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  • Bitcoin Surpasses $65,000 Amid Renewed ETF Inflows
    Bitcoin Surpasses $65,000 Amid Renewed ETF Inflows Bitcoin has surpassed the $65,000 mark again, attributed to renewed inflows into U.S. Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have helped restore some investor confidence.According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin was trading at $65,040 as of 8 a.m. on August 10, reflecting a 0.22% increase from the previous day. The cryptocurrency had dipped to around $63,000 on July 28 before rebounding.Market analysts believe that the influx of funds into U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs has supported the price increase, with approximately 1 trillion won (about $850 million) flowing into these ETFs last week.However, there are concerns that the delay in processing the CLARITY Act, a legislative proposal aimed at structuring the U.S. cryptocurrency market, may hinder further price increases. The U.S. Senate is currently on summer recess, and discussions on the CLARITY Act are expected to resume in mid-September.Most major altcoins also showed upward trends. At the same time, Solana rose 1.10% to $76.96, while Ethereum increased by 0.13% to $1,918.53. In contrast, Ripple (XRP) fell 0.21% to $1.03.The Fear & Greed Index, which reflects investor sentiment in the cryptocurrency market, recorded a score of 40, indicating a 'neutral' stance.Meanwhile, on the domestic exchange Bithumb, Bitcoin was trading at approximately 91,309,000 won (about $64,712), down 0.33% from the previous day. The so-called 'Kimchi Premium,' which indicates the price difference between domestic and international markets, stood at -0.32%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 08:24:00
  • IBK Securities Raises Target Price for Sanil Electric Amid Growing Demand for Special Transformers
    IBK Securities Raises Target Price for Sanil Electric Amid Growing Demand for Special Transformers IBK Securities announced on August 10 that it has raised its target price for Sanil Electric from 180,000 won to 220,000 won, an increase of 22.2%. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating, citing expanding demand for special transformers driven by growth in sectors such as data centers, renewable energy, and energy storage systems (ESS).Kim Tae-hyun, a researcher at IBK Securities, stated, "Following the formal vendor registration with Bloom Energy, subsequent orders for data centers are continuing. In Europe, new customer acquisitions are leading to increased orders in the renewable energy sector, suggesting sustained strong demand for special transformers. In the U.S. power grid market, demand for high-spec products is expanding, and efforts to secure new utility customers are underway."Sanil Electric reported consolidated revenue of 164.2 billion won and an operating profit of 62.2 billion won for the second quarter, marking increases of 28.0% and 34.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, aligning with market expectations. The growth in sales of special transformers, driven by the expansion of the renewable energy, data center, and ESS sectors, led to a record quarterly revenue, with an operating profit margin improving by 1.8 percentage points to 37.9% year-on-year.Notably, orders for data centers were identified as a key driver of performance growth. Revenue from special transformers for renewable energy, data centers, and ESS reached 132.4 billion won in the second quarter, a 51.7% increase from the previous year. In contrast, revenue from transformers for power grids fell by 30.6% to 26.6 billion won.Order expansion is also ongoing. In April, Sanil Electric signed a supply contract for special transformers for Bloom Energy's U.S. data center worth approximately 50.3 billion won. New orders in the second quarter totaled 243.5 billion won, a 163.4% increase year-on-year, while the order backlog rose by 32.7% to 556.7 billion won. Special transformers accounted for about 90% of both new orders and the order backlog.IBK Securities forecasts that revenue for the second half of the year will reach 374.2 billion won, with operating profit expected to be 133.4 billion won, representing increases of 36.1% and 40.6% year-on-year, respectively. Kim noted, "If related orders in the U.S. power grid market become visible in the second half, the contribution of transformers for power grids to performance is expected to increase next year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 08:12:00
  • KB Securities Maintains Buy Rating on Samsung Electronics Amid Shareholder Return Expectations
    KB Securities Maintains Buy Rating on Samsung Electronics Amid Shareholder Return Expectations KB Securities has maintained a target price of 600,000 won and a 'buy' rating on Samsung Electronics. The firm believes that the company has entered a phase of aggressive investment expansion due to the implementation of a large-scale shareholder return policy and improvements in the memory market.Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, stated, "The scale of the shareholder return policy, which will be announced soon, could expand from the current annual 9.8 trillion won to a minimum of 100 trillion won and a maximum of 200 trillion won. This could serve as a catalyst for a reevaluation of the stock price."KB Securities forecasts that Samsung Electronics will achieve an operating profit of 112 trillion won in the third quarter, an 817% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of record performance. The operating profit margins for DRAM and NAND flash are estimated at 83% and 71%, respectively.The firm also anticipates that the memory supply shortage will continue for the time being. Currently, the fulfillment rate of memory demand from major tech companies is around 60%, and since it takes over three years to establish new production facilities, a supply shortage is expected to persist for at least three years.Kim added, "By 2027, the average selling price (ASP) of Samsung Electronics' HBM is expected to more than double compared to the previous year, and the market share for HBM4 is projected to reach 44%, securing the top position. We are currently in a phase of confident buying."KB Securities predicts that Samsung Electronics' annual operating profit will reach 381.8 trillion won this year and 575.4 trillion won next year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 08:08:00
