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Opened up 1.8% on the US-Iran deal and strong May export prices driven by a surge in semiconductor-linked products.

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Asia

South Korean Shares Decline Sharply on High Oil Prices, Investors Eye U.S. Inflation Data

South Korean shares fell sharply on Friday as oil prices remained high, fueling inflation concerns and weighing on investor sentiment ahead of key U.S. inflation data.Escalating Middle East tensions also triggered a sell-off in U.S. equities overnight. Oil prices eased Friday but remained on track to close the week above $100 a barrel, with Brent crude down 1.5% at $105.99 and West Texas Intermediate crude down 1.3% at $101.20.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declined 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively, marking their fourth consecutive losing sessions.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 124.01 points, or about 1.8%, to close at 6,909.91. The Kosdaq also fell by 16.28 points, or 2%, to close at 820.64.In economic news, South Korea's privacy watchdog said companies suffering personal information leaks affecting over 10 million people will face strengthened penalties starting this week.The revised law, effective Friday, allows fines of up to 10% of sales for breaches caused by intentional misconduct or gross negligence, citing the Personal Information Protection Commission.Repeat offenders within three years or those ignoring corrective orders also face punishment, up from the previous 3% cap.The commission added that penalties may be reduced by up to 40% based on a company's investment in data protection and safety measures.In corporate news, Hanwha Aerospace (KRX:012450) secured a 641.09 billion-won order to supply Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Croatia's Ministry of Defence.The Friday disclosure confirms earlier reports that Hanwha was nearing a deal with Croatia. The company had said on Sept. 7 that it was in discussions with the customer, but the export deal had yet to be finalized.Under the payment terms, 25% of the contract value will be paid within 30 calendar days of contract signing, 35% within 30 calendar days after 12 months from contract signing, and the remaining amount within 30 days of delivery.Shares of Hanwha Aerospace added over 1% at market close.

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Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea, Meta Discuss Limiting Children's Use of Social Media

The South Korean government is currently in talks with Facebook and Instagram's parent Meta Platforms, in a bid to limit children's use of social media, Yonhap News reported Thursday.Meta's Asia-Pacific general manager for product public policy, Philip Chua, is discussing measures with the government to protect teenagers from online harm, which include limiting social media use to two hours a day and restricting late-night access to the platforms, the report said, citing Chua from a "Screen Smart" roundtable in Seoul.Meta Platforms has already rolled out Teen Accounts and safety protections for teens in South Korea, it said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

KOSPI
Asia

South Korea's Kospi Falls on Higher Oil Prices as Middle East Tensions Rise

South Korea's Kospi closed lower on Thursday as surging oil prices amid escalating Middle East tensions stoked inflation concerns ahead of key U.S. inflation data.Investors awaited the U.S. producer price index due later Thursday and consumer inflation data on Friday, which could influence the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest-rate outlook.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 17.72 points, or about 0.3%, to close at 7,033.92. The Kosdaq, however, rose by 6.55 points, or 0.8%, to close at 836.92.Reports of explosions in Iran's coastal regions added to geopolitical uncertainty, while U.S. President Donald Trump said the war could end after November's midterm elections and predicted lower oil prices.Explosions in Iran's coastal regions added to geopolitical uncertainty, while President Donald Trump said the war could end after November's midterm elections. Brent crude was little changed at $101.22 a barrel, and WTI rose 0.3% to $96.33..In economic news, South Korea plans to put in place measures that boost economic recovery and growth through structural reforms, Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol said at the Economic Relations Ministers' Meeting on Wednesday.Koo noted that nominal gross domestic product rose 26.4% in the second quarter on an on-year basis, which was the fastest growth in 47 years, while employment increased by 184,000 in August.Koo expects that it'll be faster to achieve a per capita gross national income of $40,000.The government plans to unveil steel industry upgrade measures in Q4 and ease regulations on Knowledge Industry Centers, alongside inspections targeting fraudulent activities.In corporate news, S-Oil (KRX:010950) secured a petroleum products supply agreement worth 4.115 trillion won from NongHyup Agribusiness Group, according to a Thursday filing with the Korea Exchange.The petroleum products will be supplied across the country's central region, including Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, and Sejong, and the southern region, including Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan, the filing said.Shares of S-Oil fell over 7% at market close.

