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The Bank of Korea announced that South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves experienced their largest monthly growth ever in August. By the end of that month, reserves reached $442.28 billion, according to the bank. This marked an increase of $14.33 billion from $427.95 billion at the close of July. The monthly surge was the most significant since the reserve data series began in 1971, and the total also hit its highest point since May 2022.

South Korea’s consumer prices increased by 3.1% in August compared to the same month last year, driven by rising fuel and mobile service costs. Fuel expenses, particularly petroleum products, rose by 14.2%, while mobile phone service charges surged by 26.7% due to a low comparison base from the previous year. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, also strengthened to 3.4%, the highest since May 2023. Prices for industrial goods and services increased by 3.7%, while food prices declined by 2.6%, led by lower vegetable and fruit prices.

August Korea Exports Reach $98.25 Billion, Marking a 68.7% Rise Fueled by Chip Sales SEOUL / RankWire.AI / – The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported that outbound shipments in August increased by 68.7% year-on-year, totaling $98.25 billion. This surge was primarily driven by persistent global demand for high-performance memory chips and AI infrastructure. The data also showed that imports grew by 22.6% over the same period to $63.51 billion, resulting in a net trade surplus of $34.75 billion. Korea’s August export figures represent a 15th consecutive month of trade expansion, extending Asia’s fourth-largest economy’s growth streak.

India’s economy grew 7.8% in Q1 FY27 as manufacturing, services and investment expanded. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported the real gross domestic product at ₹81.36 lakh crore for the quarter. This compares with ₹75.46 lakh crore recorded in the same period last year. Nominal GDP reached ₹88.27 lakh crore, reflecting a 10.3% increase from ₹80 lakh crore. The real gross value added, another indicator of economic activity, rose 8.2% to ₹73.82 lakh crore, while nominal GVA increased by 11.5% to ₹80.53 lakh crore. Manufacturing sector growth stood at 9.2%, whereas financial, real estate, and professional services experienced a 12.1% increase. Agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing expanded by 3.6%. Household consumption maintained its significant role, growing 7.1%. Investment also gained momentum, with gross fixed capital formation climbing nearly 12% compared to the previous year, reaching a share of 34.3% of nominal GDP, up from 31.4% in the same quarter last year.

Japan stocks remain in focus as Nikkei volatility meets rising bond yields and rate concerns. By the close of trading, the Nikkei had recovered most of its losses, ending at 66,311.93, down 93.63 points or 0.14%. This closing figure was significantly above its morning low and represented the highest point of the day. The Topix finished at 4,156.29, up 0.23%, reversing its initial decline. Market breadth improved as trading advanced, with 131 Nikkei stocks advancing, 91 declining, and three remaining unchanged. Bond yields reach levels unseen in thirty years Technology stocks exerted substantial influence over the early decline in equities, partly due to U.S. semiconductor shares weakening at the end of the previous week. The Nikkei’s price-weighted composition gives its largest technology components considerable sway over daily fluctuations. However, by the end of the session, gains in other sectors helped offset some of the earlier losses. Financial shares, particularly banks, performed relatively better than many technology stocks as domestic yields climbed. The Topix also outperformed the Nikkei during trading hours. The downward trend persisted into Tuesday. The Nikkei dropped about 1% during the trading day to reach 65,646.57, with semiconductor-related stocks among the main decliners. Japanese markets continued to face rising global bond yields and energy prices. Brent crude surpassed $91 per barrel as renewed Middle East conflicts pushed

Indonesia expands sports investment coordination through a new business licensing framework. The pact unites the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming with the Ministry of Youth and Sports around business licensing, investment promotion, and service facilitation for companies involved in sports sectors. These ministries will coordinate through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission system, known as OSS, ensuring collaboration on regulatory compliance, data sharing, and regulatory coordination. The framework is designed to support investment development within Indonesia’s sports sector, rather than setting a target for a US$521 billion domestic industry. Thohir emphasized that the global sports industry is valued at about US$521 billion, roughly equivalent to 8,000 trillion rupiah, with an annual growth rate of approximately 8%. He also noted that this figure does not include sport tourism, which he estimates at nearly US$600 billion worldwide. Indonesian officials see both sports and sports tourism as key areas for economic activity linked to events, travel, and supporting industries. The agreement establishes an administrative structure to facilitate investment activities within these sectors.

Al Dahra Agriculture Trading and Egypt’s General Authority for Supply Commodities have put into effect a five-year wheat supply deal valued at up to US$500 million. This agreement transitions a 2023 financing arrangement into a functioning import system for Egypt. Al Dahra will provide imported wheat to GASC financed by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office. The pact defines the purchasing process under this existing program.

Brent crude closed Monday at $92.17 a barrel, down $2.22 or 2.35%. WTI dropped by the same percentage, settling at $85.01 a barrel with a decrease of $2.05. During trading, the U.S. benchmark touched its lowest point in a week.

Alibaba stated that it will allocate 100% of the net proceeds directly toward enhancing its comprehensive AI capabilities. This funding will support expansion and upgrades across its AI infrastructure, which includes a broad ecosystem encompassing cloud computing, models, chips, and applications. Notably, its Qwen model series and Alibaba Cloud services are central components of this technological platform.

South Korea has embarked on its inaugural Arctic transit trial with a container vessel heading to Europe. The 2,758-TEU PanStar Acro departed from Busan New Port around 9 p.m. on August 22. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries verified the departure and announced the route schedule. The vessel plans to navigate through the Northern Sea Route, making stops at three European ports. The entire round trip is expected to take 45 days, concluding back in Busan on October 5.