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  • Dow Hits Record High as SpaceX and AMD Plunge, Nasdaq Falls 0.8%
    Dow Hits Record High as SpaceX and AMD Plunge, Nasdaq Falls 0.8% The three major U.S. stock indices closed with mixed results. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high amid easing tensions in the Middle East, the Nasdaq Composite fell for the first time in five days due to sharp declines in SpaceX and AMD following their earnings reports.On August 5, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 263.18 points (0.49%) to close at 54,349.06. The S&P 500 index fell by 13.00 points (0.17%) to finish at 7,723.52, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 221.55 points (0.83%) to end at 26,363.44. Analysts attributed the declines in the Nasdaq to profit-taking after both the Dow and S&P 500 reached record highs the previous day.Market sentiment was supported by news that Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are hopeful that a reduction in military tensions in the Middle East could lead to a normalization of oil transport, potentially lowering international oil prices and inflationary pressures.However, caution remained as the market awaited confirmation of the negotiations. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded in the $75 range, while Brent crude was around $79.In the technology sector, SpaceX's stock plummeted by 13.6%, dragging down the Nasdaq. Despite reporting nearly doubled revenue and reduced operating losses in its first earnings report since going public, the company announced plans to invest heavily in AI data centers, raising concerns about future costs. Additionally, the expiration of a lock-up period on August 6, which had restricted existing shareholders from selling their shares, added to the downward pressure as fears of increased selling emerged.AMD also reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue forecasts but saw its stock drop by 7.2%. The stock had surged prior to the earnings announcement, and investors felt the company needed to demonstrate faster growth in its AI business to meet heightened expectations. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated that the company would exclusively use Nvidia products for its AI semiconductors, which negatively impacted AMD's stock. In contrast, Nvidia's shares rose by 3.5%, marking five consecutive days of gains.Memory chip stocks had mixed results. Micron ended nearly flat, down 0.01%, while SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) fell by 2.2%. Ahead of earnings reports, SanDisk and Western Digital both dropped 5.4% in regular trading.After the market closed, SanDisk reported quarterly results that significantly exceeded market expectations. However, its revenue forecast for the next quarter fell short of expectations, leading to a decline in after-hours trading. The stock's previous gains had already reflected strong demand for AI and rising NAND prices, and the outlook did not meet investor expectations. Western Digital also reported better-than-expected earnings but saw its stock drop by about 10% in after-hours trading.The Dow benefited from gains in pharmaceutical and entertainment stocks. Amgen rose by 4.5% after reporting revenue that surpassed expectations, while Eli Lilly increased by 4.8% after raising its annual revenue forecast. Disney also saw a 3.6% rise following better-than-expected quarterly results.Economic indicators released on the same day were mixed. According to the private payroll firm ADP, U.S. private sector employment increased by only 44,000 in July, the smallest gain in six months. Conversely, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that the July Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose slightly to 54.1 from 54.0 the previous month, indicating expansion in the services sector.Markets are closely watching the U.S. employment report set to be released on August 7. If job growth exceeds expectations, the likelihood of further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve could increase. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange's FedWatch tool currently indicates a 54.9% chance of a rate hike in September. 2026-08-06 07:12:00
  • YouTubers Yasaengma and Gogi Namja Mourn the Death of Bae In-kyu
    YouTubers Yasaengma and Gogi Namja Mourn the Death of Bae In-kyu YouTubers Yasaengma and Gogi Namja are mourning the death of Bae In-kyu, the head of the New Male Alliance.On August 5, Yasaengma expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "In-kyu was someone who comforted me during tough times and shared joy during happy moments. We met four times this month alone, and just a few days ago, he visited the store to chat with me while smiling."He added, "He was a younger brother I cared for without any conditions, and I was truly surprised and saddened because I never sensed anything unusual during our meetings. I know some details, but I will share confirmed information later for the sake of the deceased."Gogi Namja also shared his grief on his YouTube channel, saying, "First, I extend my condolences to the deceased. I have received comments congratulating me on his passing, but I am currently feeling very sorrowful and devastated."He recounted, "In mid-June, Bae reached out to me first. He wanted to apologize for a misunderstanding he had about me in the past and invited me to his home in Incheon."Gogi Namja continued, "I was surprised by the sudden contact, but I mustered the courage to visit him with my coach. During that meeting, Bae sincerely apologized, and we cleared up the misunderstandings and let go of any lingering feelings."He urged, "Please do not treat someone's death as a victory or a reason to celebrate. I ask that you refrain from mocking, insulting, or speculating about the deceased, and allow for a quiet mourning during this final journey."Meanwhile, Bae In-kyu was found dead in an apartment in Yeongjongdo, Incheon.No suicide note was discovered at the scene. Police are currently investigating the circumstances of his death, reporting no signs of foul play so far.If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or difficult thoughts, you can receive 24-hour expert counseling by calling the suicide prevention hotline at 109 or through the SNS counseling service at Madeline.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 07:04:00
