Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

According to Yonhap Infomax, the USD/KRW exchange rate fell to 1,437.40 won on July 30, down 9.30 won from the previous day's close of 1,446.70 won, marking its lowest level since February 26. The decline was driven by month-end demand for won purchases from exporters like SK Hynix and Samsung

According to Korea Exchange, South Korea's three major shipbuilders surged on July 30, driven by strong second-quarter earnings and expectations around the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Project (MASGA). HD Hyundai Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering jumped 10% to 368,500 won, while Hanwha

The Eurozone's unemployment rate reached 6.3% in June, exceeding the forecasted 6.2% and rising 0.1 percentage points from May's 6.2%.

Eurozone service sector PMI rose to 4.7 in July, exceeding expectations of 3.8. The prior month's reading was revised upward from 3.2 to 4.2.

Eurozone second quarter GDP annual rate came in at 1.0% in its initial estimate, beating expectations of 0.5%. The prior quarter figure was revised upward to 0.5% from the previously reported 0.3%.

Eurozone economic sentiment index rose to 96.9 in July, exceeding the forecast of 96, according to Eurostat data. The previous month's figure was revised upward to 95.4 from 95.

Eurozone consumer confidence index for July came in at -15.9, matching both the forecast and previous month's reading, according to official data released this month.

Eurozone industrial sentiment index came in at -6.1 in July, beating economist expectations of -7, according to preliminary economic data. The previous month's reading was revised up to -7.5 from an initially

According to Odaily, Samsung Electronics announced today (July 30) it will invest a combined 800 billion won in semiconductor startups and DX department technology initiatives. The investment will be allocated across two new technology venture portfolios: SVIC 82 (5,050 billion won) with a 13-year t

FX swap points in South Korea's foreign currency funding market closed mostly flat on July 30 amid mixed supply and demand. The 1-year maturity FX swap point ended unchanged at minus 12.50 won, while shorter-term instruments showed limited movement. Market participants attributed the range-bound

According to Yonhapinfomax, on July 30, South Korea's FX swap points closed mostly flat across most tenors. The 1-year maturity settled at -12.50 won versus opening levels, while the 6-month and 3-month maturities ended at -5.70 won and -2.45 won respectively. Short-term maturities showed mixed

According to Korea Exchange, on July 30, nine stocks hit the daily ceiling limit (30% gain cap) on South Korea's stock market, while zero stocks recorded limit-down trading. On KOSPI, four stocks reached the upper limit, including Kumho Construction, which closed at 9,490 Korean won, up 30% from the

According to BlockBeats citing BIT market data, on July 30 during U.S. pre-market trading Thursday, semiconductor stocks posted broad gains. Lam Research (LRCX) surged 7.65%, Applied Materials (AMAT) rose 2.66%, ASML (ASML) advanced 2.08%, KLA (KLAC) gained 1.97%, TSMC (TSM) up 1.05%, and Nvidia

Japanese stocks showed mixed performance on the 30th, with the Nikkei 225 index rising 433.24 points (0.71%) to close at 61,867.43, while the Topix index fell 21.53 points (0.54%) to 3,952.50. The Nikkei rebounded after three trading days of declines, driven by buying in AI and

POSCO Holdings announced plans to sell KRW 3.5 trillion in listed subsidiary stakes by the end of next year, raising concerns about reduced dividend capacity. The company will reduce its ownership in listed subsidiaries to 50%, allocating 90% of proceeds to lithium plant investments and 10% to

According to Yonhapinfomax, Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose 433.24 points (0.71%) to close at 61,867.43 on July 30, rebounding after three trading days of losses. The TOPIX index declined 0.54% to 3,952.50. The index was initially weak at the open but turned positive in early morning trading,

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced a $4.84 million investment in Harena Rare Earths' Ampasindava rare earth project in Madagascar to support pilot plant operations, metallurgical testing, and environmental studies. The funding aims to diversify US critical mineral s

According to POSCO Holdings, the company plans to reduce its stake in listed subsidiaries to 50% by the end of 2027, divesting approximately 3.5 trillion won in shares, the group announced on July 30. About 90 percent of the proceeds will be invested in lithium production facilities, with the

According to Oilprice.com, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced today that it will provide $4.84 million to Harena Rare Earths' Ampasindava rare earth project in Madagascar to support pilot plant operations, metallurgical testing, and environmental research. The Am

Eurozone is due to release key economic data on July 30, including second-quarter GDP year-on-year initial reading, June unemployment rate, and July industrial confidence and economic sentiment indices. The data releases are scheduled for later