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  • Investment Strategies Shift as Market Volatility Increases, Says Shin Eol of Sangangin Securities
    Investment Strategies Shift as Market Volatility Increases, Says Shin Eol of Sangangin Securities "The market that used to generate profits solely from AI and semiconductor stocks is changing," said Shin Eol, head of the investment strategy team at Sangangin Securities. He noted that since July, the investment trend in the stock market has shifted significantly. Unlike the previous focus on AI and semiconductor stocks, many investors are now seeking strategies to survive in a more volatile market.In an interview on August 4, Shin explained that during the first half of the year, discussions about bonds or parking products were often met with skepticism. Investors were primarily focused on maximizing returns through stock investments. However, as market volatility has increased, interest in products that can mitigate this volatility has surged since mid-July.Shin identified parking-type exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and ultra-short-term bonds as key investment options. These products allow investors to earn interest while waiting for the right time to buy stocks, reflecting a trend toward more cautious investment strategies.He emphasized that in a volatile market, the role of bonds should focus on securing liquidity rather than just yield. Instead of holding cash for stock purchases or deposits, investing in ultra-short-term bonds can provide stable interest income while allowing investors to respond to opportunities."Investing parking funds in bonds is meaningful as it generates returns compared to simply holding cash, while also allowing for a shift to other assets when needed," he said. Investors can adjust their stock and bond allocations based on changing yield expectations, reducing stock exposure when bond yields rise and increasing it when bond yields fall.However, Shin pointed out that frequent trading of bond ETFs may not be advantageous due to transaction costs. He noted that for investors planning to hold bonds for a month or three, the utility of ultra-short-term bond ETFs is high, but if the plan is to hold funds for just a week, it may be better to keep them in cash.Interest rates are a crucial factor in bond investment. Sangangin Securities anticipates that the Bank of Korea will raise the benchmark interest rate once in the fourth quarter of this year and again in the first half of next year, reaching 3.25%. There is also a possibility that the final rate could rise to 3.50% if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East lead to a spike in oil prices.Shin advised that now is the time to invest in ultra-short-term bonds with maturities between six months and one and a half years, and to reinvest when interest rates rise. He suggested that once signals of an end to rate hikes are confirmed, investors should gradually extend their duration from ultra-short-term to short-term and then to medium-term bonds.He predicts that interest rate stability is likely to be seen in the latter part of the fourth quarter of this year, with a broader range of bond investment options becoming available between late Q1 and early Q2 of next year. Until then, he recommends a strategy focused on preserving principal and accumulating interest income with short maturities rather than hastily betting on long-term bond price increases.Shin clarified that the recommendation to increase bond allocations does not imply that bonds will yield higher returns than stocks. He believes that stocks will likely continue to have an edge in expected returns in the second half of the year.However, he stressed the importance of maintaining a mix of cash and ultra-short-term bonds to remain flexible during market corrections, rather than concentrating funds in a few stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as seen in the first half of the year. Even if indices rise in the medium to long term, market volatility can lead to losses depending on the timing of entry.Ultimately, Shin advised that discerning quality stocks will be crucial for second-half investments. Rather than simply looking for bargains, investors should assess whether profit growth translates into actual cash generation."In the first half, the focus was on how much money companies made, but now we need to consider how much they are investing in capital expenditures relative to their earnings," he said. He recommended maintaining liquidity through cash and short- to ultra-short-term bonds while focusing on companies with increasing earnings per share (EPS).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:12:00
  • CJ OnStyle Expands Support for Small Businesses Global Growth in Partnership with SBA
    CJ OnStyle Expands Support for Small Businesses' Global Growth in Partnership with SBA CJ OnStyle is partnering with the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) to support the global expansion of promising domestic small businesses.On August 6, CJ OnStyle announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the SBA to discover, nurture, and support the overseas expansion of promising small enterprises. The signing ceremony, held the previous day at the Seoul Business Agency, was attended by Lee Sun-young, CEO of CJ ENM's commerce division (CJ OnStyle), and Kim Hyun-woo, CEO of the SBA.This agreement aims to combine CJ OnStyle's brand discovery and nurturing capabilities with the SBA's infrastructure for supporting small businesses and its global network, thereby facilitating the overseas growth of domestic small business brands.The two parties plan to jointly identify promising small businesses and provide phased support for market validation using content, as well as expanding domestic and international sales channels and facilitating global entry. They will also leverage overseas exhibitions, trade fairs, and local distributor and buyer networks, and jointly promote marketing and live commerce linked to the global event SEOULCon.Kim Hyun-woo, CEO of the SBA, stated, "This will expand practical opportunities for promising small businesses in Seoul to take off on the global stage."A representative from CJ OnStyle added, "We will actively support more K-lifestyle brands to grow in the global market."Meanwhile, CJ OnStyle reported that during its summer Black Friday event, 'Come On Blp,' held from July 3 to 7, mobile app installations increased by 124% compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:12:00