  • SanDisk Reports 4.7-Fold Revenue Increase Amid AI Demand, Shares Drop on Guidance
    SanDisk Reports 4.7-Fold Revenue Increase Amid AI Demand, Shares Drop on Guidance U.S. NAND flash manufacturer SanDisk reported results that significantly exceeded market expectations, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and rising memory prices. However, the company's revenue forecast for the next quarter fell short of investors' heightened expectations, leading to a decline in its stock price during after-hours trading. On August 5, SanDisk announced that its revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 reached $8.965 billion, a 372% increase compared to the same period last year and a 51% rise from the previous quarter. Excluding one-time costs, the adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was reported at $39.25, surpassing market expectations of $8.48 billion in revenue and an adjusted EPS of $34.96. The company posted a net income of $6.93 billion, a turnaround from a net loss of $23 million in the same quarter last year. The gross profit margin also improved significantly, rising from 26.2% a year ago to 84.6%. The improvement in performance was driven by rising NAND prices and increased demand for enterprise solid-state drives (SSDs) for AI data centers. Of the revenue increase from the previous quarter, approximately two-thirds came from price increases, while one-third was due to increased sales volume. Revenue from the data center segment soared to $2.977 billion, nearly 14 times higher than the same period last year and more than double the previous quarter. The share of data center products in total NAND sales expanded from 12% a year ago to 38%. Sales of products for smartphones and PCs reached $5.432 billion, a 48% increase from the previous quarter. In contrast, revenue from consumer products such as memory cards and USB storage devices fell to $556 million, a 32% decrease. AI data centers and high-margin enterprise products have become the core drivers of SanDisk's growth, surpassing consumer storage devices. SanDisk is also expanding supply contracts with customers who commit to purchasing a set volume at predetermined prices over an extended period. Currently, the company has contracts with eight customers in the data center and smartphone/PC sectors. The guaranteed minimum revenue from these contracts amounts to $93.9 billion. The company expects that half of its sales volume for fiscal year 2027 and about two-thirds for fiscal year 2028 will be covered by long-term contracts. This strategy aims to mitigate significant fluctuations in performance even if NAND prices decline. However, the outlook for the next quarter did not meet market expectations. SanDisk projected first-quarter revenue for fiscal year 2027 to be between $10.3 billion and $10.8 billion, with an adjusted EPS of $44 to $46. The midpoint of the revenue forecast, $10.55 billion, falls short of the market expectation of approximately $10.8 billion. The gross profit margin is also projected to be between 83% and 85%, indicating a potential slight decrease from the current quarter's 84.6%. SanDisk's stock closed down 5.4% at $1,350.50 during regular trading and fell further by over 5% in after-hours trading following the earnings announcement. While the quarterly results significantly exceeded market expectations, analysts noted that the guidance did not provide a strong enough outlook to surpass the already high expectations reflected in the stock price.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 06:52:00
  • Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks on August 13
    Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks on August 13 The Perseid meteor shower, which lights up the summer night sky each year, will reach its peak on August 13. This year, with minimal moonlight interference, conditions for observing shooting stars are expected to be relatively favorable, provided the weather is clear.According to the International Meteor Organization (IMO)'s 2026 meteor shower calendar, the Perseid meteor shower has been active since July 17 and will continue until July 24, with the peak expected between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. UTC on August 13. In South Korea, this translates to a peak observation window from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time, making it difficult to witness the exact peak moment.As a result, the best observation times in South Korea are expected to be from the night of August 12 to the early morning of August 13. During this period, the sky will be dark, and the radiant point of the meteor shower will gradually rise, making it more favorable for observation. The IMO notes that after 10 p.m. local time, the radiant point will be at a suitable height for viewing in mid-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere.Observation conditions are promising. The IMO predicts that with the new moon on August 12, there will be no moonlight interference, creating excellent conditions for optical