The operating profits of the four major domestic groups -- Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG -- last year showed a decrease of over 65 percent compared to 2022.The Korea CXO Research Institute, specializing in corporate analysis, released a report containing the findings on April 24.Specifically, t
At one point, 8 out of 10 Chinese smartphones used Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panels from Korean companies. Now, that number has plummeted to less than 2 out of 10, indicating a dramatic drop in the market share of Korean companies as China encourages the use of domestically produced compon
Both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, the two leading semiconductor giants in South Korea, closed lower. The decline was influenced by a simultaneous sharp drop in semiconductor stock prices, with Nvidia falling by 10 percent in the U.S. market.In the KOSPI market on April 22, Samsung Electronics c
Interest in the Chinese e-commerce platform that surged in the Korean market with its low-price strategy appears to be waning. The average usage time for the AliExpress app (combining Android and iOS) has plummeted to levels last seen three years ago, and the transaction volume is also at a meager l
The amount of short-term foreign currency borrowings hastily acquired by banks alone has exceeded 4 trillion won. With the won-to-dollar exchange rate surpassing 1,400 won and reaching new highs, the risks associated with short-term foreign currency debts have also increased.According to business di
The NAND flash market, which experienced a significant contraction last year due to a slowdown in the Information Technology (IT) market, is poised for a sharp recovery this year, bolstered by increasing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI).According to industry sources on April 15, TrendForce, a
Recent opinion polls suggest that former President Donald Trump is leading in the race in swing states among potential candidates for the upcoming November U.S. presidential election, raising concerns about trade pressure from the United States. During his tenure, former President Trump considered t
SK hynix is planning to invest 5.2 trillion won to establish a next-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM) semiconductor production facility for artificial intelligence (AI) in Indiana in the U.S. This venture represents the company’s first HBM production plant abroad, with mass production slated to
Korea’s exports of beauty care products, which have been shrinking while going through China’s restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic, are rebounding thanks to steady Korean Wave effects and increased exports to other regions.According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) on March 31,
Last year, Samsung Electronics’ shareholder returns rate surpassed that of global big tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta. This achievement comes despite the worst semiconductor downturn in history last year, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to maintaining dividend payouts and focusing on sh
Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have both reached new record highs simultaneously. Samsung Electronics share price has recovered to 80,000 won (US$60) in approximately two years and three months, while SK hynix’s market capitalization approaches 130 trillion won. Expectations are rising for Samsung
A scenario analysis has been conducted on the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, which poses a major risk to the Korean secondary battery industry for electric vehicles which is expected to expand supply in earnest beginning from 2025.If U.S. presidential hopeful Donald Trump, who has ment
Six of the world’s top 10 shipping companies posted negative growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to a sluggish global shipping market. Among them, only two posted a profit thanks to the acquisition of mega-ships: HMM, a Korean shipping giant that claims eighth place, and Taiwan’s Evergreen.Amon
The 17-year trend of Japan’s persistent negative interest rates has come to an end, yet the market’s response remains tepid. This is attributed to assessments indicating difficulty in perceiving a full-fledged tightening. However, there are prospects suggesting that the yen may strengthen from the s
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at pk.park@nhqv.com -- Ed.HIFU equipment exports from Gangnam-gu, Seoul to Brazil rebounded in February. Gangnam-gu’s aesthetic consumables and RF equipment exports continue to level up. Aesthetic equipment exports from Yuseo
The combined operating profit of the top 10 companies by market capitalization in the South Korean stock market falls short of those of leading Japanese company Toyota and top Taiwanese company TSMC.To address the “Korea discount,” which refers to the undervaluation of South Korean stocks, it is poi
Chinese online shopping platforms AliExpress, Temu, Shine and other overseas business operators over a certain size will be required to have representatives in Korea. This new policy is aimed at making them responsible for consumer protection.Unlike AliExpress, which currently has a legal entity in
Chinese TV manufacturers are aggressively targeting the OLED market, dominated by Samsung and LG, with their large LCD products offered at breakthrough prices.During the “Korea Display Conference” hosted by Omdia in the Seocho district of Seoul on March 13, Park Kyung-sun, director at Omdia Korea, s
Following their competition in integrated washing and drying machines, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are now launching AI TVs, sparking another pride battle. On-device AI, which operates AI within the device without a network connection, is rapidly spreading to TVs.On March 13, Samsung Elec
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at sw.kang@nhqv.com -- Ed.The Fed's rate cut playbook emphasizes cuts sooner rather than later and further tightening. With this in mind, we anticipate bullish steepening of yield curves starting from 2Q24. The US and EU are