Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

Covered call exchange-traded funds (ETFs) listed in the Korean market recorded total net assets of 26.4786 trillion won as of the closing on the 14th, marking an 11 trillion won increase since early this year, according to the asset management industry. The surge reflects investor demand for

According to Newsis, as of July 16, South Korea's covered call ETF market saw total assets surge to 26.48 trillion won, up 11 trillion won since the start of the year. The number of covered call ETF products listed domestically increased from 52 at the beginning of 2026 to 61, reflecting the

Spot silver fell over 1% during intraday trading on July 16, currently trading at $57.18 per ounce.

China's interbank foreign exchange market reported the following midpoint rates on July 16. The US dollar weakened against the yuan to 6.7909, down 1 point. The euro strengthened to 7.7690, up 199 points; the British pound rose to 9.1703, up 864 points; the Australian dollar climbed to 4.7446, up 14

According to Korea Exchange data, K Bank stock surged 11.13% to 6,390 won this morning on July 16, with an intraday high of 6,850 won, up 19.13%. Internet and smaller bank stocks strengthened as improved earnings expectations from rising interest rates combined with defensive positioning during

Japan's Finance Minister Kaio Katayama stated today that the government will take appropriate action on foreign exchange markets whenever necessary. The statement reflects Japan's readiness to respond to market volatility and currency fluctuations through timely policy

KOSPI recovered above the 7200 level after a 3-day decline, closing at 7284.41 with a gain of 427.58 points (6.24%), driven by a 27% overnight surge in SK Hynix ADR and rallies in Samsung Electronics. The rebound was triggered by positive semiconductor sector catalysts including slower US consumer p

According to Kyodo News, Japan's Lower House passed the Second Capital Bill proposed by the ruling coalition.

According to The Information on Wednesday (July 15), Apple is evaluating acquisitions of semiconductor startups to enhance AI server computing power and narrow the gap with competitors. Over recent months, Apple has engaged with investment banks and multiple semiconductor startups to assess acquisit

Korbit Research Center published a report on the 16th titled 'Perpetual Futures: Beyond Crypto Market to RWA,' documenting the expansion of perpetual futures markets from crypto assets into real-world assets (RWA). The report examines how global centralized exchanges like Binance leverage offshore l

The Bank of Korea conducted its first base rate hike on the 16th, with Seoul bond markets now focused on Governor Shin Hyun-song's remarks regarding future monetary policy direction. The central bank signaled the move clearly through multiple channels, including Vice Governor Yoo Sang-dae's May

According to CoinDesk, Cantor Fitzgerald and Securitize partnered on July 16 to integrate blockchain technology into IPO workflows. Cantor will provide equity capital markets and trading capabilities, while Securitize offers

IBK Investment & Securities economist Jung Yong-taek issued an analysis report on the 16th indicating that Korea's GDP growth expectations may soon reach an inflection point, as the Bank of Korea's News Sentiment Index has shown a clear downward shift after peaking in the first half of this year.

South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) completed its second hub branch inspection of a securities firm this year, targeting Hyundai Motor Securities from May 15 to July 1 over 13 business days, according to financial investment industry sources on the 16th. The inspection aimed to

According to Yonhapinfomax, South Korea's central bank raised its benchmark rate for the first time on July 16, with the 1-year IRS (interest rate swap) rate climbing to 3.46%, about 100 basis points above the new benchmark level. The move concluded months of policy signaling that began in May, with

According to IBK Investment & Securities economist Jung Yong-taek on July 16, South Korea's news sentiment index released by the Bank of Korea has turned downward from its first-half peak, signaling an approaching inflection point in economic growth expectations. Jung noted that recent market

On July 16, Taiwan's Weighted Stock Index declined 1% to close at 45,171.46 points.

According to BlockBeats, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said today (July 16) that he no longer has concerns about excessive leverage in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets, and is "very optimistic" about the market outlook for the next 12

According to Tianfeng Securities, on July 16, the investment bank forecasts Brent crude oil to trade in the $70–$75 per barrel range during the second half of 2026. The forecast follows a volatile first half marked by geopolitical risks that drove oil prices to near $120 per barrel before a sharp de

Bitcoin (BTC) saw a slight pullback to $64,612 on July 16; meanwhile, the U.S.-Iran conflict and two major macro factors—Fed policy signals—moved market sentiment in tandem. The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials said Trump is leaning toward expanding military operations inside Iran, considering options including expanding airstrikes, dispatching ground forces to seize Khark Island, and bombing the “Hammer Mountain” underground tunnel facilities, but Trump has not yet made a final