observation. NASA also forecasts that the Perseid meteor shower will peak between the night of August 12 and the early morning of August 13, coinciding with the new moon, resulting in a dark sky.The IMO has indicated a zenith hourly rate (ZHR) of 100 for this meteor shower. However, this figure assumes ideal conditions with a completely dark sky and the radiant point directly overhead. The IMO has also stated that based on separate model calculations, the actual basic activity level this year may be lower than the typical ZHR of 100. In urban areas, light pollution, buildings, and clouds can further reduce the number of visible meteors.The Perseid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris left by the Swift-Tuttle comet. Particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, creating bright streaks of light known as shooting stars.No telescope is needed for observation. It is advisable to find an open area away from city lights and to look broadly at the sky, focusing on the northeast. NASA recommends avoiding bright screens and allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. However, actual visibility will depend on cloud cover and precipitation on the day of the event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 06:52:00
  • Russia Launches Missile Attack on Kyiv, Killing 17 and Failing to Intercept Any
    Russia Launches Missile Attack on Kyiv, Killing 17 and Failing to Intercept Any Russia has launched a concentrated missile and drone attack on logistics facilities in Kyiv, resulting in at least 17 deaths. The Ukrainian military reported that it failed to intercept any of the 28 missiles fired by Russia, prompting calls for increased air defense support from allies.According to Reuters and AP, overnight on August 5, Russia fired 24 ballistic missiles, four hypersonic Zircon missiles, and 115 drones at Kyiv and surrounding areas.The attack left at least 17 people dead and more than 40 injured, damaging logistics warehouses, production facilities, residential buildings, and railway infrastructure.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, “The main targets were the warehouse facilities of civilian companies unrelated to the war.”In contrast, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it targeted logistics hubs and supply centers in Kyiv and the surrounding area, asserting that these facilities were being used for military purposes. These claims have not been independently verified.Both Russia and Ukraine have recently intensified attacks on each other's logistics networks. Since mid-July, Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the logistics facilities of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, citing their use in supplying Russian military resources.On the same day, a Wildberries warehouse in the Tula region was set ablaze following a drone attack. Reports indicate that nearly 20 Wildberries-related facilities have been attacked since July 18.While Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down most of the drones during the recent airstrike, they did not intercept any missiles. The lack of sufficient U.S.-made Patriot systems and interceptors capable of countering Russian ballistic missiles has been identified as a key issue.President Zelenskyy noted that air defense missile support received from allies in the first half of this year was only one-third of what was provided during the same period last year.He emphasized, “If we had a ballistic missile interception system, we could have saved those who died today,” urging for additional support in air defense systems and interceptors.The U.S. and Ukraine are also discussing joint production of Patriot missiles. Options being considered include producing components in Ukraine and final assembly in Germany, or integrating Ukraine into existing U.S.-European joint production efforts.However, significant time is required for technology transfer and the establishment of production facilities, making it unlikely that joint production will address immediate gaps in air defense.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 06:32:00
  • Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks on Two Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
    Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks on Two Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers with ballistic missiles in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. There has been no official confirmation from Saudi authorities, and the extent of any damage to the vessels remains unknown.On August 5, Yahya Sari, a military spokesperson for the Houthi rebels, stated in a video message that they targeted the Saudi tanker 'Wafa' with multiple ballistic missiles near Yanbu in the northern Red Sea.The Houthis also claimed to have fired ballistic missiles at another Saudi tanker, 'Daisy,' which was sailing in the Gulf of Aden. They noted that the 'Wafa' was the eighth target since the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi vessels on July 22.Yanbu is a key oil export port on the Red Sea, connected to Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields and east-west pipeline. Following disruptions in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has redirected some of its export volumes to Yanbu for transport via the Red Sea.Last month, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of being behind airstrikes on the airport in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital under their control, and declared a suspension of the ceasefire along with a maritime blockade. Since then, they have been targeting Saudi-related vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 2026-08-06 06:24:00