  • What to Expect for the August 15 Liberation Day Holiday: Banks, Stock Market, Hospitals, and Delivery Services
    What to Expect for the August 15 Liberation Day Holiday: Banks, Stock Market, Hospitals, and Delivery Services As South Korea prepares for a three-day holiday in celebration of Liberation Day, there is growing interest in the operations of banks, the stock market, hospitals, and delivery services.This year, Liberation Day falls on Saturday, August 15. According to the current regulations regarding public holidays, if Liberation Day coincides with a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as a substitute holiday. Therefore, Monday, August 17, will be a legally mandated substitute holiday.▲ Banks will operate normally on August 14 and be closed on August 17Regular bank branches will be open on Friday, August 14, and will close on August 17 for the substitute holiday. Customers needing to complete transactions such as loans, foreign exchange, or various certificate issuances should do so by August 14. Some airport branches or flexible branches may operate on a different schedule, so it is advisable to check with the respective bank.However, while bank branches will be closed, not all financial transactions will cease. Mobile and internet banking services, as well as ATM deposits and withdrawals, will generally remain available. Availability and operational hours may vary by bank and device.▲ Korean stock market will also be closed on August 17The domestic stock market will open normally on August 14 but will be closed on August 17. According to the Korea Exchange regulations, public holidays are designated as non-trading days, and the 2026 schedule of the Korea Exchange confirms that both Liberation Day on August 15 and the substitute holiday on August 17 are marked.Trading and settlement of domestic stocks through the KOSPI, KOSDAQ, and alternative trading platform Nextrade will not occur on public holidays. Consequently, there will be no pre-market, regular market, or after-market trading on August 17. International stock markets will operate according to their own holiday schedules, independent of South Korea's substitute holiday.▲ Hospitals will not uniformly close; emergency rooms will operate 24/7Unlike banks and the stock market, hospitals will not uniformly cease operations. Local clinics and outpatient services may close or operate on reduced hours at the discretion of the medical facilities, and some hospitals and pharmacies will remain open during the holiday. Emergency rooms will maintain their emergency care systems throughout the holiday.Patients can check which hospitals and pharmacies are open through the emergency medical portal E-Gen and the emergency medical information app. Information is also available through the Health and Welfare Counseling Center at 129 and the Emergency Situation Management Center at 119. It is advisable to call the medical facility beforehand, as operating hours may change or patient registration may close early.▲ Delivery services vary by company during the holidayWhile August 14 is not a legal holiday, major delivery companies observe a 'delivery break day' to allow their drivers to rest. With Liberation Day on August 15, followed by Sunday, August 16, and the substitute holiday on August 17, there is a high likelihood of delays in the collection and delivery of some regular packages.However, not all delivery and shipping services will be completely halted from August 14 to 17. Participation in the delivery break day, the timing of collection halts, and the resumption of deliveries will vary by company and service type. Customers should refer to official announcements and tracking information from major delivery companies for specific schedules.Especially for perishable goods or items that need to be received by a specific date, it is advisable to avoid placing orders just before the holiday or to inquire with the seller about actual shipping and delivery schedules.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:20
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes President Lee as a Specialist in Self-Interest
    Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes President Lee as a Specialist in Self-Interest Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on August 6, calling him a "specialist in self-interest."In a post on his Facebook page, Jang stated, "The president sold his house just before raising taxes."He further commented on the government's real estate supply measures, saying, "The government plans to convert office and commercial spaces into residential units. They are even mobilizing the National Pension Service to increase public rentals." He added, "While they live in Gangnam, they force the public to be satisfied with such homes." Jang emphasized, "Housing prices that should be falling are skyrocketing, while stock prices that should be rising are plummeting. The lifespan of the Lee Jae-myung administration is nearing its end."Jang also condemned Cheong Wa Dae's Chief of Public Communication, Sung Ki-hong, for stating in a radio interview that the government does not intend to control housing prices through taxes, calling it a "blatant lie." He remarked, "This is something the