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Asia

Bank of Korea Mulls Assessing External, Internal Conditions for Further Monetary Tightening

The Bank of Korea mulls assessing changes in external and internal policy conditions, including the impact of its previous two rate hikes, to assess the timing for further monetary tightening, Reuters reported Thursday, citing a board member.The South Korean central bank board member said Kim Jong-hwa said economic growth is expected to remain strong, while inflation was likely to stay above its target for an extended period.The central bank raised its benchmark rate by 50 basis points, from 2.50% to 3.00% last month, a second consecutive rate increase as inflation remained above its target, driven by rising global oil prices and booming semiconductor exports.

KOSPI
Asia

South Korea to Implement Structural Reforms to Aid Economic Recovery

South Korea plans to put in place measures that boost economic recovery and growth through structural reforms, Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol said at the Economic Relations Ministers' Meeting on Wednesday.Koo noted that nominal gross domestic product rose 26.4% in the second quarter on an on-year basis, which was the fastest growth in 47 years, while employment increased by 184,000 in August.Koo expects that it'll be faster to achieve a per capita gross national income of $40,000, it said.The government plans to announce steel industry upgrade measures in the fourth quarter, focusing on AI-driven manufacturing, high-value-added specialty steel and hydrogen-based steelmaking. The country will also ease regulations on Knowledge Industry Centers, including allowing broader tenant eligibility and converting vacant units into public rental housing, the filing said.Authorities plan to carry out intensive inspections targeting fraudulent activities, such as manipulating export figures to secure new stock listings, policy-based financial support, or government subsidies; passing off low-cost imports as domestic products; and making fraudulent deliveries in public procurement, it said.

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Asia

South Korean Stocks Rise as Chip Stocks Rally on AI Optimism Despite Middle East Tensions

South Korean stocks closed higher on Wednesday as gains in major chipmakers, fueled by continued optimism over AI, outweighed concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.Escalating hostilities between the U.S. and Iran pushed Brent crude to $99.49 a barrel in early trading on Wednesday after the U.S. struck five Iranian oil tankers and Tehran responded with missile attacks on U.S. forces and vessels in the region.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, increased by 97.12 points, or 1.4%, to close at 7,051.64. The Kosdaq also rose by 18.49 points, or 2.3%, to close at 830.37.In economic news, South Korea's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell marginally to 2.7% in August from 2.8% the previous month, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics released on Wednesday.The reading was in line with Trading Economics' forecast, but was down from 2.8% the previous year.The number of unemployed persons totaled 588,000 in August, down from 776,000 in July.The labor force participation rate edged down to 64.6% in August from 65% in July, with the total number of employed persons rising to 29.2 million from 29.1 million the previous month.In corporate news, Posco (KRX:005490) union workers began the first day of their two-day partial strike on Wednesday after negotiations with management over wages and other compensation failed in South Korea, Yonhap News reported the same day.Workers began a 48-hour partial strike, with 40 participating employees at the Pohang plant and 80 at the Gwangyang plant. The union is seeking a 7.1% base pay raise, a 600% performance bonus, 50 company shares per worker and a 200% holiday bonus, while management has proposed a 2% wage hike, the report said.The steelmaker expects negligible impact on production due to the lower worker participation and plans measures to prevent overall operational disruptions.Posco did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.Shares of the company rose nearly 3% at market close.

