Daily Briefing · 2026-09-30

S. Treasury yields, recording the worst decline among major global stock markets in the third quarter. However, SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics showed strength, partially offsetting the decline. The U.S. August personal consumption expenditures price index came in below expectations, signaling a slowdown in inflation, which led to a rise in the New York stock market. Buoyed by the semiconductor boom, this year's national tax revenue is expected to reach 478 trillion won, an all-time high. However, differences emerged between President Trump and the Korean government over the Alaska LNG project, raising uncertainty over the direction of the $200 billion investment plan in the United States. In August, production, consumption, and investment all declined simultaneously, sounding a warning for the economic recovery. Major financial holding companies including KB, Hana, Woori, and BNK Financial have all begun succession procedures for their affiliate CEOs, as governance restructuring moves into full swing. While approvals for Seoul apartments have increased significantly, completions have declined, continuing concerns over a short-term supply shortage; the government has responded with urban public housing complex projects. DRAM and NAND prices hit record highs in September, and Micron's stock price surpassed $1,000, boosting expectations for a memory super cycle. Hanwha Life is acquiring Acuon Capital for 440 billion won, expanding into a comprehensive financial group. U.S. private employment in September significantly exceeded expectations, and Germany's consumer prices hit a three-year high, increasing uncertainty over global interest rate policy.