AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

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  • Market Preview: U.S. Stocks Decline Amid Rising Oil Prices and Interest Rates
    Market Preview: U.S. Stocks Decline Amid Rising Oil Prices and Interest Rates Overnight, U.S. stocks fell sharply as international oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields rose. Concerns over oil supply disruptions from Saudi Arabia have led to a surge in prices, increasing inflation fears and worries about further tightening from the Federal Reserve. On September 16, the domestic market is expected to remain cautious ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.On the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 328.09 points (0.63%) at 50,293.11. The S&P 500 index fell 34.25 points (0.45%) to finish at 7,585.73, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 204.84 points (0.78%) to close at 25,981.57.The surge in international oil prices has put pressure on the stock market. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, October West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled at $105.83 per barrel, up 4.38% from the previous day. Brent crude for November delivery on the ICE Futures Exchange rose 2.90% to $108.75 per barrel. Both benchmarks reached their highest closing prices since May 19.Concerns over oil supply disruptions from Saudi Arabia have driven prices higher. Reports indicated that loading operations at the Yanbu oil export terminal on the Red Sea have been halted, and some oil production in Libya has also been suspended, raising fears of supply shortages. The rise in oil prices is increasing inflationary pressures and prompting expectations of interest rate hikes from the Fed, which has also led to an increase in U.S. Treasury yields.The yield on the 10-year Treasury note reached as high as 5.041% during trading, marking its highest level since July 2007, before settling around 5.00%. The 30-year yield also climbed to 5.401%, the highest since June 2007, before trading at approximately 5.37%. The rising yields have increased concerns about the relative overvaluation of stocks.The domestic market is expected to be influenced by the rising U.S. long-term interest rates and oil prices, despite perceptions of excessive declines due to recent adjustments.Foreign investors have shifted to net selling in the KOSPI since September 10, with cumulative net sales reaching 9 trillion won from September 1 to 15. However, analysts suggest that the current downward pressure on stock prices is largely due to uncertainties surrounding the September FOMC and noise related to reduced investments in artificial intelligence (AI), indicating that it may be premature to conclude that this weakness will lead to a long-term decline.In the NXT premarket as of 8:34 a.m., Samsung Electronics was down 0.20% from the previous trading day. SK Hynix fell 0.06%, LG Energy Solution decreased by 0.82%, Samsung Biologics dropped 0.14%, and Samsung C&T was down 0.58%. Conversely, Samsung Electro-Mechanics rose 0.08%, Hyundai Motor increased by 0.27%, KB Financial gained 0.57%, and Samsung Life Insurance was up 0.53%.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The September rate hike is already known, so the focus now shifts to whether there will be additional hikes in October or December FOMC meetings. The recent strengthening of expectations for further tightening is rooted in energy inflation concerns, suggesting that future developments in the Middle East and oil prices will add variability to the interest rate trajectory."He added, "Unless there is a shock indicating a strong commitment to tightening, such as an upward adjustment in the dot plot at the September FOMC, additional pressure from the Fed for further adjustments is likely to be limited. If concerns about further tightening and rising long-term interest rates ease after the September FOMC, the domestic market may have a chance to return to its previous recovery path."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:48:00
  • LG Electronics Unveils Technologies to Cut Energy Costs by Up to 60%
    LG Electronics Unveils Technologies to Cut Energy Costs by Up to 60% LG Electronics is showcasing a range of energy-saving technologies for homes, covering HVAC systems, home appliances, and displays, while presenting its vision for achieving carbon neutrality.The company is participating in the '2026 International Climate Industry Expo' at BEXCO in Busan, where it is unveiling a variety of AI-based high-efficiency residential solutions.Highlighted in its lineup are the 'LG Therma V Heat Pump Boiler,' which utilizes air-source heat pump technology, the 'LG Whisen AI Object Collection Tower I Air Conditioner,' and the 'LG Multi V I,' all optimized for energy efficiency. These technologies can reduce energy costs by up to 60% compared to traditional fossil fuel boilers.In the realm of home appliances and displays, LG has integrated numerous high-efficiency and eco-friendly technologies. The 'LG Tromm AI Object Collection Wash Combo,' which has achieved a top energy efficiency rating, is among the featured products, along with the 'LG e-Paper Display,' which reduces power consumption by over 99% compared to previous signage, and the 'LG StandbyME 2 Max,' which lowers standby power to below 0.5W.The company also revealed its achievements in resource recycling and the use of eco-friendly materials. By incorporating composite fiber materials in the manufacturing process of OLED TVs, LG has reduced plastic usage by approximately 40% compared to LCD TVs of the same size. All models of OLED TVs released this year (W6/G6/C6/B6) have received Intertek's 'Resource Efficiency Certification.'Additionally, LG introduced the 'LG Smart Cottage,' a modular home that has become the first pre-manufactured building to receive the highest grade of zero-energy building (ZEB Plus), along with its 'Batteryurn' project for recycling vacuum cleaner batteries and a product line utilizing recycled plastics (PCR).Kim Young-rak, President of LG Electronics' Korean Sales Division, stated, "We will continue to introduce high-efficiency energy technologies and carbon-reducing products so that customers can experience a sustainable lifestyle in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:44:00
