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  • KOSPI Faces Profit-Taking After Record Surge Amid Easing U.S.-Iran Tensions
    KOSPI Faces Profit-Taking After Record Surge Amid Easing U.S.-Iran Tensions 코스피가 역대급 폭락 이후 사상 최대 상승률을 기록한 가운데 3일 장 초반에는 급등에 따른 차익실현과 주요 반도체주의 약세가 부담 요인으로 작용할 전망이다. 다만 트럼프 미국 대통령의 이란 공격 보류 발표로 지정학적 리스크가 완화되면서 글로벌 증시는 안도 랠리 기대감을 이어가고 있다. 3일 넥스트레이드에 따르면 이날 오전 8시21분 기준 삼성전자는 25만1500원으로 전 거래일 대비 1만1000원(-4.19%) 하락했고, SK하이닉스는 163만9000원으로 7만9000원(-4.60%) 내리고 있다. SK스퀘어는 103만원으로 0.77% 약세를 보이는 반면 삼성전기는 117만1000원으로 2.54% 상승 중이다. 현대차는 38만1500원으로 1.68% 하락세다. 다만 간밤 뉴욕증시는 미·이란 군사 충돌 우려 완화와 AI 업황 불안 진정 기대감에 상승 흐름을 이어갔다. 뉴욕증시 선물도 강세를 나타내며 S&P500 선물은 0.5%, 나스닥100 선물은 0.8% 상승했다. 트럼프 대통령이 이란에 대한 대규모 공격을 취소하고 협상 재개 방침을 밝히면서 위험자산 선호 심리가 회복되는 모습이다. 서상영 미래에셋증권 연구원은 주말 사이 트럼프 대통령의 이란 공격 보류 발표로 지정학적 리스크가 일부 완화됐다고 분석했다. 다만 미국은 호르무즈 해협 재개방과 핵 위협 종식을 협상 조건으로 제시하고 있어 협상 과정에 따른 변동성은 남아 있다고 설명했다. 한지영 키움증권 연구원은 “폭락의 피크아웃, 반등 에너지 확보 구간”이라며 단기적으로는 17% 급등 이후 차익실현 물량이 출회될 수 있다고 전망했다. 다만 AI 산업 불안 완화와 반도체 디레버리징 종료 기대, 국내 증시의 역사적 저평가 구간 진입 등을 감안하면 코스피는 저점을 높이는 회복 경로에 진입할 가능성이 있다고 평가했다. 이번 주 시장의 관심은 미국 7월 고용지표와 ISM 제조업 지표, AMD·샌디스크 등 반도체 기업 실적, 외국인 수급 변화로 이동할 전망이다. 국내에서는 현대백화점, NAVER, 대우건설 등 주요 기업 실적 발표가 예정돼 있어 폭락 이후 실적 기반의 종목별 차별화 장세가 나타날 가능성이 있다. 이경민 대신증권 연구원은 7월 급락 과정에서 코스피 12개월 선행 PER이 4.7배까지 내려오며 극단적 저평가 영역에 진입했다고 진단했다. 강제매도 성격의 디레버리징도 상당 부분 진행된 만큼, 불확실성 완화와 수급 개선만으로 밸류에이션 정상화에 따른 추가 반등 여지가 있다고 분석했다. 증권가는 코스피가 단기적으로 6000~7000선 안착 여부를 확인할 것으로 보고 있다. 반도체·IT하드웨어·2차전지·조선·기계 등 실적 개선 기대가 있는 낙폭 과대 업종 중심으로 반등 탄력이 이어질지 주목된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:28:00
  • IBK Securities Initiates Coverage on Korea Kolmar with Buy Rating and Target Price of 150,000 Won
    IBK Securities Initiates Coverage on Korea Kolmar with Buy Rating and Target Price of 150,000 Won IBK Investment & Securities announced on August 3 that it has initiated coverage on Korea Kolmar, citing continued growth in sun care and basic care products, along with expectations for the normalization of performance from its U.S. subsidiary and stable profit contributions from HK Innoen. The firm has set a buy rating and a target price of 150,000 won.Researcher Jo Kyung-jin from IBK Investment & Securities stated, "Korea Kolmar is an ODM company with strengths in the production of high-margin sun care and basic care products. Thanks to strong exports in the sun care and basic categories from its domestic operations and diversification in production categories, we expect to see growth in revenue and an expansion of operating leverage."He added, "In the past, there was a seasonal pattern where orders slowed down after the second quarter, but this year we anticipate a solid order flow continuing into the second half. The gradual normalization of performance from the U.S. subsidiary and stable profit contributions from HK Innoen are expected to support overall performance."Jo projected that consolidated revenue for the second quarter would reach 826.9 billion won, with operating profit estimated at 96.9 billion won. He noted that the domestic subsidiary is expected to achieve solid results with revenue of 403.9 billion won and operating profit of 64.2 billion won, driven by increased sun care orders as it enters the summer peak season and a rise in export volumes from existing clients.Furthermore, he mentioned, "The expansion of orders from top clients and an increase in production for global multinational corporation (MNC) brands are expected to lead to margin growth. The U.S. subsidiary is likely to continue its gradual recovery, as the decrease in orders from existing key clients will be partially offset by new brand volumes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:24:10
  • Eugene Investment & Securities Lowers Hyundai Engineerings Target Price Amid Delays in Nuclear Projects
