Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

Foreign investors aggressively purchased leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the Korean stock market during August 26–September 1, with 6 out of the top 10 ETFs by net purchases being leveraged products, according to KOSCOM data released on September 2. This buying spree occurred even as

Gold prices fell 2.79% to 190,810 won per gram on September 2nd, marking the lowest level since August 5th when prices stood at 190,800 won per gram, according to Korea Exchange and Yonhap Infomax. The decline followed a surge in global interest rates triggered by renewed US-Iran military conflict a

Meta reached an $18 billion settlement with 29 U.S. state attorneys general following a trial in August over allegations that Instagram and Facebook contained design features harmful to younger users. The settlement, agreed during week two of the trial, requires Meta to implement core platform

NextTrade (NXT), South Korea's first alternative stock exchange, reached 5,339 trillion won in cumulative trading volume within 1.5 years of launch, according to data released on the 2nd covering transactions through last month's final trading day. The platform's extended trading hours from 8am to 8

Korean secondary battery exchange-traded funds surged to the top of domestic ETF performance rankings over the recent one-month period as the previously neglected sector rebounded. TIGER Secondary Battery TOP10 Leverage rose 45.88% in one month while KODEX Secondary Battery Industry Leverage

According to F&Guide data released today, Korean bond funds saw sharply divergent flows over the past month as the central bank raised rates. Short-term bond funds received 648 billion Korean won in inflows while government bond funds saw 625.5 billion won in outflows. Over the past three months, sh

According to Koscom ETF Check, South Korean battery-related exchange-traded funds surged significantly over the past month as of September 2. TIGER Secondary Battery Top 10 Leverage climbed 45.88% in the one-month period, while KODEX Secondary Battery Industry Leverage gained 38.99%, each ranking

According to NXT, South Korea's first alternative stock exchange reached cumulative trading volume of 5.3 quadrillion won as of the end of August, just 18 months after launch in March 2024. The exchange now lists over 600 securities, up from 10 at inception. Off-market trading—comprising 21.2%

According to Korea Exchange data, over the past week through September 1, foreign investors aggressively accumulated leveraged ETFs, with 6 of the top 10 ETF net purchases being leveraged products. Single-stock leveraged ETFs saw the strongest inflows, led by KODEX SK Hynix Leverage at 73.1

According to Maeil Business Newspaper, South Korea's KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices fell sharply on September 2 amid surging international oil prices and growing expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes. Samsung Electronics declined 4.02% to 250,500

UK 10-year gilt yield rose 7 basis points to 5.29% today, marking the highest level since August 2007.

According to Euronews, Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission warned investors on lending risks as margin trading surged in the first half of 2026 amid an AI stock rally. The Taiwan stock market rose 59% in H1 2026 driven by AI hardware demand, with margin trading volume growing nearly 20% over t

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), U.S. diesel prices rose to $5.688 per gallon on Tuesday, September 2, reaching the highest level since April. The price approaches the 2022 mid-year peak set amid global supply tensions. Rising diesel costs reflect ongoing geopolitical

Korean retail investors net purchased $800 million worth of SK Hynix American Depositary Shares (SKHY) on Nasdaq between July 10 and September 1, making it the top overseas stock by net purchases excluding ETFs, according to Korea Securities Depository. The buying spree occurred despite SKHY

According to AAA data, U.S. diesel prices rose to $5.688 per gallon on Tuesday, Sept 2, the highest level since April. The price remains just below the April peak and marks the highest level since mid-2022. Global supply tensions driven by Middle East conflicts and the Russia-Ukraine war have

Italy's two-year government bond yield touched its highest level since 2024 today, rising 7 basis points to 3.22%.

GoPro announced on May 1 (local time) that it signed a final merger agreement with US optical communications company Starman Optical, with Starman paying $285 million in cash to acquire approximately 90% of the merged entity. The merger follows GoPro's financial struggles after the company

According to Maeil Business Newspaper, Korean retail investors net purchased $8 billion of SK Hynix ADRs (SKHY) from July 10 through September 1, marking the top overseas stock purchase excluding ETFs during the period. The ADR premium widened from 30% daily average in July to 36% in August,

Billionaire investor David Tepper's Appaloosa Management completely exited its SanDisk stake valued at $178.7 million in the second quarter of 2026, while establishing a new $56.7 million position (150,000 shares) in Broadcom. The shift reflects a strategic pivot within AI infrastructure

According to Euronews, Taiwan's stock market surged 59% in the first half of 2026 amid increased demand for AI hardware, with semiconductor giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) leading gains. The rally has prompted a surge in