IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
South Korea has raised concerns over the economic fallout from the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, particularly regarding the country’s trade and energy stability. First Vice Industry Minister Moon Shin-hak said Monday that the situation in the Middle East has entered a new phase, triggering fears over potential disruptions to exports and imports. His remarks came during a monthly export monitoring meeting, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The warning comes as oil prices surged to their highest levels since January, with markets on edge over the possibility of Iranian retaliation. Analysts say any attempt by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for nearly 20% of global crude oil supply—could send prices even higher and strain energy-dependent economies like South Korea.
South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, is highly reliant on exports and imported energy. In 2023, 72% of its crude oil imports came from the Middle East, underscoring its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks in the region.
In response to rising tensions, Seoul held an emergency security meeting on Sunday to assess the potential economic impact of the U.S. military action. As a precautionary diplomatic move, President Lee Jae Myung will skip this week’s NATO summit, citing uncertainties stemming from the situation in the Middle East.
The developments highlight South Korea’s exposure to global energy supply disruptions and the broader economic risks posed by escalating conflict in the region. As tensions rise, policymakers are closely monitoring oil prices and trade flows to mitigate the impact on the export-driven economy.
