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China Hosts Over 180 APEC Events, Prepares for Leaders' Summit

China Hosts Over 180 APEC Events, Prepares for Leaders' Summit

China has been actively hosting a series of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events as part of the 'China Year,' with over 180 meetings and activities conducted so far. The APEC Digital Weeks 2026, held in Chengdu, focused on digital technology and AI, marking a significant step in APEC's digital cooperation. The event included discussions on digital growth and field tours in Chengdu. Additionally, the APEC Forestry Ministerial Meeting in Shenzhen achieved consensus on global forestry goals. China plans to continue hosting meetings on various topics, including food security and finance, leading up to the APEC leaders' summit in November.

South Korea's AI Chip Demand Boosts Exports, Impacts U.S. Tech Investments

South Korea's AI Chip Demand Boosts Exports, Impacts U.S. Tech Investments

South Korea's AI Chip Demand Boosts Exports, Impacts U.S. Tech Investments

South Korea's July Exports Surpass Expectations Due to AI Chip Demand

South Korea's July Exports Surpass Expectations Due to AI Chip Demand

South Korea's exports in July significantly exceeded forecasts, driven by robust demand for AI chips and computers. Exports rose 62.8% year-over-year to $98.89 billion, surpassing the 59.0% increase predicted by economists. This growth was primarily fueled by a 179% surge in semiconductor exports and a 404% increase in computer exports, reflecting strong global investment in AI technology. Despite this, South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index experienced a 22% decline in July, its largest monthly drop since 2008, due to a sell-off in AI-related shares. However, the index rebounded with a record rally as investment returned to global semiconductor stocks. Exports to China and the U.S. saw significant increases, while imports rose 26.5%, resulting in a trade surplus of $30.32 billion.

North Korea's Economy Grows 3.5% in 2025 Amid Strengthened Russia Ties

North Korea's Economy Grows 3.5% in 2025 Amid Strengthened Russia Ties

North Korea's economy expanded by 3.5% in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of growth exceeding 3%, according to South Korea's central bank. This growth is attributed to increased economic cooperation with Russia, enhanced trade with China, and state-led construction projects. The Bank of Korea (BOK) reported that North Korea's GDP growth followed a 3.7% increase in 2024 and a 3.1% rise in 2023. The mining and manufacturing sectors, which constitute 30.1% of the GDP, saw a 4.9% increase, driven by manufacturing growth and weapons production for Russia. The construction sector grew by 6.3%, fueled by nonresidential construction and public works. The service and agricultural sectors also experienced growth, contributing to the overall economic expansion.

South Korea July exports beat forecasts on robust demand for AI investments

South Korea July exports beat forecasts on robust demand for AI investments

SEOUL, Aug 1 (Reuters) - South Korea's exports grew more strongly than expected in July on global chip and computer demand for AI investments.

South Korea’s Kospi index jumps nearly 18% on a surge in chipmaking stocks

South Korea’s Kospi index jumps nearly 18% on a surge in chipmaking stocks

South Korea’s Kospi index has jumped nearly 18% as artificial intelligence-related stocks bounce back after losses earlier this week

South Korea’s Kospi index jumps more than 16% on a surge of chipmaking stocks

South Korea’s Kospi index jumps more than 16% on a surge of chipmaking stocks

South Korea’s Kospi index has jumped more than 16% as artificial intelligence-related stocks bounced back after losses this week

Asia stocks surge, yen steals spotlight after suspected intervention

Asia stocks surge, yen steals spotlight after suspected intervention

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, July 31 (Reuters) - Asian markets rallied hard with Wall Street on Friday as South Korea's battered market made a record comeback, stirring hopes that the recent selloff in AI-linked assets may be near an end.

South Korea's Economic Dependency on Semiconductors Exposed by Stock Market Correction

South Korea's Economic Dependency on Semiconductors Exposed by Stock Market Correction

South Korea's Economic Dependency on Semiconductors Exposed by Stock Market Correction

Stocks surge, yen awaits BOJ presser after intervention boost

Stocks surge, yen awaits BOJ presser after intervention boost

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, July 31 (Reuters) - Asian markets rallied hard with Wall Street on Friday as South Korea's battered market made a record comeback, stirring hopes that a recent rout in AI-related stocks had run out of steam.

Asia stocks surge, yen falls after BOJ holds rates

Asia stocks surge, yen falls after BOJ holds rates

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, July 31 (Reuters) - Asian markets rallied hard with Wall Street on Friday as South Korea's battered market made a record comeback, stirring hopes that the recent selloff in AI-linked assets may be near an end.

Asia stocks surge, yen awaits Ueda's presser after intervention boost

Asia stocks surge, yen awaits Ueda's presser after intervention boost

By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, July 31 (Reuters) - Asian markets rallied hard with Wall Street on Friday as South Korea's battered market made a record comeback, stirring hopes that a recent selloff in AI-linked assets may be near an end.