president has said repeatedly. They have tried regulations, blocked loans, and attempted various measures, but housing prices have only soared. Isn't that why they are resorting to a tax bomb?"Additionally, Chief Spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon issued a statement, saying, "As the reality of the government's tax reform plan becomes clearer, public anger and frustration are reaching a peak. The punitive taxation aimed at curbing real estate speculation is targeting elderly residents who have owned a single home for their entire lives and low-income families in need of housing."Choi urged, "The government should reconsider the tax reform plan that raises transaction barriers and meticulously redesign the blocked loan structure. They must also establish effective supply measures that can lead to actual construction and occupancy through local government consultations and regulatory easing."Meanwhile, Jang posted separately on Facebook, stating, "No matter what tricks the president tries, canceling his trial is impossible. The idea of a constitutional amendment for re-election is nonsense. Delaying the trial will only increase his guilt. The court should immediately resume the trial, and the president should abandon his futile hopes and stand trial."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:20
  • Shinhan Bank Pursues Acquisition of Sangsang Investment & Securities to Expand Non-Banking Portfolio
    Shinhan Bank Pursues Acquisition of Sangsang Investment & Securities to Expand Non-Banking Portfolio Shinhan Bank is accelerating its expansion into non-banking sectors by pursuing the acquisition of Sangsang Investment & Securities.According to sources in the financial and investment banking sectors on August 6, Shinhan Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sangsang Group last month for the acquisition of Sangsang Investment & Securities. The two parties have reportedly established exclusive negotiation rights until the third quarter.The acquisition target includes a 55.85% stake in Sangsang Investment & Securities held by Sangsang Group, along with approximately 65% of shares from related parties. Based on the company's market capitalization, which was about 80 billion won as of the previous day's closing price, the actual transaction price is expected to be in the range of 100 to 200 billion won, considering management control premiums.As the stock purchase agreement (SPA) has not yet been signed, the final transaction price and specific acquisition terms will be determined following due diligence.Shinhan Bank's move to acquire Sangsang Investment & Securities is seen as part of its strategy to expand its non-banking business. Last year, Shinhan Bank acquired Trinity Asset Management from SK Securities, leading to the establishment of Shinhan Asset Management.There are still procedural hurdles to clear before the transaction is finalized. As a special bank wholly owned by the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, Shinhan Bank must consult with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries regarding the acquisition of a securities firm. Approval from the Financial Services Commission for the change of major shareholders is also required.Shinhan Bank has stated that it has no information regarding the deal. A bank official commented, "We currently have no internal information, making it difficult to ascertain the facts. We have no position to disclose." Sangsang Investment & Securities clarified in a disclosure that it is in discussions with Shinhan Bank regarding the share sale, but no specific agreements have been finalized as of now.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:10
  • Interest in Historical Travel Rises Ahead of Liberation Day in Pohang, Busan, Incheon, and Daejeon
    Interest in Historical Travel Rises Ahead of Liberation Day in Pohang, Busan, Incheon, and Daejeon As Liberation Day approaches, interest in domestic travel destinations that offer historical and cultural experiences is increasing. According to Agoda's analysis of accommodation searches and travel interest among domestic travelers, cities such as Pohang, Busan, Incheon, and Daejeon have seen significant growth compared to last year.Pohang recorded the highest increase in travel interest, with a 75% rise during the Liberation Day holiday period compared to the same time last year. The city is known for its historical sites related to the independence movement, particularly around Deokseong Market, and visitors can also explore popular attractions like Jukdo Market, Yeongildae Beach, and Hwanho Park's Space Walk.In Busan, accommodation searches increased by 43% compared to the previous year. The Busan Liberation Memorial Hall offers insights into the history of liberation and the independence movement, while the Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall is being developed with a goal to open in the first half of 2027.Incheon saw a 38% increase in accommodation searches. The Youth Baekbeom Kim Gu Historical Street allows visitors to follow the life and footsteps of Kim Gu, a prominent figure in the independence movement. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth, and various programs, including a stamp tour and special exhibition, will be held until the 29th.Daejeon experienced a 14% increase in travel interest. The Daejeon Modern History Exhibition Hall, a registered cultural heritage site, showcases the city's modern history. This location is also known for being a filming site for dramas such as 'Mr. Sunshine' and movies like 'The Attorney' and 'Spring in Seoul.'Alex Park, head of Agoda's Korea branch, stated, "Agoda's data confirms the growing interest in historical travel destinations in light of Liberation Day. We are supporting travelers by providing accommodation and activity booking services that allow them to enjoy historical sites and various experiences together."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:10