  • Zelenskyy turns to Seoul for air defense on surge in N. Korean force in Russia
    Zelenskyy turns to Seoul for air defense on surge in N. Korean force in Russia SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to South Korea for air-defense support as he warned that as many as additional North Korean troops could be deployed to Russia. Zelenskyy said in a post on X over the weekend that the number of North Korean personnel appearing in Russia had steadily increased from hundreds to thousands and that a decision had now been made to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000. The figure marked a sharp increase from his estimate in late July that Russia was preparing to receive another 30,000 North Korean troops. Zelenskyy did not disclose the source of his latest estimate, and the claim has not been independently verified. "They are studying this war," Zelenskyy wrote, warning that North Korea could carry battlefield lessons learned in Ukraine back to Asia in any future conflict. He said Ukraine had already found North Korean missiles on its territory and argued that Pyongyang was likely to gain not only combat experience but also military technology and know-how from Russia. "It is absolutely clear that North Korea will continue to build its experience in modern warfare," he said, adding that Pyongyang could receive Russian licenses and military equipment. Zelenskyy used the growing Russia-North Korea military partnership to make a direct appeal to Seoul. He said Ukraine wanted closer cooperation with South Korea and "would very much like to receive support" in an area where Kyiv faces a shortage, identifying air-defense systems in particular. "We are ready to work on the Drone Deal and other areas as well," he said, adding that Ukrainian diplomats were already in contact with their South Korean counterparts. Zelenskyy acknowledged what he described as South Korea's legal restrictions on such cooperation. Seoul has maintained a policy of not directly supplying lethal weapons to countries at war, a position the Lee Jae Myung administration reaffirmed as recently as July, when Lee met Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara and pledged $100 million for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Ukraine. The South Korean government had not publicly responded to Zelenskyy's latest request as of early Monday. North Korea sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk region beginning in 2024 to help Russian forces repel Ukraine's cross-border incursion, according to South Korean and Ukrainian assessments. Moscow and Pyongyang acknowledged in April 2025 that North Korean forces had fought Ukrainian troops there, ending months of denials and ambiguity surrounding the deployment. Ukrainian military intelligence estimated earlier about 9,500 North Korean troops remained in Kursk, although they were no longer directly engaged in combat. Russia has also said North Korea would provide 1,000 military engineers for demining and 5,000 military construction workers to rebuild areas damaged by the fighting. Ukraine's military intelligence also claimed that a roughly 90-member North Korean missile unit had begun deploying to Russia's western Voronezh region and could eventually operate as many as 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes on Ukraine. At least 40 missiles had already been supplied, according to the Ukrainian official. "We have already found North Korean missiles on the territory of Ukraine. Today, this is already an established fact," Zelenskyy wrote. His intelligence earlier estimated North Korean supplies account for roughly half the ammunition Russia uses on parts of the front. The exchange has accelerated since Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in Pyongyang in June 2024, including a provision requiring military and other assistance if either country comes under armed attack. North Korea has since portrayed its intervention in Russia as fulfillment of obligations to a treaty partner. "If we are talking about crises and escalation in another region — in the Pacific — which could pose a threat to other Asian countries," Zelenskyy wrote, "then North Korea will certainly gain experience in modern warfare under Russia." AJP Takeaways Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking South Korean air-defense support, saying Kyiv and Seoul are already in diplomatic contact over possible military cooperation, including drones. Zelenskyy says Russia could receive 30,000 to 50,000 additional North Korean troops, on top of the roughly 14,000 North Koreans estimated to have fought for Moscow since 2024. Deepening North Korea-Russia military ties are raising security concerns for South Korea and Asia, as Pyongyang gains battlefield experience in drones, missiles and modern warfare while potentially receiving Russian military technology in return. 2026-08-10 07:34:54
  • Countdown to Delisting for Penny Stocks as 48 Companies Face Management Designation