  • Foreign Investment Shifts from U.S. Bonds to Stocks Despite Rising Yields
    Foreign Investment Shifts from U.S. Bonds to Stocks Despite Rising Yields The yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds has surpassed 5% for the first time in 19 years, yet foreign investment is flowing more into stocks than bonds. Analysts suggest that concerns over rising government debt and inflation are diminishing the appeal of Treasury bonds, while expectations for corporate earnings driven by increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI) are supporting the stock market.According to the International Financial Center, on September 15 (local time), the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds rose to 5.04% during trading before closing at 5.00%. This marks the first time the closing yield has exceeded 5% since 2007. Market observers attribute the rise in yields to high inflation, fiscal pressures, the potential for further tightening by the Federal Reserve, and prolonged expectations of rising oil prices.Despite the surge in bond yields, foreign investment in the stock market has been notably stronger over the past year. According to the Financial Times, foreign investment in the U.S. stock market during this period reached 2.8% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), while funds flowing into U.S. Treasury bonds accounted for only 2% of GDP. This trend is unusual, especially when excluding specific periods like the financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic.The reluctance of foreign investors to flock to Treasury bonds, despite high yields, stems from growing concerns about U.S. fiscal health. As government debt increases, rising interest rates lead to higher interest burdens on the government and greater pressure to expand bond supply. Coupled with inflation fears and questions about the independence of the Federal Reserve, some market participants are increasingly questioning the safe-haven status of U.S. Treasury bonds, according to the Financial Times.In contrast, the U.S. stock market benefits from growth driven by increased AI investment. Amid the technological competition between the U.S. and China, significant investments in data centers, semiconductors, and power infrastructure are likely to continue. Goldman Sachs projects that cumulative spending on AI could reach 5% of global GDP by 2030. The expectation that AI investments will lead to improved corporate earnings is attracting foreign capital to the stock market.However, rising long-term interest rates pose a burden on the stock market as well. On September 15, the S&P 500 index fell by 0.45%, while the dollar index rose by 0.26%. The market is discussing the possibility of a rate hike at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in September, as well as the potential for additional increases later this year. If bond yields continue to rise, the cost of capital for companies and the discount rate for stocks may increase, potentially weakening the flow of foreign investment into the stock market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:40:00
  • Shinhan Cooperative Provides $50,000 for Flood Recovery in Nepal
    Shinhan Cooperative Provides $50,000 for Flood Recovery in Nepal 신협중앙회가 대홍수로 큰 피해를 입은 네팔을 돕기 위해 긴급 지원에 나선다. 신협중앙회는 최근 기록적인 홍수로 큰 피해를 본 네팔의 복구와 이재민 구호를 위해 5만달러의 긴급 성금을 지원했다고 16일 밝혔다. 신협은 지난 2015년 네팔 대지진 당시에도 10만달러를 기부하고 구호물품 지원과 현지 봉사활동을 진행했다. 네팔에 대한 긴급 지원은 당시 대지진 구호 이후 11년 만이다. 성금은 신협사회공헌재단을 통해 아시아신협연합회(ACCU) 사무국에 전달된다. 피해 지역 복구와 이재민 지원 등에 쓰일 예정이다. 네팔신용협동조합중앙회(NEFSCUN)에 따르면 이번 홍수로 현지 신협 35곳이 피해를 봤다. 일부 지역에서는 조합원들이 정상적으로 금융 서비스를 이용하는 데 어려움을 겪는 것으로 파악됐다. 신협은 해외 재난 피해 지역을 대상으로 한 인도적 지원을 꾸준히 이어가고 있다. 지난 2017년 스리랑카 홍수 피해 복구를 위해 2만달러를 전달했으며 2020년에는 호주 산불 피해 복구에 10만달러를 지원했다. 베트남·필리핀 홍수 피해 복구에도 5만달러를 각각 지원했다. 고영철 신협중앙회장은 "갑작스러운 재난으로 어려움을 겪는 네팔 국민과 현지 신협 조합원들에게 깊은 위로를 전한다"며 "협동조합의 연대와 상부상조 정신을 바탕으로 피해 지역 주민들이 하루빨리 일상을 회복할 수 있도록 힘을 보태겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:40:00
  • SK Securities Raises Hanwhas Target Price to 170,000 Won Post-Demerger