  • Finance Ministry Official Promises Protection for Homeowners
    Finance Ministry Official Promises Protection for Homeowners The South Korean government is shifting the focus of its real estate tax system from how long a property is owned to how long it is actually lived in. Lee Hyung-il, the First Deputy Minister of Finance, discussed this change during an appearance on the Cheong Wa Dae YouTube program 'Fact Factory' on August 6. He described the direction of the 2026 tax reform plan as aimed at establishing a residency-centered housing market and improving tax equity.According to the reform plan, homeowners with one residence will be exempt from property tax on homes valued up to approximately 2 billion won (about $1.5 million). This raises the tax exemption threshold from the previous value of about 1.7 billion won, meaning homes valued between 2 billion and 3 billion won will see a reduction in tax burden.For instance, a homeowner who has lived in a 3 billion won property for 10 years will see their property tax decrease from 910,000 won to 760,000 won. Beyond a value of 3 billion won, the tax burden will gradually increase, with ultra-high-value homes exceeding 4 billion to 5 billion won facing a larger tax impact.Lee explained that the goal is to protect typical homeowners while adjusting excessive benefits concentrated on ultra-high-value properties. The intent is to consider both the value of the home and the actual residency status rather than providing uniform benefits solely based on ownership of a single property.Capital gains tax will also be restructured under the same principles. The existing 'long-term ownership special deduction' will be replaced with a 'long-term residency income deduction.' The deduction based solely on the duration of property ownership will be gradually reduced, while actual residency will receive an annual deduction of 8%, with a maximum of 80% over 10 years.Additional measures will ease the tax burden for long-term residents. Homeowners who have lived in a single property for over 10 years and whose sale price is below 3 billion won will see their basic capital gains tax exemption increase from 2.5 million won to 25 million won. The Ministry of Finance estimates this could result in tax savings of up to 5 million to 7 million won.Exceptions will be made for those unable to reside in their homes due to job transfers, schooling, overseas stays, illness, or caring for parents. If certain conditions are met, these periods will still count toward residency, allowing homeowners to continue accumulating residency time upon returning.In response to concerns that elderly individuals with reduced incomes might have to sell their homes due to taxes, the government has proposed measures to ease requirements for property tax deferral for those aged 65 and older who have lived in a single property for over 10 years. Additionally, if they sell a home in the metropolitan area and move to a non-metropolitan area, they could receive a capital gains tax reduction of up to 50%, or 500 million won.Lee countered criticisms that this policy pressures elderly individuals to relocate, stating, “This is not an inducement to move.” He explained that even with adjustments to property taxes, those wishing to remain in their homes can defer payments, while those choosing to sell are provided with an exit strategy.For multi-homeowners, the government will allow a grace period for property sales. The capital gains tax rate for multi-homeowners in designated adjustment areas will be temporarily lowered before gradually returning to the original level. Lee emphasized that this is a 'temporary easing' rather than a complete suspension of the tax.Concerns that a residency-focused reform could lead to a decrease in rental properties and a shift to monthly rentals will be addressed through increased housing supply and tenant support. The government plans to boost the supply of public rental housing in high-demand areas, prioritizing young people. The annual limit for monthly rent tax deductions will also be raised from 10 million won to 12 million won.Regarding the shortage of housing supply, the government is working on measures to shorten the time required for construction to begin. Lee stated, “We will accelerate efforts to announce supply measures soon.”During the broadcast, other tax reform issues beyond real estate were also discussed. One notable proposal is to eliminate the childbirth tax credit in favor of direct support through the budget. This change considers that low-income households, which pay little to no taxes, do not benefit sufficiently from tax credits.Lee remarked, “Tax support is like a pie in the sky for those who do not pay income tax,” adding that the Ministry of Planning and Finance is reviewing plans to reflect more support in next year’s budget than the previous childbirth tax credit amount.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:10
  • Blue House Denies Reports of Support for Chief Justice Impeachment
    Blue House Denies Reports of Support for Chief Justice Impeachment The Blue House denied reports on August 6 that it supports the impeachment of the Chief Justice. Chief Presidential Secretary Kang stated in a media announcement that the Blue House does not share the sentiment expressed by Democratic Party leadership candidates Kim Min-seok and Song Young-gil regarding the push for Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's impeachment.Since the retirement of former Chief Justice Noh Tae-ack in March, the appointment of his successor has faced difficulties, leaving the position vacant for over five months due to ongoing coordination issues between the Blue House and the Supreme Court.Kang added, "The appointment of a new Supreme Court Justice should be carried out promptly in accordance with relevant legal procedures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:00