  • Iran President Says Communication with Supreme Leader Difficult Amid Ongoing Issues
    Iran President Says Communication with Supreme Leader Difficult Amid Ongoing Issues Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that communication with the current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, is challenging. During a televised interview on August 5, marking his second anniversary in office, Pezeshkian said, "It is currently very difficult to communicate with the new Supreme Leader." However, he did not provide specific reasons for this difficulty.He also referenced the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who passed away during U.S. and Israeli airstrikes at the beginning of the war.Pezeshkian emphasized, "The enemies aimed to collapse the nation through missile attacks, but Iran has remained steadfast, and a new Supreme Leader has been elected. The very existence of the new leader is a significant strength that allows us to continue on this path."Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in the airstrikes that occurred on February 28, following his father's death, has not yet made a public appearance since being elected as Supreme Leader. His absence was noted during the funeral of Ali Khamenei last month. Iranian authorities have not provided specific details regarding Mojtaba's health or the reasons for his lack of public activity.Pezeshkian's comments about the communication issues with the Supreme Leader have raised questions regarding Mojtaba's current status and his level of involvement in state affairs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 06:12:00
  • The National Assembly Trapped in Its Own Majority
    The National Assembly Trapped in Its Own Majority "Legislative dictatorship has begun in earnest.""Isn't the outcome already predetermined?"These are common sentiments heard while covering the 22nd National Assembly. The majority is a pillar of democracy, reflecting the will of the people as much as possible in a reality where not everyone can be satisfied. However, looking at the current National Assembly, the majority has become a source of power. It appears that lawmakers intoxicated by that power are falling into the trap of the majority.In the 22nd National Assembly, the ruling Democratic Party, in alliance with pro-government parties like the Justice Party and the Progressive Party, has not only failed to meet the quorum for constitutional amendments and presidential impeachment proposals but is also exercising significant power. The party can even forcibly end filibusters, rendering the People Power Party's right to defend itself virtually meaningless.In this situation, where the balance between the ruling and opposition parties has collapsed, the Democratic Party, having secured overwhelming seats and allied forces, has prioritized forming key committees. Despite concerns from some in the legal community about reduced victim protection and weakened national investigative powers, the party has pushed through amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act against the opposition's objections.In response to the formation of committees, the People Power Party declared a boycott of the National Assembly, engaging in a prolonged struggle. However, facing criticism for neglecting public welfare, they had no choice but to return to the Assembly. This process has intensified the confrontation between the two parties.Additionally, the Democratic Party is seeking to amend the National Assembly Act to shorten the fast-track processing period. They even aim to strengthen the requirements for filibusters and allow for the replacement of inactive committee chairs. This is interpreted as an effort to further pressure the opposition.The bill, proposed by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Tae-nyeon, stipulates that if a committee chair fails to fulfill their duties, the chairperson can designate a deputy to take over. The deputy would be appointed from the ranks of the larger negotiating group. If the bill passes, the Democratic Party could operate other committees if they determine that a People Power Party chair is not performing adequately.While this change could enhance legislative efficiency, it also raises concerns about weakening the opposition's oversight function. The ruling party's intention to accelerate legislative processes for national agenda execution is understandable. However, there are doubts about whether the potential side effects of the bill can be adequately reviewed without sufficient discussion. Given that the bill directly impacts citizens' lives, it should be examined more carefully.In fact, no one knows what effects the Democratic Party's leadership in the latter half of the National Assembly will yield. It could lead to positive outcomes. Nevertheless, to evaluate the results, time must pass, and based on the current situation, it is difficult to avoid criticism that the operation of the National Assembly and the processing of bills have been one-sided.Moreover, from my observations in the field, I frequently witnessed instances where the Democratic Party's position was ultimately reflected when the two parties clashed. Even when negotiating issues, it appeared that the Democratic Party, holding the majority, led the discussions.The power of the majority should not be used to push through conclusions but should instead shine when it embraces minority voices and demonstrates cooperation. When the National Assembly escapes the trap of the majority and becomes a space for mutual concessions, it can truly serve as a pillar of democracy.Today's majority could become tomorrow's minority. Whether the power of the majority will uphold democracy or undermine it ultimately depends on the choices of those in power. I hope that when reflecting on the 22nd National Assembly in the future, it will not be remembered solely for its unilateralism.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 06:04:00
