Recent data shows that South Korea’s top revenue-generating corporations have collectively invested a total of 4.5 trillion won (US$3.38 billion) in stakes in other companies, including ventures and startups, over the past 2 years and 6 months. The sector that received the highest concentration of i
As three groups – LX International, a consortium led by Harim, and Dongwon Industries – were selected as potential candidates for HMM’s acquisition and has begun due diligence process for two months, the industry is already witnessing negative speculation.The uncertainty surrounding HMM’s management
The author is an analyst for Shinhan Securities. He can be reached at jinmyung.lee93@shinhan.com -- Ed.Market correction nearing an endHyosung TNC shares enjoyed a rally early this year on hopes for China’s economic reopening and robust earnings, but pared all their gains during the steep correction
As of the end of August this year, South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves were recorded at US$418.3 billion. This marks a decrease of US$3.5 billion compared to the previous month.On Sept. 5, the Bank of Korea announced the size of foreign exchange reserves and attributed the decrease to primarily
South Korean shipbuilding orders appear to have fallen significantly behind rival China.According to Clarkson Research, a U.K.-based shipbuilding and maritime analysis institute, global ship orders last month stood at 2.05 million CGT (Compensated Gross Tonnage, 71 ships), a 30% decrease compared to
Despite the waning of the “king dollar” phenomenon that prevailed last year, the currencies of three East Asian countries – South Korea, China, and Japan – have not managed to break free from their weakened positions. Notably, the Korean won appears to be weaker compared to the Japanese yen and the
It was reported that production, consumption, and investment had all decreased in July. This simultaneous decline in the three major indicators of industrial activity, which together showcase the vitality of the South Korean economy, is the first since January. Additionally, facility investment reco
Eight out of ten business leaders have expressed the belief that the Chinese economy will continue to deteriorate in the future. This outlook is attributed to mounting concerns over risks stemming from China, notably those associated with the U.S.-China conflict. It is increasingly evident that the
The government, in a joint effort with the private sector, is establishing a “Startup Korea Fund” with a total size of 2 trillion won (US$1.51 billion) by 2027 to support the global expansion of deep tech and startups.The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) announced the “Comprehensive Startup Korea
Last year, South Korea reported its lowest birthrate since the initiation of birth statistics in 1970. The average number of births expected in a woman’s lifetime has dropped to 0.7. Annual births have also fallen below 250,000, intensifying concerns about a “population cliff.”According to the birth
South Korea’s exports fell 12.4 percent in the first half of the year. Therefore, South Korea became the only country in the world’s top 10 to post a double-digit decline in exports. Its global export ranking dropped to eighth place from sixth in 2022. South Korea’s trade deficit is expected to reac
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at bk@nhqv.com -- Ed.In terms of policy effects, the US appears to be winning this new phase of the Cold War. Although Korea has chosen to support the US, it is still impacted by developments in both the US and China due to i
Short selling of Hyundai Motor Group’s stocks has been intensifying, including both Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors. As concerns over performance grow, there are a rising number of investors betting on a decline in stock prices. In contrast, some experts in the securities industry believe that Hyundai
In the first half of this year, South Korea’s top four petrochemical companies – LG Chem, Lotte Chemical, Kumho Petrochemical, and Hanwha Solutions – have collectively lowered the average operational rates at their domestic petrochemical plants. This adjustment comes as the petrochemical industry ha
Shipbuilding exports are taking the lead in Korea’s exports in the first half of the year. During this span, Korea’s exports rose 11.9 percent year on year. The Korean shipbuilding industry secured four years’ worth of work through the end of the first half of this year. This is the largest order ba
Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) is preparing to raise funds amounting to around 2 trillion won. This move is proactive investment in defense and other sectors in preparation for the future.On Aug. 22, Hanwha Ocean announced, “We are reviewing various ways to raise fu
The Japanese yen-U.S. dollar exchange rate rose to 146 yen per U.S. dollar on the Tokyo foreign exchange market on Aug. 17. It reached the highest level in nine months since November 2022 and the highest so far this year.While the Japanese yen has stayed at one of the lowest points in history, the K
Global leading tire company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) has published its 2022/23 ESG Report, highlighting its sustainability activities, performance, and mid- and long-term strategies for the year.Based on Hankook Tire’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) vision system – “Inno
Despite a sharp decline in operating profits, the top 50 companies in the stock market (KOSPI) have increased their workforce by more than 13,000 employees.According to the semi-annual reports released on Aug. 16, the combined operating profit of the top 50 companies in the KOSPI index, excluding fi
The author is an analyst for Shinhan Securities. She can be reached at inhae.ji@shinhan.com -- Ed.Earnings hit a new high in 2Q23JYP Entertainment set new record-high earnings with sales of KRW151.7bn (+124% YoY) and operating profit of KRW45.7bn (+88% YoY) in 2Q23. Both sales and operating profit f