    SK Securities Raises Hanwha's Target Price to 170,000 Won Post-Demerger SK Securities has projected that Hanwha's corporate value discount rate will decrease due to expectations of optimized business portfolio and resource allocation following its demerger. The firm has raised its target price to 170,000 won while maintaining a 'buy' rating.In a report released on September 16, analyst Choi Kwan-soo stated, "If additional shareholder returns become visible as a result of the demerger, we can expect a significant normalization of the discount rate compared to competitors."Choi noted that Hanwha decided to split into two entities, Hanwha and the newly established Hanwha Machinery and Service Holdings, at a ratio of 0.756 to 0.244 on January 14. He explained that the market capitalization before the split was 5.9 trillion won, and after the re-listing, the combined market capitalization increased to 7.9 trillion won, marking a 33.9% rise.He added, "The increase in combined market capitalization appears to be driven by expectations of optimized business portfolio and resource allocation. Currently, the discount rate compared to the net asset value (NAV) of the surviving entity is 65.3%, slightly reduced from the pre-split rate of 66.1%."Future performance improvements are also seen as a factor for corporate value reassessment. Choi highlighted that the aerospace sector is strengthening its export competitiveness, having signed a 410 million euro export contract with Croatia. He also noted that the solutions sector is expected to benefit from the operation of a solar plant in the U.S. following a capital increase and the potential rise in demand for renewable energy after the midterm elections.Additionally, he mentioned that the possibility of resuming construction in Bismayah, Iraq, which has faced delays, is increasing as recent meetings with the head of the Iraqi Investment Commission have taken place. He anticipates that improvements in subsidiary performance will also enhance cash flow through trademark revenues and dividends.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:40:00
  • Director Park Hoon-jungs Sad Tropical Wins Top Prize at 32nd Étrange Film Festival
    Director Park Hoon-jung's 'Sad Tropical' Wins Top Prize at 32nd Étrange Film Festival Director Park Hoon-jung's latest film, 'Sad Tropical,' has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Nouveau Genre Grand Prize at the 32nd Étrange Film Festival held in Paris, France. According to the overseas distributor Finecut, 'Sad Tropical' was invited to compete in the international competition section of the festival, which took place from September 1 to 12, and emerged victorious after intense competition. The Étrange Film Festival, held annually in September, has a strong connection with Korean cinema, having previously showcased notable films such as 'The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey,' 'Concrete Utopia,' and 'The Drug King.' 'Sad Tropical' tells the story of children from a killer organization called 'Sad Tropical,' raised by a figure known as 'Sabu,' who find their existence shaken by a series of events that lead them to distrust one another and vow bloody revenge. This hardboiled action noir has garnered enthusiastic praise from the festival for its genre-defining thrills. Marc Troonen, the festival's international programmer, remarked, "Director Park Hoon-jung has returned to action and delivered a remarkable film. 'Sad Tropical' is an action thriller that escalates with operatic intensity, racing toward a furious climax as if there is no tomorrow." Troonen further noted, "The stylized action collides violently with raw, visceral sensations, evoking the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s and 90s. It offers a relentless pace that never allows the audience a moment to blink, maintaining a high-speed thrill throughout." This is not the first time 'Sad Tropical' has made waves on the global genre film festival circuit. It was previously invited to the 'Orbita' section of the 58th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Spain and won the Silver Raven in the international competition section at the 44th Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, proving its quality. Recently, it was also invited to the 40th Fantasy Filmfest, the largest genre film festival touring seven major cities in Germany, exciting global genre fans. Meanwhile, 'Sad Tropical' is currently undergoing final post-production and is set to meet domestic audiences soon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:32:00
  • Clarity Act Fails in Senate, Bitcoin Drops to $75,000
    Clarity Act Fails in Senate, Bitcoin Drops to $75,000 The 'Clarity Act,' aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for virtual assets in the U.S., failed to pass in the Senate, leading to a significant drop in major cryptocurrency prices.According to CoinMarketCap, as of 8 a.m. on September 16, Bitcoin was trading at $75,692, down 3.56% from the previous day.Altcoins experienced even steeper declines. Ethereum fell 5.09% to $2,399, while Ripple (XRP) plummeted 10.09% to $1.28. Solana dropped 5.52% to $97.12, and Binance Coin (BNB) decreased by 1.12% to $713.18.The downturn in the cryptocurrency market is attributed to the Senate's failure to advance the Clarity Act. On September 15, the Senate held a procedural vote to begin discussions on the bill, but it received only 49 votes in favor and 50 against, failing to secure the necessary support for further consideration.The Clarity Act, which seeks to clarify the legal status and jurisdiction of virtual assets, was expected to expedite the integration of the cryptocurrency industry into the regulatory framework.However, concerns over potential conflicts of interest involving the Trump family's cryptocurrency business and issues surrounding strengthened ethics regulations led to a lack of consensus between parties, resulting in the vote's failure. This has negatively impacted not only Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but also related stocks such as Coinbase.With Congress set to recess ahead of the midterm elections in November, the prospects for the Clarity Act's passage this year have become increasingly uncertain.Meanwhile, in the domestic market, Bitcoin also showed weakness. At 8 a.m. on the same day, Bitcoin was trading at 10,296,200 won on Bithumb, down 0.94% from the previous day. The 'Kimchi Premium,' which indicates the price difference between domestic and international markets, was recorded at -0.25%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:24:00
