Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
MSCI has noted improved accessibility for short-selling in South Korea’s stock market, raising hopes that the country could soon be added to the global index provider’s watchlist for a potential upgrade to developed market status. In its annual market accessibility review released Friday, MSCI upgraded South Korea’s short-selling rating to “+”, indicating no major issues but room for further improvements. This marks a notable shift from its previous “–” rating, which signaled the need for significant changes.
South Korea, currently classified as an emerging market by MSCI, has long pursued developed market recognition. The country took a major step in March by fully lifting its short-selling ban for the first time in five years, a move aimed at addressing one of the key concerns of foreign investors and MSCI.
Despite this progress, analysts remain cautious. Lee Jae-man of Hana Securities highlighted that South Korea still scores poorly in several subcategories compared to developed peers. As a result, the probability of being placed on MSCI’s observation list for reclassification in 2025 is considered less than 50%.
Still, investor sentiment has been strong. The benchmark KOSPI index has surged 24% year-to-date, making it the top-performing Asian stock market in 2025, driven by political stability and hopes for corporate reform.
Elsewhere, MSCI stated that Argentina has eased some capital flow restrictions but still falls short of emerging market criteria, remaining classified as a Standalone Market. Bulgaria’s status update is expected on June 24, with speculation it may be reclassified to Frontier Market status.
A potential MSCI upgrade for South Korea could bring substantial foreign capital inflows, but full alignment with developed market standards remains a work in progress.
