news highlight

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  NPS enjoys record returns on two-year KOSPI rally SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) -South Korea’s National Pension Service (NPS) posted a record annual investment return of 18.82 percent in 2025 — the highest since its establishment in 1988 and outperforming major global pension peers — driven by an exceptionally strong domestic equity rally. The double-digit return generated 231.6 trillion won in earnings, nearly five times its annual pension payout of 49.7 trillion won, and lifted total assets under management to 1,4 February 27, 2026
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  Coupang keeps up sales, but Q4 data shock exposes cash and trust risks SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Coupang Inc.’s fourth-quarter numbers told a stark story: revenue rose 11 percent year-on-year to $8.84 billion, yet operating income collapsed 97 percent to just $8 million, and net income swung from a $156 million profit a year earlier to a $26 million loss. The sharp deterioration, driven largely by a massive data breach disclosed in November, undercut profitability, disrupted cash conversion and triggered regulatory scrutiny on both sides of the February 27, 2026
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  Seoul and Tokyo take a breather and China-related markets muted SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) — A correction hit Seoul and Tokyo on Friday after this week’s record-setting rally, while Chinese and Hong Kong stocks remained mostly sidelined ahead of next week’s closely watched “Two Sessions,” China’s annual legislative and political advisory meetings. A tech-led pullback on Wall Street overnight weighed on Asian semiconductor shares, reversing part of the strong gains seen earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Ind February 27, 2026
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  Samsung joins $1 trillion club as AI rally ripples across Asia SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics emerged as Asia's standout winner Thursday, joining the exclusive $1-trillion market-cap club as overnight Nvidia earnings sent the tech giant soaring 7 percent. The breakthrough came as AI enthusiasm — reignited by blockbuster earnings from Nvidia — swept across regional markets, propelling South Korea and Japan to fresh highs while China-related bourses lagged. The benchmark KOSPI jumped 3.7 percent, or 223.4 February 26, 2026
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  BOK seen on extended hold as financial risks resurface SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Financial stability concerns have re-emerged as the decisive variable in South Korea’s monetary policy outlook this year as inflation and economic growth return to target range. The Bank of Korea’s Monetary Policy Board on Thursday unanimously kept the benchmark rate unchanged at 2.5 percent, where it has remained since the May 2025 cut. “With inflation expected to remain stable near the target level, economic growth is projected to February 26, 2026
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  Celltrion ramps up US manufacturing to buffer against tariffs SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Biopharmaceutical company Celltrion said Thursday that it has taken steps to ensure its U.S. operations remain uninterrupted amid growing uncertainty over tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling last week. In a statement, Celltrion said it is ready to respond regardless of how tariff-related issues are resolved after the U.S. Supreme Court found U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs policy unlawful. Celltrion, which acquired U.S. February 26, 2026
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  KOSPI and Nikkei extend record rally on Nvidia guidance SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - KOSPI and Nikkei extend record rally on Nvidia guidance South Korean and Japanese shares stayed on their record-setting path Thursday, lifted by rosy guidance from Nvidia, while China-linked markets remained subdued ahead of the annual policy-setting congress next week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened higher and briefly surpassed 59,000 for the first time in morning trade, marking a fresh record, before trimming gains to 58,863.20 around 11 a.m. Th February 26, 2026
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  BOK raises growth forecast for next year to 2% SEOUL, Feb 26 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea (BOK) upgraded its growth forecast for 2026 economy to 2 percent next year, projecting a return to a potential growth rate after a year of sluggish performance, helped by chip-led exports strength and a recovery in construction activity. Consumer price inflation is projected to remain around 2 percent, similar to last year's levels, the central bank in its revised economic forecast released on Thursday. The growth for gross domestic p February 26, 2026
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  BOK holds at 2.5% as asset inflation fuels leverage risks SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea (BOK) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5 percent on Thursday, extending a pause that has been in place since May last year, as surging asset prices rekindle concerns over leveraged investing and record-high household debt. The decision at the central bank’s second policy meeting of 2026 was widely expected. In January, the BOK subtly shifted its policy language, removing references that implied further easing and si February 26, 2026