Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

U.S. mortgage rates moved slightly lower this week, with the 30-year fixed rate falling to 6.65% as of Aug. 20. The decline from 6.67% a week earlier offers homebuyers modest relief, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. However, the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield remains

According to Coyotes News, China's Shanghai Composite Index (SSE) closed higher for the second consecutive trading day on August 21, ending at 3,905.2 points, up 0.04%, as officials signaled additional fiscal support measures targeting households for the second half of 2026. The Shenzhen

According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.65% as of Aug. 20, down from 6.67% a week earlier. However, the 10-year Treasury yield remains near 4.70%, creating a risk that mortgage rates could stay elevated or rise further. The 15-year

South Korean retail investors shifted toward US index funds in August following domestic market volatility. Daily average trading volume in South Korean stock markets fell to 32.97 trillion won in August from 60.36 trillion won in June. The shift occurred after the KOSPI index fell 22.19% in July an

According to Seoul Economy, South Korean retail investors surged into U.S. index exchange-traded funds in August as domestic stock market turmoil prompted a portfolio shift. Net purchases of U.S. stocks reached $822.4 million by August 19, nearly matching June's $633 million tally. Top ETF buys

According to the Korean Exchange on August 21, Samsung Group's five subsidiaries entered the top 10 market capitalization rankings, reshaping the KOSPI's upper tier. Samsung Electronics held the number one position, while Samsung Electro-Mechanics ranked fourth, with Samsung Biologics, Samsung

According to an announcement from China's central bank and market regulator on Aug 21, discontinued RMB can be traded starting from the date it ceases circulation. Commemorative coins, including both ordinary and precious metal versions, are also permitted for trading. However, ordinary

According to Chung Lien-pin, Micron's operations executive in Taiwan, the island has been the world's largest semiconductor materials consumer market for 16 consecutive years, with 2025 semiconductor materials spending reaching $21.7 billion. This reflects Taiwan's role as a critical validation

From 08:45 to 09:00 on August 21, 2026 (UTC), BTC surged 2.09% within 15 minutes, climbing from 77,580.7 USDT to 79,520.0 USDT, with a 2.50% price range. The price quickly broke through the 79,000 USDT level, market sentiment heated up sharply, and the short-term trend showed a strong rebound. The main driver of this move was the U.S. Treasury’s launch of a Treasury buyback program, which sent a signal of stability in the bond market. Combined with a weaker DXY and declining expectations for lon

Samsung Electro-Mechanics recorded a 754.8% Total Shareholder Return (TSR) for the reporting period, the highest among South Korea's top 10 companies by market capitalization, according to disclosures filed with the Financial Supervisory Service. The figures represent the first implementation of

Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA), Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (AMLX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) stocks each reached fresh 52-week highs on Thursday. IOVA stock surged 12%, while AMLX and COP stocks gained over 2% and 3%, respectively. The rallies followed UBS raising its IOVA price target to $7, Amylyx

According to Jin10, spot gold hit $4,600 per ounce on August 21, the first time since May 15, rising 1.80% intraday.

Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA), Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (AMLX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) stocks each reached fresh 52-week or multi-year highs on Thursday as analyst upgrades and strong financial results boosted investor confidence. IOVA surged 12% to $9.36 after UBS raised its price target to $7,

According to the Financial Supervisory Service, Samsung Electro-Mechanics recorded the highest total shareholder return (TSR) of 754.8% in the first half of 2026 among South Korea's top 10 companies by market

From 08:00 to 09:00 (UTC) on August 21, 2026, BTC rose 0.77% over a short period, trading within a range of 76,257.3–77,194.6 USDT, for an amplitude of 1.23%. Over the past 24 hours, BTC rebounded from a low of $69,513 to $75,863, gaining 8.47%. The current price is in short-term overbought territory, and market volatility has intensified. The primary driver of this unusual move is the escalation of the US–Iran war, which has entered its sixth month. Iran has shifted from defense to active offen

Samsung Electronics disclosed approximately 90 to 110 trillion won in remaining shareholder return resources on August 21 after market close. The figure represents cash flow under the company's 2024-2026 commitment to return 50% of free cash flow, excluding 29.3 trillion won already returned.

Spot gold broke through $4,590 per ounce today, gaining 1.57% intraday.

New York silver futures broke through the $70 per ounce level today, posting an intraday gain of 2.74%. The commodity continues to track broader precious metals market momentum.

According to Yonhapinfomax, Samsung Electronics announced today a shareholder return plan worth 90 to 110 trillion won (approximately $67-82 billion) for the remainder of 2026. The plan fulfills Samsung's commitment to return 50% of free cash flow from 2024-2026 to shareholders. The company will

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the country's foreign direct investment (FDI) fell to 438.33 billion yuan in the first seven months of 2026, down 6.2% year-over-year. Manufacturing accounted for 109.43 billion yuan, while the service sector contributed 319.95 billion yuan. High-tech