Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Increased Likelihood of Hikes This Year The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate steady, but the call for rate hikes from three members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has increased the likelihood of additional increases this year.Last month, all 12 voting members of the FOMC agreed to maintain the current rate, but this time, three members advocated for a 0.25 percentage point increase. In the Fed's recent interest rate projections, half of the members anticipated at least one rate hike by July 30, 2026

MirrorAI Launches AI Dating App 'Mirror' to Facilitate Introductions MirrorAI has announced the launch of its relationship agent app, 'Mirror,' which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to engage in initial conversations with other users' AIs and analyze compatibility.Unlike traditional dating apps that focus on profiles and conditions, Mirror employs an AI that learns users' preferences, values, and communication styles to find suitable matches. The AI reduces the burden of making first contact and the fatigue of repetitive condition searches, leaving the final de July 30, 2026

Gwangju City Activates Drought Response Center for Agricultural Water Supply Gwangju City has activated an agricultural water drought response center to address the ongoing lack of rainfall and declining reservoir levels until the farming season concludes. On July 30, Gwangju City announced that it is collaborating with local governments and the Korea Rural Community Corporation to continuously monitor the agricultural water supply situation and implement an emergency water supply system in areas at risk of shortages. As of July 24, the average reservoir level for agricu July 30, 2026

Korea's Trade Chief Visits U.S. to Discuss Trade Issues Including Coupang Yeo Han-goo, head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's trade negotiation office, is set to visit the United States just five days after returning to Korea. This trip aims to address ongoing trade issues, including those related to Coupang.The ministry announced on July 30 that Yeo will be in the U.S. from today until August 2.A ministry official stated, "This visit is timed with the National Governors Association meeting, allowing for discussions with governors on key trade issues wit July 30, 2026

People Power Party Confirms Kim Jung-jae as Candidate for Gender Equality Family Committee Chair The People Power Party confirmed on July 30 that Kim Jung-jae, a three-term lawmaker, will be the candidate for the chair of the Gender Equality Family Committee in the 22nd National Assembly.During a party meeting held at the National Assembly, Kim was unanimously endorsed as the sole candidate for the position. Kim Seung-soo, the party's floor operations chief, announced, "I declare that Kim Jung-jae has been elected as the candidate for the chair of the Gender Equality Family Committee." Kim July 30, 2026

U.S. Military Considers Seizing Phones of Deployed Troops in the Middle East The U.S. military is reportedly considering seizing the cell phones of some troops deployed in the Middle East.According to Reuters on July 29, U.S. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper warned troops stationed in the region in a letter sent on July 28 not to post videos and photos taken with their phones online.Cooper noted that Iran is monitoring news reports and online posts to assess the reactions of U.S. troops and the success of attacks in near real-time. He stated, "The direct and unavoid July 30, 2026

Lotte Global Logistics Partners with FR Robotics to Develop AI-Powered Wearable Robots 롯데글로벌로지스가 로봇 전문기업 에프알티로보틱스와 AI(인공지능) 기반 웨어러블 로봇 공동 개발 및 상용화를 위한 업무협약을 체결했다고 30일 밝혔다.지난 29일 서울 강남구 에프알티로보틱스 스토어에서 열린 협약식에는 육창용 롯데글로벌로지스 테크놀로지부문장과 장재호 에프알티로보틱스 대표 등이 참석했다.앞서 양사는 지난 3월 정부 11개 부처가 공동 추진하는 AI 응용제품 신속 상용화 지원사업인 AX스프린트의 산업통상부 과제에 선정됐다. 이번 협약을 계기로 피지컬 AI를 활용한 근력 증강 웨어러블 로봇 개발과 물류 July 30, 2026

Seoul Retail Market Thrives While Regional Areas Struggle The retail rental market in Seoul has shown resilience, buoyed by an increase in foreign tourists and foot traffic, while regional markets continue to face challenges due to declining consumer spending and prolonged vacancies, highlighting a stark polarization in the commercial real estate sector.The Korea Real Estate Agency reported on July 30 that the national integrated retail rental price index fell by 0.03% compared to the previous quarter. In contrast, Seoul saw an increase of 0.46%, diver July 30, 2026

August Sees Surge in Apartment Supply with 39,000 Units Offered Despite the government's tightening of loan regulations, over 39,000 apartments are set to be offered nationwide in August, indicating a significant increase in supply even during the typically slow vacation season. However, rising prices and financing burdens are expected to concentrate subscription demand on complexes with favorable locations and product quality.On July 30, Real Estate 114 reported in its 'August Market Outlook' that 60 complexes, totaling 39,341 units (including rentals), are July 30, 2026

POSCO Holdings Reports 34.9% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit POSCO Holdings announced on July 30 that it recorded consolidated revenue of 19.26 trillion won, operating profit of 8.19 trillion won, and net profit of 7.61 trillion won for the second quarter of 2026. Both revenue and operating profit increased by 9.7% and 34.9%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.In the steel sector, POSCO managed to slightly boost revenue and operating profit from the previous quarter, despite rising raw material and oil prices, thanks to increased sales pr July 30, 2026