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Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea Eyes KRW4.7 Trillion Investment in Homegrown AI Model

South Korea is earmarking 4.7 trillion won for efforts to build a domestic artificial intelligence model comparable to leading global systems, Yonhap News reported Tuesday, citing government officials.The financing will be channeled through a new independent fund and form part of the science ministry's proposed 9.4 trillion-won AI budget for 2027, the report said. The ministry has yet to finalize the project's specific plans.The initiative comes as South Korea faces growing pressure to strengthen its domestic AI capabilities, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

KOSPI
Asia

South Korea Denies Report on US Demand to Raise Investment Pledge

The South Korean government has denied a report saying the U.S. has demanded an increase in an agreed investment originally set at $350 billion, according to a Wednesday statement.The US is reportedly urging South Korea to raise a promised investment related to their bilateral tariff negotiations, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing an unnamed lawmaker.The pledge includes a $200 billion investment in strategic industries and $150 billion in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, the report said.In the statement, the South Korean government said it cannot verify the details of its investment as the two countries are still negotiating the deal.However, it clarified that there was no demand from the U.S. to increase the investment.According to a memorandum of understanding, the investment should not exceed $200 billion and the annual remittance limit should not extend beyond $20 billion.

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Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea Eyes $22 Billion Texas Gas Power Project

South Korea is considering a $22 billion investment to acquire a gas-fired power project in Texas under a trade deal and investment deal with Washington, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing local media.The initiative aims to ease bilateral trade tensions and secure power to meet surging electricity demand from the artificial intelligence sector, the report said.The proposed new project in Encinal, Texas, would have a total capacity of 6.3 gigawatts and will start with 1.4 GW of gas-turbine generation before adding 4.9 GW of combined-cycle capacity.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

KOSPI
International

South Korea Government Partners Woori Bank to Support 45 Mid-Sized Firms with KRW548 Billion in Loans

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Woori Bank have selected 45 mid-sized companies for the second-half Rising Leaders 300 loan program, providing a total of 548 billion won in financial support.The number of supported companies increased from 35 in the first half to 45, while the loan scale rose from 466 billion won to 548 billion won, according to the ministry's statement on Wednesday.Selected companies include Kolmar (KRX:024720), Lion Chemtech (KOSDAQ:A171120), and Stats ChipPAC Korea, chosen through recommendations from specialized institutions in export, technology, ESG, and AI transformation.Each company is eligible for loans of up to 30 billion won and interest rate discounts of up to 1.0 percentage point, along with customized non-financial consulting services.Minister Kim Jeong-kwan noted that mid-sized firms, though just 1.5% of all companies, account for 17.9% of Korea's exports, underscoring their critical role in the economy.

KOSPIKOSDAQ:A171120KRX:024720
International

South Korea's Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rate Falls Marginally in August

South Korea's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell marginally to 2.7% in August from 2.8% the previous month, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics released on Wednesday.The reading was in line with Trading Economics' forecast, but was down from 2.8% the previous year.The number of unemployed persons totaled 588,000 in August, down from 776,000 in July.The labor force participation rate edged down to 64.6% in August from 65% in July, with the total number of employed persons rising to 29.2 million from 29.1 million the previous month.

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Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea Reportedly Considering $22.3 Billion Texas Gas Power Investment

South Korea is said to be planning to jumpstart its $350 billion US investment package with a 6.3-gigawatt gas-fired power project in Texas, The Korea Herald reported Tuesday, citing government sources.The proposed project in Encinal, Texas, would be developed in phases and see a reported investment of $22.3 billion from the Asian country.A memorandum of understanding covering the investment framework could be signed as early as Sept. 18, while the details are yet to be finalized.The South Korean Trade Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

