iShares MSCI Korea UCITS ETF USD (Dist)

IKOR

02848

HKOD

Citi has raised its target for the South Korea KOSPI Index from 7,000 to 8,500 for this year, citing strong earnings growth in the semiconductor sector and government initiatives. The KOSPI Index has risen over 70% this year, reaching 7,411. The report highlights that South Korea's economy is benefiting from robust semiconductor growth and improving manufacturing fundamentals, with corporate earnings expected to grow 177% YoY. South Korean memory chip suppliers are anticipated to continue thriving due to customization demand and long-term agreements.

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Citi Raises South Korea KOSPI Index Target to 8,500 This Year

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512760

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The Bank of Korea's senior deputy governor, Ryoo Sang-dai, indicated that the central bank would adopt a more hawkish stance on monetary policy, considering interest rate hikes at the upcoming meeting. He noted persistent inflation pressures despite government efforts to manage consumer prices, while projecting economic growth of approximately 2% this year, driven by a surge in chip exports.

- South Korea's Bank's Senior Vice Governor stated that monetary policy guidance will become more hawkish at the upcoming meeting later this month.  
- During a press conference at the Asian Development Bank meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, he discussed inflation pressures despite recent government measures to control consumer prices.  
- He also noted that economic growth is expected to reach about 2% this year, largely due to the boom in chip exports.

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Direxion Semicon Bull 3X

Guotai CES Semiconductor Chip Industry ETF

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VanEck Semiconductor ETF

Bank of Korea deputy chief says time to consider rate hikes

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The Japanese and South Korean stock markets have both reached new highs. According to Jin10, the Nikkei 225 index in Japan is currently up by 0.47%, while South Korea's KOSPI index has increased by over 1%.

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STOCKS | Japanese and South Korean Stock Markets Reach New Highs

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The new governor of the Bank of Korea, Shin Hyun-song, has committed to advancing blockchain finance, focusing on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and deposit tokens. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized the need for price stability and structural economic reforms while omitting any mention of stablecoins, despite their growing importance in South Korea's digital landscape. The Bank plans to expand CBDC initiatives and collaborate on global projects to enhance the Korean won's role in digital finance, while discussions on a legal framework for stablecoins are expected to resume post-elections.

- The new governor of the Bank of Korea, Shin Hyun-sung, pledged to support blockchain-based financial innovations and emphasized the central bank's role in stabilizing prices amid supply shocks.  
- Shin announced plans to expand the use of central bank digital currency (CBDC) and deposit certificates through the ongoing Han River project and to enhance the won's role in global payment systems via international collaborations.  
- Notably, he did not mention stablecoins linked to the won, despite their growing importance in Korea's digital transformation, as lawmakers work on a legal framework for local stablecoins.

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Bank of Korea’s new chief vows to push CBDC, deposit tokens; leaves out stablecoins

According to official announcements, Upbit will launch SOON pairs.

Upbit will list SOON Korean Won

1346

2525

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Asia-Pacific stock markets closed higher, with South Korea's KOSPI index surging 2.07%, leading the region, while Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.44%. In contrast, the Chinese market showed limited gains due to slowing export growth and cautious sentiment. The rise in South Korea and Japan was driven by easing geopolitical risks and improved macroeconomic expectations, particularly from lower oil prices, while China's performance was constrained by its own economic data.

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China, Japan, and South Korea Stocks Diverge at Close: South Korea Surges 2% to Lead Asia-Pacific, Japan Follows, Why Is the Chinese Market Relatively Restrained?

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The nominee for the Governor of the Bank of Korea, Shin Hyun-sung, warned of high external uncertainties, with major risks including tensions in the Middle East, rising global energy prices, and policy changes in major economies. He pointed out that soaring oil prices and the depreciation of the Korean won could drive up inflation and suppress economic growth. Despite strong demand for semiconductors and support from supplementary budgets, economic growth remains below expectations. He believes the risk of stagflation is limited but warns that the exchange rate of the Korean won should not fluctuate excessively

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The nominee for the South Korean central bank governor warns of inflation risks and cautions against excessive fluctuations in the Korean won exchange rate

According to the official announcement, BITHUMB will launch the ZAMA Korean Won pair.

BITHUMB will launch ZAMA Korean Won exchange rate.

The Bank of Korea (BOK) governor nominee, Shin Hyun-song, has indicated a readiness to intervene against excessive weakness of the Korean won due to rising inflation risks and geopolitical tensions, particularly from the Middle East. The won has shown significant volatility, recently nearing 1,500 per dollar. Shin emphasized monitoring foreign exchange conditions and highlighted inflation, especially from energy prices, as a key factor in future policy decisions. Despite growth challenges, strong semiconductor exports provide some support, but the overall policy outlook remains uncertain with an intensified inflation-growth trade-off.

- The Bank of Korea is signaling readiness to address foreign exchange volatility due to geopolitical risks and rising inflation concerns, despite uneven economic growth.  
- The central bank's upcoming governor highlighted that the Korean won is under significant depreciation pressure, particularly influenced by Middle Eastern tensions and failed negotiations.  
- With inflation becoming a key factor in policy decisions, the central bank is adapting its stance to prioritize monetary stability while facing challenges from external market forces.

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BOK nominee flags intervention action on won weakness as inflation risks rise

South Korean central bank nominee Shin Hyun-sung: If the South Korean won depreciates excessively, a response is needed. The policy priority is to address inflationary pressures brought about by the Middle East war

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iShares MSCI Korea UCITS ETF USD (Dist)(IKOR.UK)