    Countdown to Delisting for Penny Stocks as 48 Companies Face Management Designation Many so-called 'penny stocks' with share prices below 1,000 won are facing delisting risks. As of August 7, a total of 48 companies, including 10 on the KOSPI and 38 on the KOSDAQ, have announced concerns about being designated as management stocks due to their share prices falling below 1,000 won.Among these, 43 companies issued announcements on August 5. Since the delisting criteria were tightened on August 1, companies whose share prices have remained below 1,000 won for 25 consecutive trading days since August 5 are required to disclose their management designation concerns.Companies that announced on August 5 are likely to be designated as management stocks starting August 13 if they do not escape the 'penny stock' status by August 12. The number of affected companies may increase, as over 160 listed companies, including 32 on the KOSPI and 131 on the KOSDAQ, had share prices below 1,000 won as of August 7.The tightening of market capitalization requirements (300 billion won for KOSPI and 200 billion won for KOSDAQ) is also putting pressure on smaller listed companies. Since August 1, 56 companies have disclosed concerns about management designation due to falling short of market capitalization requirements, with 28 of these already designated as management stocks.As of August 7, 41 companies on the KOSPI and 194 on the KOSDAQ fell below the market capitalization criteria, with 10.6% of the 1,820 listed companies on the KOSDAQ not meeting the standards.Companies are attempting to boost their share prices and market capitalizations through measures such as capital increases, share buybacks, stock consolidations, and mergers and acquisitions, but the effectiveness of these strategies has been limited.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 07:32:00
  • Trump Economic Advisor Acknowledges High Food and Gas Prices, Disputes Tariff Impact
    Trump Economic Advisor Acknowledges High Food and Gas Prices, Disputes Tariff Impact Kevin Hassett, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Donald Trump, acknowledged that food and gas prices remain 'still high.' However, he countered claims that tariff policies are increasing consumer burdens, stating, 'Overall prices are stabilizing rapidly.'In an interview on August 9, Hassett remarked, 'Food prices are still too high, and there are many challenges that need to be addressed.'Regarding rising gas prices due to the war in Iran, he admitted, 'They are still higher than we would like.' However, he noted that international oil prices, which exceeded $100 per barrel during the height of the conflict, have recently dropped to the high $70s to low $80s, and he anticipates further declines.Hassett explained that factors such as U.S. Navy escorting commercial vessels, increased domestic oil production, and exemptions from the Jones Act have contributed to the decrease in gas prices. The Jones Act restricts cargo transport between U.S. ports to American vessels, but the Trump administration has temporarily exempted foreign ships from transporting oil and fuel within the U.S. following the Iran conflict.He stated, 'About 100 million barrels of U.S. oil are being transported to the East and West Coasts due to the Jones Act exemption,' adding that energy prices could fall further if tensions in the Gulf region ease.Hassett drew a line against claims that tariffs have driven up prices, emphasizing that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.4% in June, and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index decreased by 0.1%. 'All price indicators are slowing down,' he asserted.However, both the June CPI and PCE price index increased by 3.5% and 3.7%, respectively, compared to a year earlier, indicating that price pressures have not completely dissipated. Food prices also rose by 3.0% year-over-year.The White House and the Federal Reserve have differing views on the impact of tariffs on prices. The Fed recently reported that tariff increases have had some effect on rising consumer goods prices.Despite this, Hassett characterized the Trump administration's tariff policy as a 'very successful trade policy,' asserting that increased domestic production by companies will lead to job growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 07:32:00
  • Two Private Aircraft Breach Airspace Over Trump Golf Club, F-16s Scrambled
    Two Private Aircraft Breach Airspace Over Trump Golf Club, F-16s Scrambled Two private aircraft entered a restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump was present, prompting the U.S. military to scramble F-16 fighter jets. According to Reuters and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the two general aviation aircraft breached the temporary flight restriction (TFR) established over Bedminster on August 9. NORAD dispatched F-16s to guide the aircraft out of the restricted area. The reason for the aircraft entering the TFR has not yet been confirmed. At the time, President Trump was attending the LIV Golf New York tournament at his Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Pilots are required to check relevant flight information, including temporary flight restrictions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), before flying. NORAD stated that the specifics of this incident will be determined by the FAA. This is not the first time private aircraft have entered restricted airspace near President Trump, as similar incidents occurred last month, leading to NORAD fighter jets being deployed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 07:24:00
  • Pope Leo XIV Urges Russia and Ukraine to Halt Attacks on Civilians