KOSPI
Asia Markets

South Korean Shares Close Lower on Rate-Hike Concerns, Middle East Tensions

South Korean shares closed lower on Tuesday as investors remained cautious over the prospect of U.S. interest rate hikes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 40.87 points, or 0.6%, to close at 6,954.52. The Kosdaq also fell by 10.31 points, or 1.3%, to close at 811.88.Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude toward the $100-a-barrel mark Tuesday, with prices trading around $97-$98 as escalating U.S.-Iran conflict fueled concerns over energy supply disruptions and key oil shipping routes. West Texas Intermediate crude remained above $92.Iran threatened the U.S. with "economic warfare" and announced a new maritime exclusion zone in the Persian Gulf, while claiming to have fired an advanced missile at U.S. warships. Iran-backed Houthi forces attacked several Saudi Arabian cities on Tuesday, injuring 73 people, according to a spokesperson of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.In economic news, South Korea's GDP grew 3.7% year over year in the second quarter, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea on Tuesday.The pace of growth was softer than the 3.8% expansion recorded in the previous quarter, but was in line with the consensus forecast for a 3.7% growth, according to Investing.com.On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the economy expanded 0.6%, compared with the 1.8% growth in the previous quarter. It was also in line with the consensus forecast of 0.6%.In corporate news, Chinhung International (KRX:002780) secured a project to build 224 apartment units and associated amenities in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, according to a Tuesday filing with the Korea Exchange.The contract with Daegeun Row House Redevelopment Cooperative is valued at 90.5 billion won, the filing said.Shares of Chinhung International fell nearly 7% at market close.

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South Korea's Nominal GDP Growth Hits 47-Year High on Tech Boom
US Markets

South Korea's Nominal GDP Growth Hits 47-Year High on Tech Boom

South Korea's nominal GDP expanded 26.4% year over year in the second quarter, marking the fastest pace of nominal growth in 47 years amid surging global demand for artificial intelligence and semiconductors.Meanwhile, the country's real GDP advanced 3.7% year over year, matching preliminary estimates, according to data from the Bank of Korea on Tuesday.The robust headline figures aligned with market expectations, driven largely by sustained strength in tech exports. Overseas shipments rose 1.3% during the quarter, while investment in intellectual property jumped 3.4% on solid R&D and software demand.Facilities investment also edged up 0.2%, supported by capital spending on semiconductor manufacturing equipment.Domestic demand showed continued resilience, with private consumption growing 0.4% across goods and services. Government spending ticked up 0.1% on higher healthcare spending, though construction investment slipped 0.1% due to softer civil engineering activity.The 47-year nominal growth milestone coincided with an aggressive fiscal plan unveiled by South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung's administration. The government has proposed a record 821 trillion won national budget for 2027, up 12.8% from 2026. The investment is aimed at bolstering the country's semiconductor and AI supply chains.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Retailer Musinsa Files Application for South Korea Listing

Musinsa, the South Korean retailer backed by U.S.-based investment firm KKR & Co., submitted an application on Monday for a preliminary review by the Korea Exchange for listing on the country's primary stock exchange, Bloomberg News reported the same day, citing a company spokesperson.The company may seek a valuation of up to 10 trillion won, as it aims to list later this year or early in 2027, according to the news agency.Musinsa did not immediately respond to' request for comment(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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International

South Korea's GDP Growth Slows in Q2

South Korea's GDP grew 3.7% year over year in the second quarter, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea on Tuesday.The pace of growth was softer than the 3.8% expansion recorded in the previous quarter, but was in line with the consensus forecast for a 3.7% growth, according to Investing.com.On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the economy expanded 0.6%, compared with the 1.8% growth in the previous quarter. It was also in line with the consensus forecast of 0.6%.

