Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

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

Retail brokers face a critical retention challenge in the first 90 days after a client's initial deposit, according to industry executives Brian Myers, CEO of VCG Markets, and Milica Nikolic, Trading Product Operations Team Leader at Exness. New traders experience an early collision between

Taiwan's weighted stock index opened 0.3% lower today, trading at 45,511.98 points according to the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

Platinum main contract futures gained 2.00% intraday on July 16, trading at 413.00 yuan per gram.

On July 16, gold traded on the Shanghai Gold Exchange T+D contract declined 0.28% to 881.06 yuan per gram at the opening of morning trading. Silver T+D contracts fell 2.07%, reaching 13,984.0 yuan per kilogram.

According to BlockBeats, analyst Young-gun Kim from South Korea's Mirae Asset Securities said on July 16 that SK Hynix's recent pullback offers an attractive opportunity to increase exposure to the stock. The analyst attributed the weakness to a sharp decline in optimism around second-quarter

According to The Information on July 15, ASML plans to raise prices on deep ultraviolet (DUV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) semiconductor manufacturing equipment by at least 10%, but TSMC is resisting the increase. ASML has informed Chinese chipmakers and other customers of the planned price hike i

The Korean stock market triggered a circuit breaker on July 16 at 09:10:26 as the KOSPI index fell more than 5% in early trading, breaking below the 7,000 level for the second time. The Korea Exchange activated a sell-side sidecar — a temporary halt on program sell orders — after KOSPI200 futures

According to Comecarne, Mexico's meat industry organization, the country has lost approximately $2.8 billion in live cattle exports since the United States closed its border to Mexican cattle in 2024 due to a screwworm outbreak. The screwworm infestation has caused severe damage to Mexico's