Daily Briefing · 2026-10-03

Following news of weak September employment, the Nasdaq rose 1.2%, but the 10-year yield instead climbed to 5.28%, limiting expectations for rate cuts. A series of hacking incidents at domestic banks and savings banks has dealt a major blow to trust in financial sector security. President Trump is pressuring Korea by threatening to double tariffs and the amount billed if Korea does not comply with investment in the Alaska LNG project. System failures at 10 major securities firms resulted in 73억원 in compensation payments, and the fine for government bond bid-rigging is also projected to reach the trillions of won range. In the semiconductor industry, a debate over whether the super cycle has peaked has emerged due to a slowdown in DRAM price increases, but back-end materials, parts and equipment stocks continue their sharp rally. Korea achieved its largest-ever nuclear power export performance by winning an order for 8 APR1400 reactors in the US, worth $1200억. Seoul's housing purchase affordability index recorded 185.3, its highest level in 3 years and 6 months. September consumer prices rose 2.9%, and the Bank of Korea forecasts inflation in the 3% range for October. International oil prices fell due to the release of strategic reserves by G7 nations, and domestic gasoline prices also fell for a 20th consecutive week. Hyundai Motor and Kia surpassed 500,000 units in US third-quarter sales, overtaking Ford to rank third. Meanwhile, Tesla's global third-quarter sales fell 2%, raising concerns over deteriorating profitability. Boosted by institutional capital inflows, the cryptocurrency market, including bitcoin, continues its strong performance. The Korea Development Bank and IBK Industrial Bank denied allegations of exerting improper pressure regarding film investment, but political controversy continues. The world food price index hit its highest level in 3 years and 10 months, increasing the burden of global food costs. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen following North Korea's ballistic missile launch, drawing attention to defense industry-related stocks. In France, political instability pushed the 10-year government bond yield to its highest level since 2008. Samsung Biologics faces growing uncertainty ahead of its 3조원 rights offering due to an announced union strike. Speculation over the health of China's President Xi Jinping has emerged as a new variable in global markets.