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South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
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Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
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Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Korea Zinc Faces Dramatic Stock Drop
Shares in Korea Zinc plunged by 29.9% on Wednesday, hitting the daily lower limit, following the announcement of a new stock issuance worth 2.5 trillion won ($1.81 billion). This development comes as the world’s largest zinc refiner grapples with an internal struggle for control of its $18 billion zinc empire against the Chang family of Young Poong.
New Stock Issuance Details
In a regulatory filing, Korea Zinc disclosed that its board approved the issuance of approximately 3.73 million shares priced at 670,000 won each—57% lower than the previous day's closing price of 1,543,000 won. Notably, 20% of these shares will be allocated to an employee ownership association, potentially strengthening the management's influence over the company.
Strategic Moves to Stabilize the Company
This announcement follows a $1.5 billion share buyback where Korea Zinc repurchased 9.85% of its shares at 890,000 won each, aiming to prevent significant stakeholders from selling their stakes to Young Poong and private equity firm MBK. The new share issuance aims to diversify the company's shareholder base and mitigate the risks associated with potential delisting from the stock market.
Out of the anticipated 2.5 trillion won raised, 2.3 trillion won will be allocated towards debt repayment. The new shares are expected to be listed on December 18.