    Pope Leo XIV Urges Russia and Ukraine to Halt Attacks on Civilians Pope Leo XIV has called on both Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks targeting civilians, as casualties continue to mount on both sides.On August 9, during the Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Pope stated, "As attacks continue, civilian casualties, including children, are increasing." He emphasized, "I sincerely appeal to both sides to respect international law and to stop attacks on civilian facilities."On the same day the Pope made his appeal, civilian casualties were reported in both Russia and Ukraine. In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, three people were killed and 37 injured due to Russian attacks. In Belgorod, Russia, six people died from a Ukrainian drone strike.Civilian casualties in Ukraine have surged recently. According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured in Ukraine during the first half of this year, a 37% increase compared to the same period last year.The UN has analyzed that the increase in civilian casualties is primarily due to the rise in long-range missile and drone attacks. Both Russia and Ukraine maintain that they do not intentionally target civilians.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 06:44:00
  • Houthi Rebels Launch Missile and Drone Attacks in Yemens Mocha, Killing 11
    Houthi Rebels Launch Missile and Drone Attacks in Yemen's Mocha, Killing 11 The Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted a Saudi military base in the southwestern Yemeni port city of Mocha with ballistic missiles and drone strikes, resulting in at least 11 deaths and 32 injuries among Yemeni forces and civilians.On August 9, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated in a release, "We launched a large-scale attack aimed at Saudi military personnel and arsenals in the Mocha area."The Houthis claimed to have deployed multiple ballistic missiles and drones, asserting that there were numerous casualties on the Saudi side. However, Saudi military casualties have not been confirmed. According to medical sources cited by AFP from the Yemeni government, the attack resulted in the deaths of eight Yemeni soldiers and three civilians.Reports indicate that military bases of pro-government forces on the outskirts of Mocha and islands near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key route in the Red Sea, were also targeted.The Houthis claimed that the attack was a response to the reinforcement of Saudi troops and assaults on Yemen's western coast and the Taiz region. The Saudi side has not issued a separate statement regarding the Mocha attack.On the same day, the Houthis also claimed responsibility for a fire at the Saudi state oil company Aramco's refinery in Jizan, located in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities confirmed that a fire occurred at the facility but was extinguished, stating that there were no casualties, though they did not disclose the cause.Recently, the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and have continued attacks on Saudi vessels and oil facilities in the Red Sea. Saudi forces have also maintained their operations against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 06:40:00
  • U.S. Long-Term Treasury Yields Hit 19-Year High as Treasury Takes Action
    U.S. Long-Term Treasury Yields Hit 19-Year High as Treasury Takes Action As U.S. long-term Treasury yields soared to their highest level in 19 years, Treasury Secretary Scott Vessen and the Department of the Treasury are reportedly taking steps to prevent further increases in rates. On August 9, Bloomberg reported that Wall Street traders and market strategists view recent U.S. interventions to defend the yen, changes in Treasury issuance plans, and Vessen's support for Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh as signals to curb the rise in long-term Treasury yields. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond reached 5.28% on July 31, marking the highest level since July 2007. An increase in long-term rates raises the likelihood of higher mortgage and corporate bond rates, increasing interest burdens for households and businesses. Market analysts believe that the recent joint intervention by the U.S. and Japan to bolster the yen is also related to stabilizing the U.S. Treasury market. They suggest that Japan's potential sale of U.S. Treasuries to acquire dollars has diminished. Vessen has proposed increasing the limits of the Federal Reserve's Foreign and International Monetary Authorities (FIMA) repo facility, which allows foreign central banks to deposit U.S. Treasuries with the Fed in exchange for dollars, enabling Japan to secure dollars without selling Treasuries. Changes in the Treasury's issuance plans have also been noted. Last week, the Treasury announced adjustments to its quarterly issuance plans, changing the wording from 'increases' in future issuance to 'changes.' While the Treasury has not explicitly stated it will reduce long-term bond issuance immediately, the market interprets this as a signal that it may cut back on long-term bond sales if necessary. A reduction in Treasury issuance could decrease the supply of bonds in the market, potentially alleviating upward pressure on yields. Vessen's recent public support for Warsh is seen in the same context. Warsh emphasized the principle of price stability after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on July 29 but did not provide specific signals on future rate movements. This led to increased market uncertainty and a sharp rise in long-term Treasury yields. In a CNBC interview, Vessen stated, 'We need to move away from the practice of signaling the Fed's policy direction too far in advance,' defending Warsh. However, some analysts caution that the Treasury's actions alone may not be sufficient to reverse the trend of rising long-term yields. Phoebe White, head of U.S. interest rate strategy at UBS, noted, 'The market impact of recent actions may be limited,' adding that the Treasury will show it is willing to use all available means to prevent further increases in long-term Treasury yields.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 06:32:00