  • Neowiz Secures IP for Nihon Falcoms The Legend of Heroes: The White Witch for PC and Consoles
    Neowiz Secures IP for Nihon Falcom's 'The Legend of Heroes: The White Witch' for PC and Consoles Neowiz is set to develop a PC and console game utilizing the intellectual property (IP) of 'The Legend of Heroes: The White Witch,' a role-playing game (RPG) from Japanese game company Nihon Falcom. The development will focus on faithfully recreating the original story and unique atmosphere, with plans to introduce the game to the global market.On September 16, Neowiz announced that it has signed an IP agreement with Nihon Falcom for 'The White Witch.' This contract grants Neowiz the rights to develop PC and console packages and to publish the game globally.'The White Witch' is the third installment in Nihon Falcom's flagship RPG series, 'The Legend of Heroes,' first released in 1994. It is the first title in the 'Gagharv Trilogy,' which connects the third to fifth installments within a single universe. Known for its expansive world and narrative, it is considered a key work in the series that later led to the 'Trails' series.The game is recognized for its storytelling approach, which minimizes combat and puzzle elements. It emphasizes character actions as they move across the map, NPC dialogue that changes with the story progression, and music that enhances key scenes, focusing on delivering narrative and atmosphere. This distinctive style has earned it the nickname 'the poetry RPG.'Leveraging its development and publishing capabilities built in the console market, Neowiz plans to concentrate on capturing the original story and unique atmosphere of 'The White Witch.'A Neowiz representative stated, "'The White Witch' is a beloved title cherished by RPG fans worldwide for over 30 years. We aim to deliver a product that evokes the emotions felt by players at the time while also engaging new gamers with a high level of quality." The representative added, "We look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with Nihon Falcom through this agreement."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:24:00
  • Hana Securities: OISolution Faces Shortage of Optical Components, Target Price Maintained at 60,000 Won
    Hana Securities: OISolution Faces Shortage of Optical Components, Target Price Maintained at 60,000 Won Hana Securities reported that a global shortage of optical components has already begun, and if domestic frequency auctions resume next year, OISolution's profitability is expected to improve significantly. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating and target price of 60,000 won.Lee Sang-hoon, a researcher at Hana Securities, stated, "Following the U.S., the likelihood of frequency auctions in South Korea is high by mid-2027," adding, "Considering the trends in global raw materials, laser diode (LD) chips, and optical module supply, the shortage situation is expected to persist until the domestic auction date." Hana Securities recently identified rising raw material costs for telecommunications equipment manufacturers as a sign of supply shortages. The global semiconductor and optical component supply shortages, driven by data center expansions, have spread to the telecommunications equipment market, causing prices for small-diameter indium phosphide (InP) wafers sourced from China to rise by over 40% to 70% compared to late last year.However, OISolution produces its own LD chips, which analysts believe gives it an advantage in passing on cost increases to product prices compared to competitors. They anticipate that as global optical manufacturers focus their production capacity on server products, the shortage of LD chips and optical transceivers for base stations will worsen once the frequency auctions commence.The researcher noted, "During the domestic auction in 2019, OISolution's gross profit margin and operating profit margin were at record highs of around 40% and 30%, respectively," explaining that even without internalizing LD chips at that time, the price increase of optical transceivers led to peak profit margins. He added, "At this point, with internalization achieved, we expect to achieve even higher profit margins." OISolution's performance is also expected to improve. Hana Securities estimates that OISolution's operating loss will turn into a profit of 2.1 billion won this year, up from a loss of 16 billion won last year, and is projected to expand to 21.2 billion won next year. During the same period, revenue is expected to increase from 57.4 billion won to 77.4 billion won this year, and further to 126.7 billion won next year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:20:10
  • Body of unidentified woman found near Deurimi Port in Incheon
    Body of unidentified woman found near Deurimi Port in Incheon The body of an unidentified woman was discovered near Deurimi Port on Ganghwa Island, Incheon.According to Yonhap News and the Incheon Coast Guard, a report was received at 7:13 a.m. on the 15th regarding the discovery of the body near Deurimi Port in Ganghwa County.The body was found by marine debris collection workers in the area, who then reported it. The Coast Guard stated that the body is presumed to be that of a woman.A Coast Guard official noted, "The specific identity, including age, has not yet been confirmed, and we plan to determine the identity through further investigation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 08:08:10