    Eugene Investment & Securities Lowers Hyundai Engineering's Target Price Amid Delays in Nuclear Projects Eugene Investment & Securities announced on August 3 that it has lowered its target price for Hyundai Engineering from 178,000 won to 154,000 won, reflecting slower-than-expected commercialization of U.S. nuclear projects despite the company securing a stable order base. However, the investment rating remains at 'Buy.'Researcher Ryu Tae-hwan noted, "Hyundai Engineering's revenue for the second quarter of this year was 6.8423 trillion won, and its operating profit was 261.8 billion won, with revenue meeting estimates and operating profit exceeding market expectations." He explained that while most business divisions saw a decline in revenue due to last year's base effect, improved profitability in the engineering division partially offset this decline.Hyundai Engineering secured a backlog of 104 trillion won as of the second quarter, equivalent to approximately 3.3 years of work based on last year's revenue. The company has established a stable growth foundation, bolstered by the competitiveness of its urban regeneration brand 'THE H,' increased volume from group affiliates, and large-scale complex development projects. There are also prospects for expansion into new businesses such as offshore wind and liquefied natural gas (LNG).Expectations for the expansion of nuclear projects remain valid. Hyundai Engineering is expanding its collaborations with companies involved in next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs), including Westinghouse's AP1000 and AP300, Holtec's SMR300, as well as TerraPower, Torayzen, and Panco. However, it is anticipated that major projects, including the U.S. Pellisade SMR project, will only reach final investment decisions (FID) and formal contracts after securing power demand sources and power purchase agreements (PPAs).Eugene Investment & Securities forecasts that Hyundai Engineering's revenue for the third quarter will be 6.6805 trillion won, with an operating profit of 229.9 billion won. While additional cost burdens related to the Shahin project are expected to continue, profitability in the construction, housing, and civil engineering sectors is projected to improve.Ryu stated, "Considering the increased volatility in cost rates and delays in schedules for large nuclear and SMR projects, we adjusted the target price. However, if the business visibility of the Pellisade SMR and Fermi Matador projects improves, a significant reevaluation of the stock price could be possible."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:08:00
  • NH Investment & Securities Lowers Hyosung Heavy Industries Target Price Amid Rising Interest Rates
    NH Investment & Securities Lowers Hyosung Heavy Industries Target Price Amid Rising Interest Rates NH Investment & Securities maintained a 'Buy' rating for Hyosung Heavy Industries on August 3, citing continued growth momentum from the expansion of its Changwon plant and increased orders for ultra-high voltage equipment. However, the firm adjusted its target price from 4.4 million won to 4 million won to reflect rising costs of equity due to interest rate increases.Ryu Seung-won, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "The expansion of the Changwon plant is progressing rapidly as planned, and new orders for ultra-high voltage equipment are expected to exceed forecasts. The joint venture with Quanta Services is also a positive factor for expanding market share."Hyosung Heavy Industries has revised its annual guidance for the heavy industry sector, increasing new orders to 12 trillion won (up from the previous 8.5 trillion won), projecting a revenue growth rate of 25% (up from 15%), and an operating profit margin in the high teens (up from mid-teens).However, the company reported second-quarter consolidated revenue of 1.7 trillion won, an 11% increase year-on-year, and an operating profit of 264.3 billion won, a 61% increase, which fell short of market consensus. This shortfall was attributed to delays in customer deliveries of ultra-high voltage equipment destined for the U.S., resulting in deferred revenue recognition.Ryu explained, "Revenue from ultra-high voltage equipment exported from the Changwon plant is recognized upon delivery to customers. Due to the timing difference between exports and deliveries, there was a deferral of revenue in the second quarter, which was double that of the first quarter's 40 billion won." He added, "This situation is similar to what HD Hyundai Electric experienced during its accounting standard changes last year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:00:10
