Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Asian Stocks Slide as Chip Selloff Deepens Ahead of TSMC Earnings 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
South Korea’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in September, marking its first expansion in eight months as global demand improved, according to the latest S&P Global survey. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 50.7 from 48.3 in August, surpassing the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction. This was the highest reading since August 2024, driven by stronger output and new orders.
The rebound was fueled by new product launches and mass production, with overseas demand increasing for the first time in six months, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets. However, the domestic economy remained sluggish, limiting overall momentum. Economist Usamah Bhatti from S&P Global Market Intelligence noted that conditions are likely to remain favorable in the near term as manufacturers reported higher outstanding work.
South Korea’s trade-reliant economy already recorded strong growth in the second quarter, supported by robust exports in the technology sector and a rebound in consumer spending. Still, ongoing uncertainty surrounds trade talks with the U.S., where a preliminary deal announced in July has yet to be formalized due to concerns about a $350 billion investment package and its foreign exchange implications. Tariffs imposed by the U.S. remain a potential risk for Korean exporters.
The survey also showed that input purchase inventories declined at the fastest rate since April 2024 due to rising demand, while backlogs of work grew for the first time in half a year. In response, manufacturers boosted new purchases to a 13-month high and expanded employment at the fastest pace in two years. Business confidence stayed positive, though slightly weaker than the previous month, with expectations pinned on new product rollouts and gradual domestic recovery.
At the same time, manufacturers remain cautious about the potential long-term impact of U.S. tariffs on key industries, balancing optimism with lingering trade concerns.
