Latest available data shows both Korean and US equity indices posting gains, while volatility has fallen and commodities have retreated, suggesting a broad risk‑on bias. At the same time, central banks in both regions are signalling further tightening, which could test the durability of the current rally.
Korea. The KOSPI rose 0.46% and the KOSDAQ slipped 0.11% in the latest session, reflecting modestly divergent momentum within the domestic market. Domestic headlines highlight a projected 3.2% average growth for Korea, the strongest among G20 advanced economies, alongside expectations that the Bank of Korea may raise rates again before year‑end.
US. US benchmarks posted gains – the S&P 500 up 0.73%, Nasdaq up 1.19% and Dow up 0.49% – on the back of a 0.76% rise in the 10‑year Treasury yield and a 6.6% drop in the VIX. The dollar index slipped 0.17% while gold and WTI oil fell 0.95% and 1.90% respectively, underscoring a risk‑on environment despite higher yields.
Iran's diplomat said on Sunday there was no military solution to the US war against Iran as peace talks appeared stalled. Washington has scaled back attacks in favour of economic pressure, while Iran's attempted Hormuz blockade remains contentious. A UK maritime agency reported another tanker hit by an unidentified projectile.
France 24
The leader of Yemen's Saudi-backed government announced the beginning of a major military operation against the Iran-backed Houthis on Sunday aimed at recapturing territory under their control. The announcement came as Houthi forces cut off a vital supply route to the besieged government-held city of Taiz, according to several security sources.
France 24
Britain under pressure to put tariffs on cheap Chinese vehicle imports ahead of protectionist trade measuresBritain’s car industry is grappling with a “difficult trade-off” between China and Europe, as manufacturers struggle to balance the benefits of both markets ahead of looming trade measures that could restrict UK exports to the EU.The UK is an outlier in choosing not to put import taxes on Chinese vehicles, even as the US hasshut them out almost entirely, and the EU imposesduties of up to 45%.Continue reading...
The Guardian
Global campaign group 350.org urges Cop31 hosts to announce a coal phase-out date and national roadmaps to get off fossil fuelsSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereThe hosts of the next major United Nations climate conference, Turkey and Australia, are facing criticism for being partners in a coal supply chain while remaining near silent on the need for a global deal to rapidly get off fossil fuels.With the Cop31 summit in the Turkish Mediterranean city of Antalya just a month away, the two countries running the fortnight-long talks have been accused by activists of a “vacuum of action” on plans for a transition away from coal, gas and oil – a key goal of many nations at the talks.Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s Clear Air column as a free newsletterContinue reading...
The Guardian
Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim is expected to roll out a populist budget on Friday aimed at placating voter concerns over the cost of living and access to essential services, experts say, as the prime minister seeks to shore up support ahead of a general election that could be called as soon as next year. Anwar’s coalition government is under mounting pressure amid a deepening feud with Umno. The Malay nationalist party, a key partner in Anwar’s administration, has demanded a snap poll after defeating...
SCMP
The South Korean economy is projected to show the highest growth rate among the Group of 20 (G20) advanced nations this year and next year. The average growth rate for the two years is expected to be 3.2%, outpacing the second-placed United States by 1 percentage point (p). This growth rate is twice the potential growth rate that can be achieved without increasing inflationary pressure. Due to this higher-than-expected high growth, the gross domestic product (GDP) gap, which has been negative for over a decade, is rapidly narrowing. As actual GDP is expected to exceed potential GDP from this month until the end of the year, the GDP gap is anticipated to turn positive. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s September interim economic outlook on the 4th, South Korea's real GDP growth rate is projected to be 3.7% this year and 2.6% next year. This was the highest for both years among the nine countries classified by the OECD as the G20 advanced nations group. This year, it is expected to significantly outpace the US (2.2%), Australia (1.9%), Germany and the UK (1.1% each), and Japan (0.8%). Next year, the US (2.1%) will follow South Korea, followed by Australia (1.7%) and Canada (1.3%).
동아일보
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Park Jae-ha - A public opinion poll released on the 5th showed that President Lee Jae-myung's state affairs performance approval rating fell slightly for the first time in three weeks.
연합뉴스
In the market, observations are being made that not only the US Federal Reserve (Fed) but also the Bank of Korea will raise the benchmark interest rate again within this year. The Bank of Korea raised the benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points each in two consecutive sessions in July and August, bringing it to the current annual rate of 3.00%...
뉴시스
[Nagoya = Sports Chosun Reporter Park Chan-jun] In the end, they failed to reach their target. The South Korean delegation received its worst report card in 44 years. The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which opened on the 19th of last month, concluded its 16 days of fierce competition and closed on the 4th. South Korea won 39 gold, 43 silver, and 68 bronze medals, finishing 3rd overall. This is the same ranking as the previous Hangzhou Games. Fencing Men's Sabre
조선일보
The Democratic Party of Korea, which is struggling with the recent deterioration of public sentiment in Seoul, is showing a 'rightward shift' in its real estate policies day after day. In particular, as the Democratic Party is keeping in mind the possibility of a Seoul mayoral by-election being held next year, it is expected to continue its real estate policy...
서울신문