  • Director Na Hong-jins Hope Surpasses 4 Million Viewers
    Director Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' Surpasses 4 Million Viewers 나홍진 감독의 영화 '호프'가 400만 관객을 돌파했다. 여름 극장가 대형 외화 공세와 작품 외적 변수 속에서도 장기 흥행을 이어가며 올해 극장가 흥행작으로 자리매김했다. 2일 영화진흥위원회 영화관입장권 통합전산망에 따르면 '호프'는 이날 오전 0시께 누적 관객 수 400만명을 넘어섰다. '왕과 사는 남자', '군체'에 이어 올해 개봉작 가운데 세 번째로 400만 고지를 밟았다. '호프'는 개봉 이후 꾸준히 관객을 모으며 30일 연속 한국 영화 예매율 1위를 기록했다. N차 관람 수요와 IMAX, 돌비시네마, 4DX 등 특수관 관객, 무대인사 등이 흥행세를 뒷받침했다. 영화 속 설정과 결말을 둘러싼 다양한 해석이 온라인상에서 이어지며 이른바 '홒친자' 관람층도 형성됐다. 400만 돌파 과정에서 경쟁작의 공세도 거셌다. 지난달 29일 개봉한 '스파이더맨: 브랜드 뉴 데이'는 개봉 첫날 68만여 명을 동원하며 전체 박스오피스 1위에 올랐고, 개봉 2일째 100만 관객을 돌파했다. '호프'는 대형 외화와 본격적인 관객 경쟁에 들어간 상황에서도 400만 돌파에 성공했다. 최근 주연 배우 황정민과 관련한 온라인 게시물이 확산되자 소속사 샘컴퍼니는 해당 게시물 작성자가 스토킹 범죄 피의자라고 반박하며 법적 대응 방침을 밝혔다. 다만 '호프'는 이 같은 변수 속에서도 특수관과 입소문을 중심으로 관객몰이를 이어왔다. '호프'는 비무장지대에 위치한 호포항 출장소장 범석이 동네 청년들로부터 호랑이가 출현했다는 소식을 전해 듣고, 온 마을이 비상이 걸린 가운데 믿기 어려운 현실을 마주하며 벌어지는 이야기를 그린 영화다. 나홍진 감독이 각본과 연출을 맡았다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 08:00:00
  • Trump: U.S. Buys Yen to Support Japan Amid Currency Decline
    Trump: U.S. Buys Yen to Support Japan Amid Currency Decline The United States and Japan intervened in the foreign exchange market simultaneously to curb the rapid decline of the yen. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. bought yen to support Japan.On August 2, local time, Trump spoke to reporters while returning to Washington, D.C., from Bedminster, New Jersey. He said, "Japan needed help as the yen was showing weakness. We are always here for Japan."The U.S. Treasury reportedly sold euros and bought yen through the New York Federal Reserve on July 31. Japanese authorities also intervened by selling dollars to purchase yen.The scale of Japan's intervention is estimated to be as much as $58.97 billion, or about 8.2 trillion yen. The amount of yen purchased by the U.S. has not been disclosed.However, a note from Treasury Secretary Scott Vessenet, taken during a meeting chaired by Trump on the same day, indicated a range of "$5 billion to $10 billion" for the Japanese yen.Before the intervention, the yen approached a 40-year low, nearing 164 yen per dollar. Following the coordinated actions by U.S. and Japanese authorities, the yen rebounded to around 157 yen per dollar.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 07:56:00
  • Trump Announces Negotiations on Hormuz Strait and Irans Nuclear Program
    Trump Announces Negotiations on Hormuz Strait and Iran's Nuclear Program President Donald Trump has announced plans to negotiate issues related to the Hormuz Strait with Iran. Talks between the two countries are set to begin on the afternoon of August 3.On August 2, Trump spoke to reporters while returning to Washington, D.C., from Bedminster, New Jersey, stating, "Negotiations will start on Monday afternoon."Trump indicated the possibility of reaching an agreement regarding access to the Hormuz Strait. He also mentioned that a future denuclearization agreement concerning Iran could be possible, adding, "Relevant discussions may take place."However, specific details regarding the location, format, and participants of the negotiations have not been disclosed. It remains unconfirmed whether the U.S. and Iran have reached a final agreement.On July 31, Trump had warned of strong additional airstrikes against Iran. However, the following day, he announced via Truth Social that he would postpone military operations, stating, "Iran and some Middle Eastern countries have requested time to finalize an agreement."He explained that the ongoing negotiations would include the opening of the Hormuz Strait and the resolution of Iran's nuclear issues.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 07:48:00
  • July Market Decline: 7 Out of 10 Domestic Stocks Fell; What to Expect in August?