  • Iran and Oman Agree on New Shipping Route Coordinates in Hormuz Strait
    Iran and Oman Agree on New Shipping Route Coordinates in Hormuz Strait Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on new shipping route coordinates for vessels passing through the Hormuz Strait. However, details regarding Iran's control over the vessels remain unresolved, meaning a full opening of the strait has not been confirmed.On August 5, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated, "We have agreed on the geographical coordinates of the proposed route," adding that a joint statement outlining key considerations and agreements between the two countries is in the final review stage.Over the past two months, Iran and Oman have been discussing technical, legal, security, and environmental issues to establish a safe passage for commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait.With the introduction of the new route, it is expected that a significant portion of the shipping lanes will pass through Iranian territorial waters. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, explained, "Once the new navigation method is implemented, a substantial part of the shipping route will traverse Iranian territorial waters." However, Gharibabadi emphasized that this agreement does not imply a complete opening of the Hormuz Strait. The routes currently under discussion are temporary measures until a long-term navigation method is established.According to Reuters, the provisional agreement includes provisions for vessels entering the Gulf region to utilize Iranian routes, with Iran managing the passage of these vessels. However, the specifics of how Iran's control will be defined and the extent of Iran's involvement with vessels exiting the Gulf are still under negotiation.Issues regarding vessel inspections and the imposition of navigation fees are also remaining points of contention.Baghaei asserted, "The U.S. maritime blockade and military threats continue to exist," and stated that the agreement between Iran and Oman alone cannot fully guarantee the safety of vessels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 06:04:00
  • Iran and Oman Agree on Maritime Coordinates in Hormuz Strait
    Iran and Oman Agree on Maritime Coordinates in Hormuz Strait The negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the reopening of the Hormuz Strait have reached a critical stage.On August 5, Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, announced at a press conference that Iran and Oman have agreed on the geographical characteristics of shipping routes within the Hormuz Strait. The main points include Iran exercising control over vessels entering the strait, while both Iran and Oman will jointly control vessels exiting the strait.Baghaei stated that the two countries are preparing a joint announcement, provided that a 'specific third party' does not intervene in the process. The Iranian government is also exchanging views with officials from Pakistan and Qatar, who initially mediated negotiations with the United States. According to Reuters, sources indicate that Oman and Iran have yet to finalize details, suggesting that the reopening of the Hormuz Strait may take more time.Analysts suggest that Iran's goal in the negotiations with Oman is to prohibit military operations against itself within the strait. Ali Akbar Dareini, a researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies, noted that while the talks have made progress toward a long-term framework for managing shipping routes in the Hormuz Strait, it is significant that Iran will control vessels entering the strait, while both countries will jointly control those exiting. He anticipates that Iran intends to prohibit the transport of U.S. military weapons through the Hormuz Strait in the future.Meanwhile, opinions are divided regarding the potential reopening of the Hormuz Strait, which was initially mentioned by President Donald Trump. On August 4, Trump told reporters that negotiations with Iran regarding the reopening of the strait were progressing smoothly and predicted that an agreement would be reached within 48 hours.According to CNN, a senior official from a Gulf state estimated the chances of Iran and Oman reaching an agreement at 50-50. This official noted that the voice of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has not been reflected in the negotiations, and there may be complications during the final signing process. Iranian state media have stated that the negotiations with Oman are unrelated to the reopening of the strait.Additionally, the variable of Israel looms large. According to Israel's Walla News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated at a funeral that 'President Trump is our greatest friend, and the United States is our greatest ally,' but emphasized that 'Israel's existence is not a subject of negotiation, and regardless of any agreements, we will do whatever is necessary to ensure our security and future.' Israel has recently resumed airstrikes against Lebanon, citing violations of a ceasefire by Hezbollah. Iran has long demanded a halt to attacks on Hezbollah as a precondition for negotiations with the U.S.Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that the U.S. government has lifted sanctions on Fly Baghdad Airlines, several aircraft linked to Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and two Iraqis.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 05:00:20