The South Korean won strengthened to 1,416.1 per U.S. dollar on Friday as exporters sold dollars amid renewed Middle East tension and rising global oil prices, despite foreign net selling of local stocks.
KOSPI falls 0.6% to 6,258.77 amid foreign selling due to Middle East tensions, particularly over Iran's threat to block the Strait of Hormuz, impacting oil prices and market volatility.
Seoul shares ended lower for a second straight session Friday, weighed down by foreign selling as renewed tensions in the Middle East over the Strait of Hormuz dampened investor sentiment.
Australian shares were on track to snap a five-day rally as Middle East tensions flared over a potential Strait of Hormuz transit ban. Meanwhile, markets processed corporate updates, economic forecasts, and AI-driven biological research.
A collection of international news reports covering Iranian warnings to Gulf nations, US military funding and ammunition stocks, developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Strait of Hormuz shipping fee discussions, and global market movements.
Ukraine admits failure to intercept Russian hypersonic missiles at night; Iran claims destruction of US planes in Jordan; Russia advances in Ukraine, liberating settlements; Global tensions rise with US, Iran, Israel, and Russia involved in various conflicts and diplomatic strains.
SK Hynix reports a 1,242% year-over-year increase in Q2 net profit to 93.9tn won, driven by AI industry demand for advanced memory chips. Despite record profits, shares fell 9.6% due to missed revenue and operating profit expectations.
US stocks (S&P 500, Nasdaq) fell as Middle East tensions drove oil prices up, inflation concerns rose, and investors scrutinized AI spending returns. Key earnings from Alphabet, Intel, and healthcare players like Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson also influenced the market.
Yemen's Houthi fighters claim Red Sea shipping attacks, threatening a key maritime route and exacerbating Middle East tensions. This occurs amidst ongoing US-Iran strikes and fears of a regional arms race following a Saudi nuclear deal.
South Korean food and confectionery companies, including Nongshim, CJ Foodville, and BR Korea, are raising product prices by 5.8% to 6.5% due to increased costs from the Korean won's depreciation and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.
Seoul stocks plunged nearly 6% on Friday, ending a three-day winning streak, as escalating Middle East tensions and a bearish outlook for the semiconductor sector sapped risk appetite. The KOSPI's sharp decline triggered a five-minute trading suspension.
South Korea will keep fuel price caps unchanged for four weeks, citing renewed US-Iran tensions in the Middle East and domestic inflation. The decision aims to shield the economy and consumers from global oil price volatility.
Seoul stocks experienced a sharp decline of nearly 6% on Friday, ending a three-day winning streak, as escalating tensions in the Middle East dampened investor risk appetite. The KOSPI fell 406.27 points, triggering a five-minute suspension of program trading.
Seoul stocks plunged nearly 6% on Friday, ending a three-day winning streak, as escalating Middle East tensions and a bearish outlook on the semiconductor sector by Morgan Stanley sapped risk appetite. The local currency, however, strengthened against the dollar.
South Korea's bourse operator activated a sell-side sidecar for the KOSPI benchmark index after it fell sharply, led by tech losses. The decline was linked to escalating Middle East tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about a potential "massive attack" on Iran.
UK average mortgage rates have increased to a month-ago level, driven by renewed Middle East tensions and Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea. This has pushed oil prices higher, stoked inflation fears, and reduced prospects for central bank interest rate cuts, leading major lenders to raise rates on new fixed deals.
Australians are advised against panic-buying fuel as prices rise due to Middle East tensions, though still below April's record highs. NRMA warns of profound economic impact, with potential interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank and an upcoming federal government announcement on the fuel excise.
Seoul stocks, led by tech heavyweights, fell sharply Friday morning, with the KOSPI down 4.87%, as investors reacted to escalating Middle East tensions and U.S. President Trump's threat against Iran, pushing oil prices higher.
The article says Houthi attacks and threats in the Red Sea could further disrupt global shipping as US-Iran conflict, Gulf instability and Saudi nuclear ambitions raise regional risks.
Australian families face travel uncertainty due to escalating US-Iran conflict, with government advice raised for Middle East transit hubs like UAE. Despite no reported booking declines, travellers like Chris Turley and Sally O'Brien are worried about safety and costs, prompting some to alter plans.
South Korea and ASEAN are set to strengthen cooperation, implement their strategic partnership, and address the Middle East conflict's impact on trade and energy security during a foreign ministers' meeting in Manila. Discussions will also cover FTA upgrades, digital economy, and Korean Peninsula stability.
U.S. Treasury yields increased across the curve due to escalating Middle East tensions, though reports of ceasefire proposals tempered oil prices. Investors are monitoring energy prices, developments in the Iran conflict, and an upcoming U.S. PMI report.
U.S. Treasury yields increased across the curve on Tuesday, driven by escalating Middle East tensions. Reports of ceasefire mediation efforts tempered oil prices, but strategists warn government bonds remain vulnerable to energy price shifts and developments in the Iran conflict.
South Korea's industry ministry confirms stable crude oil supply for July-September despite renewed Middle East tensions, including Houthi rebel threats in the Red Sea. The ministry is closely monitoring major shipping routes and has secured sufficient oil.