    July Market Decline: 7 Out of 10 Domestic Stocks Fell; What to Expect in August? ◆Aju Economy Major News▷In July's Market Decline, 7 Out of 10 Domestic Stocks Fell... What Are the August Prospects? - Last month, among 2,645 listed companies on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ, 1,859 (70.3%) saw declines, with 74.8% of KOSDAQ-listed stocks also falling.- The KOSPI (-22.2%) and KOSDAQ (-21.4%) recorded their largest monthly drops since the global financial crisis in October 2008.- While stocks like Kolon TissueGene (-86%) and The Technology (-76%) plummeted, others like G&E Healthcare (+222%) surged, highlighting a divergence among stocks.- Analysts suggest that the recent correction was more influenced by weakened investor sentiment than by deteriorating corporate earnings, indicating that the KOSPI has entered an excessively undervalued phase.- In August, foreign investment is expected to be a key variable, with strategies focusing on the semiconductor, finance, defense, and food sectors. ◆Major Reports▷Hanwha Investment & Securities: "Samsung Electronics, Focus on Long-Term Corporate Value Over Short-Term Market Sentiment... Target Price Set at 650,000 Won"- Hanwha Investment & Securities maintained a 'Buy' rating on Samsung Electronics, raising the target price from 590,000 won to 650,000 won, a 10.2% increase.- The firm raised its operating profit forecasts for 2026 and 2027 by 3% and 7%, respectively, reflecting the expansion of long-term supply contracts in memory and the potential rise in HBM prices in 2027.- In the second quarter, sales reached 171.5 trillion won, and operating profit was 89.5 trillion won, marking increases of 130% and 1,814% year-on-year, respectively, with operating profit exceeding consensus estimates by 5.5%.- The company expects to enhance the stability and visibility of its memory business by securing long-term contracts with five major global hyperscalers for over five years.- Analysts argue that the current valuation does not adequately reflect performance and shareholder return value, emphasizing the need to focus on long-term corporate value over short-term market sentiment. ◆Major Announcements After Market Close (31st)▷ Bonne, 2.2 billion won capital increase▷ No Tae-moon, President of Samsung Electronics, purchased 700 million won worth of company shares as part of responsible management▷ SK signed a contract to sell a 2.3 trillion won stake with Doosan and SK Siltron ◆Fund Trends (as of 30th, excluding ETFs)Domestic Equity - 94.2 billion wonOverseas Equity 5.5 billion won ◆Today's Key ScheduleU.S. - ISM Manufacturing Index (July), Construction Spending (June)Korea - S-Oil, Hyundai Steel Earnings* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 07:36:20
  • Chinas CXMT Rises to Fourth in Global DRAM Market Amid Technology Concerns
    China's CXMT Rises to Fourth in Global DRAM Market Amid Technology Concerns China's Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has climbed to the fourth position in the global DRAM market, holding an approximate 8% market share. In the first quarter of this year, the company's revenue surged by 719% compared to the previous year. CXMT reported its first profit since its establishment in 2025 and is now seeking to raise billions through a listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company has announced that it is mass-producing both server-grade DDR5 and mobile LPDDR5X, while also selling older DDR4 at about half the market price. Just a few years ago, CXMT was considered to be five years behind its competitors.The semiconductor industry is notoriously difficult to catch up in, as advanced processes are perfected through records of failures rather than blueprints. Understanding where defects recur and under what conditions yield curves decline requires thousands of trials. While equipment can be purchased, the conditions for operating that equipment cannot be bought. The time accumulated over 30 years by South Korean memory manufacturers is the real barrier to entry.When a latecomer's timeline accelerates, the root cause is often attributed to technology leakage. However, it would be simplistic to attribute China's rapid progress solely to leaks. State subsidies, a massive domestic market, and capital that can absorb losses have all played a role. Nevertheless, if the learning curve has notably shortened, it is reasonable to assume that someone has provided materials that allow for skipping steps in that curve.Such incidents