDS) premium declined to near its yearly low on September 18 (local time), reflecting reduced credit risk. The 5-year CDS premium closed at 20.88 basis points (bp) in the New York market, approaching the yearly low of 20.69bp recorded on January 16. The decline

Token Terminal launched a new platform designed to explore the tokenized stock market in one accessible location. The platform aims to streamline user interaction with tokenized financial instruments and consolidate access to these assets. This initiative aligns with the growing trend of

According to the Korea Exchange, four exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will debut on the Korean securities market on September 22. The lineup includes three passive ETFs from Mirae Asset, KB, and Kiwoom Asset Management, plus one active ETF from IBK Asset Management. Mirae Asset's TIGER Hyundai

Korean investors shifted approximately 1.35 trillion won into four major cash-equivalent ETFs from the 9th to the 16th, as domestic and international stock market volatility intensified. The fund inflows reflect a defensive strategy where investors are parking capital in liquid short-term

According to Korea Exchange, 1.35 trillion Korean won flowed into four cash-equivalent and short-term interest rate ETFs during the week of September 9-16 as investors shifted away from equities amid rising market volatility. The four products—KODEX Money Market Active, KODEX CD Rate Active

According to Korea Exchange, investors shifted approximately 1.35 trillion won into four money market and short-term rate ETFs during the week of September 9-16 as domestic and global equity market volatility increased. Money market funds saw inflows of 4.5 trillion won in the same period, while inv

Korean airlines including Trinity Air, Jeju Air, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines raised fuel surcharges for October international flight departures as Brent crude oil prices sustained levels above $100 per barrel. Trinity Air increased surcharges by 2.2% to 5.9% across different mileage brackets,

According to Yonhapnews, U.S. stock indices posted divergent results last week as the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, signaling a hawkish shift. Nasdaq-100 climbed 0.72%, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.08% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.69%; the

The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75-4.00% on September 16 at its September FOMC meeting. This marked the first US rate increase since July 2023, with the Fed's median year-end policy rate forecast rising to 4.1% and signaling potential for additional ti

According to Yonhapinfomax on September 19, Korean airlines increased international flight fuel surcharges for October amid elevated crude oil prices. Brent oil traded at $104.82 per barrel as of September 18, holding above the $100 mark and pressuring the aviation sector's costs. Jeju Air raised su

According to financial industry sources, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% to 3.75%-4.00% on September 16, marking its first rate increase in over three years. The Fed's move widened the Korea-U.S. rate gap to 1.00 percentage point, with the South Korean central

Korea Zinc's corporate control battle reached its two-year mark as MBK Partners and Youngpoong hold over 40% of shares but failed to secure board control, with the incumbent management retaining 12 of 19 board seats following a September 9 shareholder vote. The dispute began on September 13, 2024, w

The USD/KRW exchange rate closed at 1383.3 won on the 18th, up 1.1 won from the previous day, marking the seventh consecutive trading day of gains and approaching the 1400-won level. The exchange rate climbed 47.2 won over seven trading days from 1336.1 won on the 9th, driven by the US Federal

According to Korean banking data, the won-dollar exchange rate surged 47.2 won in 7 trading days to 1,383.3 won on September 18, driven by the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate hike and rising Treasury yields. The Fed raised its

According to News1, USD/KRW surged 47.2 won over seven consecutive trading days through September 18, reaching 1387.1 and its highest level since late August. The rally followed the Federal Reserve's first rate increase in approximately three years two months on September 16, lifting the benchmark r

South Korea's bond market faces rising short-term interest rate pressures following the Chuseok holiday, driven by expectations of a Bank of Korea rate hike in November and increased October treasury bond issuance. The 91-day certificate of deposit (CD) rate climbed to 3.20% from 3.12% as money mark

Korea District Heating Corporation is expected to lead Korean-listed companies in dividend yield for the year at 8.69%, according to data from financial information provider FnGuide covering stocks with dividend estimates from at least three securities firms. The forecast comes ahead of the year-end

According to Yonhap News, South Korea's short-term bond market faced continued upward pressure on September 18, despite a decline in crude oil prices. CD (Negotiable Certificates of Deposit) 91-day rates rose to 3.20%, while 3-year government bond yields reached 4.035% and 10-year yields settled at