Economy

South Korea's KOSPI closed at 4,129.68, up 0.51%, fueled by a ₩1.78 trillion net purchase from foreign investors. Samsung Electronics hit a new all-time high on GPU news, while the Korean won strengthened.

LG Energy Solution has canceled a ₩3.9 trillion ($2.8B) battery component deal with Freudenberg. We analyze the market impact and whether this signals a slowdown in the EV sector.

South Korea's R&D spending reached a record $90 billion in 2024, exceeding 5% of its GDP for the first time. The surge, led by the private sector, signals a major push for technological leadership.

Private equity is poised for a strong rebound in 2026, fueled by lower interest rates and a global stock market boom. Experts predict a comeback for M&A deal activity.

As of December 2025, Tokyo egg prices have hit a record high and PC price hikes are looming due to chip shortages. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has approved a record ¥122.3T budget, signaling growing inflation pressure.

South Korea's Q3 2025 GRDP grew 1.9%, driven by strong semiconductor and auto exports. While the service sector recovered, construction slumped for the 6th straight quarter, revealing a K-shaped recovery.

The Bank of Korea has named 12 market-making banks for the 2026 won-yuan direct trading market, a move aimed at reducing U.S. dollar dependency and cutting costs in trade with China.

South Korea's National Pension Service (NPS) has resumed strategic FX hedging via a currency swap with the BOK to defend the won as the exchange rate neared a 16-year low.

The world's largest automaker, Toyota, has opened a digital art exhibition in Yokohama. The move is part of a broader diversification strategy to transform beyond car manufacturing into a provider of 'emotional experiences'.

The yuan has surged to its strongest level in over a year against the U.S. dollar, fueled by a weaker greenback and easing trade tensions. We analyze the impact on investors and global supply chains.

Spot silver has hit $75 per ounce for the first time in history, fueled by soaring industrial demand and its role as an inflation hedge. We analyze the impact on investors and industries.

South Korea's KOSPI index topped 4,130 on Santa Rally hopes, led by tech giants like Samsung Electronics. However, auto and financial sectors lagged, showing a divided market.