have occurred repeatedly. A former executive accused of leaking Samsung Electronics' 18-nanometer DRAM process information was sentenced to six years and four months in prison, along with a fine of 200 million won, in a retrial. Another former employee, who allegedly printed process data while moving from SK Hynix to a Huawei subsidiary, received a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 30 million won in an appeals court.Industry insiders agree that sentences of five to six years do not deter the incentive structure. Chinese companies offer core personnel several times their existing salaries. Once the contract is fulfilled, individuals retain assets that would be difficult to create even after 20 years of work in South Korea. Even if caught by South Korean law, the calculation becomes one of financial gain after serving time. Fortunately, both cases saw heavier sentences due to amendments to the Industrial Technology Protection Act and the Unfair Competition Prevention Act.The criteria for determining the severity of the crime are also unclear. While the number of files taken, the market value of the data, and the compensation received by the leaker are used to assess damages, the critical factor is not the number of files but the time lost in narrowing the technology gap.Industrial technology leakage is not merely a job dispute involving individuals who have betrayed their companies. It involves the transfer of assets built over decades through taxpayer investment, human resources, and time to a competing nation, with individuals reaping the rewards. The punishment system must reflect this nature. The sentencing guidelines should treat the overseas leakage of core national technologies as an independent aggravating factor, and the criteria for calculating damages should shift from the compensation received by the leaker to the time and cost required to regain the technology. The confiscation and recovery of criminal proceeds must be enforced to prevent the calculation of 'profitable imprisonment.' Separate penalties for brokers and intermediary organizations facilitating personnel transfers, as well as monitoring of indirect leaks through overseas corporations and partners, are also necessary.The costs of technology leakage are severe. The general-purpose DRAM market has already seen significant losses. In a market where Chinese companies are selling DDR4 at half the price and have entered the production stage for DDR5, South Korean firms are inevitably experiencing a decline in market share. The remaining defensive line lies in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced AI semiconductors. Even CXMT acknowledges a 2-4 year gap behind South Korean companies in HBM technology.That gap can vanish with just a few pieces of data. HBM technology involves a combination of core DRAM, base die, stacking and bonding, and thermal design. While individual processes can be inferred, achieving the right conditions simultaneously can only be gained through experience. The current transition to custom HBM and advanced packaging is the most vulnerable period for leaks.Once technology has been transferred, it cannot be reclaimed through any ruling. The semiconductor super-gap is determined not by how quickly new products can be made, but by how well the existing 2-4 year lead can be maintained. 2026-08-03 07:08:00
  • Tank Truck Overturns Near Siheung Wolgot Junction, Traffic Disrupted
    Tank Truck Overturns Near Siheung Wolgot Junction, Traffic Disrupted A tank truck overturned near the Wolgot Junction of the Third Gyeongin Expressway in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, causing some road closures.According to Yonhap News, the incident occurred at approximately 3:40 a.m. on August 3, when an LPG tank truck tipped over on the ramp leading to the Yeongdong Expressway.The driver, a man in his 50s, sustained minor injuries, and a breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit for driving.Authorities in Siheung and Incheon’s Namdong District issued a safety alert, stating, "Due to the tank truck overturning, traffic is currently restricted on the ramp from the Wolgot Junction of the Third Gyeongin Expressway to the Yeongdong Expressway (toward Seochang JC)." They advised drivers to use alternative routes.The police are working to clear the scene and will investigate the circumstances of the accident, including the possibility of drunk driving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 06:52:00