This Trending Hipjiro Catcher [3-Minute Brief]

[3-Min Brief 3-Second Summary]
① Samsung Electronics Leads with Surprise Earnings
② Current Account Surplus for 10 Consecutive Months
③ International Oil Prices Affect April Import Costs

MARKET INDEX : Year to date

- Last week, KOSPI was down -1.2% compared to the previous week
- This week's stock market influenced by general election and inflation
- Attention on whether financial investment tax will be introduced in this general election

Top3 NEWS

■ Semiconductor escapes deficit with 'up to 1 trillion KRW operating profit'... Samsung leads with surprise earnings

- Samsung's Q1 operating profit increased by 931%
- Semiconductor expected to return to profit after 5 quarters
- DRAM and NAND prices rise, HBM performs well

■ Bank of Korea: Rising international oil prices affect import costs since April

- Crude oil price increase impacts current account balance
- Crude oil import price has a one-month lag
- However, semiconductor boom partially offsets the effect

■ Bitcoin trading volume exceeded 9 trillion KRW last month... all-time high

- Increased 93% compared to previous month, record high
- Spot trading volume also surged about twofold
- Optimism on Bitcoin spot ETF influences the market

Graphic News: Threatening 'this' to Hipjiro, known as a cost-effective commercial district

- Euljiro in Seoul is recognized as a truly 'cost-effective commercial district'
- Unique urban landscape and low rent serve as growth drivers
- However, rent will rise once 'gentrification' begins

the Chart: Semiconductor boom... current account surplus for 10 consecutive months

- South Korea's current account surplus in February marks 10 consecutive months
- IT industry improvement increases semiconductor demand

- Imports decreased by 12.2% compared to the previous year

Terms in the News: Semiconductor support blocked by WTO? 'Subsidy Agreement'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

- WTO 'Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures'
- Aims to prevent trade distortion and maintain fair competition
- Classified into prohibited, actionable, and permitted types with restrictions

Today's Key Schedule

○ Domestic

- Daejeon e-Pyeonhansesang Seodaejeon Station Centro

○ Overseas
- 08:50 Japan February adjusted current account balance
- 10:30 Australia housing loans
- 15:00 Germany February industrial production
- 19:00 UK mortgage interest rates

- 23:00 US March CB employment trends index

◇ Lunch & Commute Weather

○ Lowest temperature 8℃(▼1℃) ｜ Highest temperature: 23℃(▲5℃)
○ Precipitation probability 20% in the morning｜20% in the afternoon
○ Fine dust level Moderate in the morning｜Moderate in the afternoon

OK in 3 minutes, essential time-efficient economic news. Published daily at 8 AM.