Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

Japan's August trade balance posted a deficit of -399.884 billion yen, coming in better than the forecast of -803.1 billion yen. The figure was largely unchanged from the previous month's -399.9 billion yen.

In the week through October 2, Japan's purchases of foreign bonds totaled -347.6 billion yen, compared to a revised prior week figure of -682.3 billion yen.

According to Korea Exchange, Korea Investment & Securities' ACE Life Asset Value Active ETF ranked first among 336 listed active ETFs based on 6-month benchmark-relative performance on October 8. The fund delivered a 55.15% return over the period, outperforming its benchmark by 54.10 percentage

Japan Exchange Group (JPX) announced on the 7th a major restructuring of the Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX), reducing constituent stocks meeting new criteria from 1636 as of September end to 986—a cut of approximately 40%. The overhaul, the second phase of Tokyo Stock Exchange reforms initiated in

Hanmi Pharmaceutical received domestic approval for its independently developed obesity treatment Epeglenatide on the 7th, prompting iM Securities to raise its target price for Hanmi Pharmaceutical stocks from 600,000 won to 650,000 won. The approval milestone, combined with progress in the

Pumtech Korea is expected to exceed third-quarter market forecasts, Daol Investment & Securities reported on the 8th. Analyst Park Jong-hyun cited the company's high capacity utilization and recent factory acquisition as evidence of strong demand for cosmetic containers driven by K-beauty

The Federal Reserve disclosed in September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes that no Fed funds were used during late July currency market intervention conducted jointly with Japan to counter yen weakness. The Fed stated it acted purely as the Treasury Department's fiscal agent,

Korea Investment & Securities forecasts the Korean won will continue strengthening against the US dollar after the KRW/USD exchange rate touched the 1,330 won range on September 8. Researcher Moon Da-woon attributed the won's recent strength to increased dollar inflows from South Korea's trade

According to Japan Exchange Group (JPX) on October 7, the TOPIX index will undergo a major restructuring, removing approximately 650 companies (40% of current constituents) and adding 35 new listings. The new inclusion criteria prioritize trading liquidity and market capitalization, requiring compan

According to Daol Investment Securities, on October 8, the firm raised its target price for Pumtech Korea from 76,000 KRW to 86,000 KRW and maintained a BUY rating, citing stronger-than-expected Q3 results driven by robust demand for cosmetic containers. The brokerage forecast Q3 operating

Seegene is expected to continue improving profitability in the second half driven by growth in non-respiratory diagnostic products, according to an analysis from Daol Investment & Securities. The securities firm forecasts Seegene's Q3 consolidated revenue at 129.6 billion won and operating profit at

According to Daol Investment Securities on October 8, CG projects Q3 operating profit of 18.6 billion won, a 93% increase year-over-year, with revenue of 129.6 billion won up 14%. Non-respiratory diagnostic products, including HPV and STI testing, are expected to reach 67.3 billion won in Q3

The European Union is considering a tax plan targeting the largest companies across all sectors, according to an October 7 Financial Times report. The proposal would adjust the Corporate Resource for Europe (Core) levy to increase the tax burden on US Big Tech firms including Apple, Meta and

Sangsangin Securities on October 8 maintained its BUY rating and 320,000 won target price for Hyundai Glovis (086280) stocks, citing short-term earnings volatility from macro variables including high oil prices and falling exchange rates, while affirming the company's structurally sound

iM Securities raised its target price for Hanmi Pharmaceutical to 650,000 won from 600,000 won on October 8, reflecting the value of an obesity drug candidate designed using the company's artificial intelligence platform and anticipated large upfront payments. The brokerage maintained its 'buy'

According to Sangsangin Securities analyst Lee Seo-yeon on October 8, the brokerage maintained its buy rating on Hyundai Glovis (stock code: 086280) with a 320,000 won target price, implying 59.2% upside from the previous closing price of 201,000 won on October 6. The firm estimated the company's t

According to iM Securities on October 8, Han Mi Pharma's target stock price was raised to 650,000 KRW from 600,000 KRW, reflecting the company's AI-designed obesity drug candidate validation and substantial upcoming technology transfer revenues. The brokerage estimates Q3 revenue will surge 72.5%

According to Yonhap Infomax, USD/KRW 1-month NDF fell to 1,338.80 won overnight on October 7-8, down 0.75 won from Seoul's previous spot close of 1,340.40. The decline came as the U.S. Dollar Index climbed to 102.5, driven partly by renewed fiscal concerns in France, UK, and Italy that pushed EUR/US

DB Securities raised its target stock price for SK Innovation to 200,000 won from 150,000 won on the 8th, citing global oil inventory shortages and the potential for its subsidiary SK Enmore to secure new customers. The brokerage maintained its 'buy' investment rating. Analyst Han Seung-jae noted th

According to DB Securities on October 8, analyst Han Seung-jae raised the target price for SK Innovation from 150,000 won to 200,000 won, citing global oil inventory depletion and potential new customer acquisition. The research note highlighted that SK Enmove, SK Innovation's subsidiary, benefits f