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International

Asia Week Ahead: Inflation Prints; GDP Reports; Producer Price Figures

The week ahead in Asia has a number of key figures scheduled for release.The week starts with inflation numbers from Thailand and Taiwan, along with China's trade figures and Q2 GDP growth for Japan and South Korea.Mid-week, the calendar shows China's inflation and producer price numbers set to be published. Japan's Reuters Tankan index and machine tool orders are expected among other data.The week will close with Japan's producer price index numbers, while India's inflation data is expected to come out on Sept. 12.The 18th BRICS summit will take place in New Delhi, India, from Sept. 12 to 13, with members from a number of countries in attendance.MONDAY, Sept. 7Singapore's retail sales rose 1.5% year-over-year to SG$4.4 billion in July, slower than a 4% increase in the prior month.Elsewhere, Thailand's headline consumer price index rose 2.53% in August from a year earlier, accelerating from a 1.95% increase in July.TUESDAY, Sept. 8China is expected to see a trade surplus of $119.1 billion for August, with exports increasing 27.5% according to Citi forecasts, the Wall Street Journal reported.ING experts project the country's trade surplus at $107 billion, with export and import growth coming in at a respective 24.1% and 32.4%.Japan's revised annualized GDP growth for the second quarter is expected to come in at 1.8%, according to a market consensus forecast reported by ING.South Korea will also release Q2 GDP data, with growth projected at 3.7% year over year, according to ING.Taiwan's annual inflation for the month of August is expected to fall between 2.3% and 2.5% based on economists' expectations, according to the WSJ.WEDNESDAY, Sept. 9China will post inflation and producer price data for August.Inflation is expected to rise 0.9% year over year, according to ING economists. The producer price index is projected to rise slightly to 3.6%, Trading Economics said.Japan's Reuters Tankan manufacturing index will likely fall to +15 points in September from +18 points a month prior, according to Trading Economics. The country will also post machine tool order data for the month.South Korea's unemployment rate for August is expected to fall slightly to 2.7%.Elsewhere, Taiwan expects to see a trade surplus of $21.9 billion for August, with export and import growth coming in at 32.7% and 33.5%, respectively, according to forecasts by ING experts. Economists project exports to climb about 30%, the WSJ said.Malaysia is set to release industrial output figures for July.THURSDAY, Sept. 10A speech by Bank of Japan's policy board member Kazuyuki Masu is anticipated to give investors clues about a potential rate hike in September.Indonesia will post retail sales for July, while consumer confidence numbers are expected from Thailand.FRIDAY, Sept. 11Japan's producer price index (PPI) is expected to rise 7.4% year over year in August, up from 7.2% in July, according to market consensus forecast data by ING.Malaysia will publish retail sales and unemployment numbers.SATURDAY, Sept. 12India will post inflation data, with CPI expected to jump 4.7% year over year in August, an ING forecast showed.

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Asia

South Korean Shares Hit Five-Week High on Chip Stock Gains; Samsung Adds 6%, SK Hynix Jumps 8%

South Korean shares jumped nearly 5% at at Monday's close, hitting a five-week high, as OpenAI launched its next‑generation AI model, which lifted demand for AI‑related and semiconductor stocks.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, increased by 308.18 points, or 4.6%, to close at 6,995.39. The Kosdaq also rose by 8.69 points, or 1.1%, to close at 822.19.Shares of market bigwigs Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) added 6% and over 8% at market close.In corporate news, CS Wind (KRX:112610) secured a contract worth roughly 151 billion won with Vestas American Wind Technology on Friday for the supply of wind turbine structures. The order is valid until July 2, 2027.Shares of CS Wind gained 4% at market close.LG Electronics (KRX:066570) denied media reports that its U.S. unit Bear Robotics is seeking a Nasdaq listing, saying no decision has been made and that it will issue a follow‑up disclosure once details are finalised or within one month.LG shares jumped more than 6% at the close.

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Asia

Market Chatter: President Lee Vows Mediator Role for U.S.-North Korea Talks

President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his commitment to acting as a mediator for resuming U.S.-North Korea dialogue, a move he believes could curb Pyongyang's nuclear advances, Le Monde reported on Sunday.Lee made the remarks in a written interview with Le Monde upon his arrival in Nice for a four-day visit including a summit with President Macron, the news agency said.Lee acknowledged that distrust cannot be resolved quickly, while reaffirming his administration's efforts to reduce inter-Korean tensions and build sustainable peace with the North, the publication said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

KOSPI
Asia

South Korea to Merge Five State-Run Power Generators into KEPCO Unit

South Korea plans to merge five state-run power generation companies into a single entity, Korea Power, which in turn will be a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power or KEPCO (KRX:015760) by October 2027.The integration aims to strengthen energy transition implementation, streamline management, and reduce costs for electricity consumers, according to a Friday news release from South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.The new company will possess approximately 53 GW of capacity and will lead renewable energy expansion while systematically phasing out coal power.

KOSPIKRX:015760

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