Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
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 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
South Korea’s exports grew for the second consecutive month in July, driven by a sharp rise in semiconductor shipments despite ongoing global trade tensions. According to trade data released Friday, outbound shipments rose 5.9% year-on-year to $60.82 billion, surpassing market expectations of 4.6% growth and accelerating from June’s 4.3% increase.
Economists attributed part of the surge to front-loading ahead of new U.S. tariffs taking effect on August 1. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on dozens of countries, but a separate trade deal with South Korea reduced the rate to 15% from a threatened 25%, easing some uncertainty for exporters.
Semiconductor exports soared 39.3%, the strongest annual gain since October 2024, reflecting robust global demand for advanced chips. Car exports climbed 8.8%, supported by non-U.S. markets, while ship exports more than doubled, surging 107.6% year-on-year. By destination, shipments to the United States rose 1.4%, offsetting tariff-related pressures on steel and auto parts. Exports to China declined 3.0%, while those to the European Union increased 8.7%.
Imports grew 0.7% to $54.21 billion, slightly below expectations, leaving a trade surplus of $6.61 billion for the month. Although narrower than June’s $9.08 billion—the largest surplus since September 2018—the figure underscores South Korea’s resilience amid shifting trade dynamics.
The strong performance of semiconductor exports reinforces South Korea’s role as a bellwether for global technology demand and trade trends. Analysts expect chip momentum to continue into the coming months, though risks from escalating tariffs and weaker demand in China remain key factors to watch for Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