  • Yongin Mayor Lee Sang-il Discusses Semiconductor Collaboration with Vietnams FPT Group
    Yongin Mayor Lee Sang-il Discusses Semiconductor Collaboration with Vietnam's FPT Group Yongin Mayor Lee Sang-il visited the FPT High-Tech and Semiconductor Research and Development (R&D) Center in Da Nang on August 5 to explore the Vietnamese semiconductor industry ecosystem. He met with site manager Nguyen Cao Thanh to discuss potential collaboration.The meeting included Mayor Lee, Yongin City Council Chair Jang Jeong-soon, and site manager Nguyen Cao Thanh.The FPT High-Tech and Semiconductor R&D Center is part of FPT Group, Vietnam's largest information and communication technology (ICT) company.FPT Group established FPT Semiconductor, a fabless semiconductor design company, in 2022 and opened a research facility in Da Nang's second software park within its high-tech industrial cluster last March.During the meeting, Mayor Lee received explanations about FPT Group's semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) promotion strategies in Da Nang and toured related facilities. He also visited the Da Nang Semiconductor and AI Center (DSAC) under the Ministry of Science and Technology to learn about advanced industrial strategies.Mayor Lee then moved to the FPT Software Complex, where he was briefed on FPT Group's ICT capabilities and toured the facilities. FPT has built four employee housing buildings in the area and operates primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.At this event, Mayor Lee stated, "FPT Group is a rapidly growing company in Vietnam's ICT sector and is seeking collaboration with Korean companies. With plans for Samsung Electronics to establish six semiconductor fabs and SK Hynix to set up four in Yongin, there will be many opportunities for FPT Group to collaborate with these companies."He added, "FPT plans to invest significantly in semiconductor chip testing and packaging, and I hope they will collaborate with semiconductor-related companies in Yongin, and we will provide support as needed."Additionally, FPT Group CEO Nguyen Van Khoa and ten executives visited Yongin City Hall last March to discuss collaboration with local businesses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:08:00
  • Im Sung-jae Aims for Eighth Consecutive PGA Tour Championship Appearance
    Im Sung-jae Aims for Eighth Consecutive PGA Tour Championship Appearance Im Sung-jae has expressed a strong desire to qualify for the Tour Championship, the final event of the PGA Tour playoffs, for the eighth consecutive year.Starting August 6, Im will compete in the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, which has a total purse of $8.5 million. This tournament marks the last event of the PGA Tour's regular season.Since debuting on the PGA Tour in 2019, Im has participated in the Tour Championship for seven straight years. However, this year has been challenging for him. A wrist injury sustained during winter training delayed his entry into the tour, making it difficult for him to accumulate FedEx Cup points.Currently, Im is ranked 57th in the FedEx Cup standings. While he is in a secure position to qualify for the first playoff event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, which features the top 70 players, he must improve his ranking to advance to the second event, the BMW Championship (top 50), and the final Tour Championship (top 30).In a video interview with domestic reporters on August 4, Im said, "This year has been tough due to injuries and starting the season late, which has made it hard to accumulate points quickly compared to other players. However, I have many good memories from the Wyndham Championship and have performed well here in the past, so I want to focus and show my best play this week."Im has previously shown strong performances at this tournament, finishing as the runner-up in the 2021-2022 season and tied for ninth in the 2019-2020 season.He also candidly discussed his recovery from the wrist injury and his inconsistent performance this season. "My wrist has improved a lot, and I don't have major issues when swinging now," he said. "During tough weeks, I often failed to save par in situations where I could have, leading to unnecessary bogeys. Moving forward, I plan to focus on minimizing bogeys and maintaining my score, even on challenging days."Im has been positively influenced by the recent successes of fellow golfers Kim Joo-hyung and Yoo Hae-ran in the U.S. Kim won the Scottish Open on July 13, breaking a 33-month winless streak, while Yoo achieved back-to-back victories in major tournaments this season.Regarding Kim, Im remarked, "It's not easy to bounce back when things aren't going well, but he has endured and overcome that period, which I think is really impressive."He also expressed admiration for Yoo, saying, "Having seen her since she was very young, her current success feels very fresh. If given the chance, I would like to meet her in person and congratulate her again."Looking ahead, Im plans to focus on the Presidents Cup after completing the playoff events. He will then shift his attention to the PGA Tour's Baker Hughes Classic in Yokohama, Japan, on October 8, followed by the SJM Macau Open starting on October 15. However, he noted that he cannot officially comment on plans for the fall tournaments in Korea yet.After finishing his tournament schedule, Im will concentrate on fulfilling his military service obligations. As a gold medalist in the team event at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, he stated, "After the season ends, I will focus on completing the service hours required for my alternative military service due to the Asian Games gold medal. I have about 200 hours left, so I will concentrate on that."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:04:20