Market Overview - Major U.S. index futures indicate a higher open, with stocks expected to continue the upward trend from the previous sessions [1] - Semiconductor stocks are leading the gains, with ASML shares surging 5% after strong Q4 results and positive 2026 guidance [1] Semiconductor Industry - SK Hynix shares spiked after reporting better-than-expected Q4 results and a record full-year profit for 2025 [2] - China has approved Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent to purchase over 400,000 Nvidia H200 AI chips, contributing to a 1.6% increase in Nvidia shares [3][2] Technology Sector - Major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Tesla are set to report quarterly results, with Microsoft shares rising 2.2% and Apple shares increasing by 1.1% [4][6] - The Nasdaq index reached a nearly three-month closing high, driven by strong performances in the tech sector [5][10] Economic Indicators - The Conference Board reported a significant drop in consumer confidence, with the index falling to 84.5 in January from 94.2 in December, marking the lowest level since May 2014 [9][8] Oil and Commodity Markets - Crude oil futures increased by $0.62 to $63.01 per barrel, following a previous surge [12] - Gold prices rose to $5,277.70 per ounce, up $195.10 from the previous session [12] European Market Reaction - European stocks mostly declined ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision, with the French CAC 40 Index down by 1.5% and the German DAX Index down by 0.6% [22][23] - ASML Holding saw a significant rise in shares due to exceeding analysts' expectations for Q4 orders [23]

South Korea flag in front of market screen with rising chart, symbolizing a South Korean stock market rally. Key Points U.S. stocks have dominated global returns over the past 20 years, far outpacing developed and emerging markets overall. That trend flipped in 2025, when international benchmarks delivered much stronger gains than the S&P 500. South Korea led the global leaderboard, powered by AI-linked memory chip winners and reform-driven momentum heading into 2026. Interested in iShares MSCI South ...

By Heekyong Yang and Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL, Jan 28 (Reuters) - South Korea's SK Hynix on Wednesday reported its quarterly profit more than doubled, hitting a record high and beating forecasts, and predicted ​that the artificial intelligence boom would sustain rapid growth in memory chip demand. The earnings beat plus ‌the announcement of its biggest ever share cancellation helped propel shares in the Nvidia supplier 9% higher in after-hours trading. SK Hynix shares ‌have risen about 30% so far this year. ...

SHERY: THIS IS THE ASIA TRADE. I AM SHERY AHN IN TOKYO. AVRIL: I AM AVRIL HONG IN SINGAPORE.THE DOLLAR YEN SLIDES TO NEAR FOUR-YEAR LOWS AS PRESIDENT TRUMP WELCOMES A WEAKER U.S. CURRENCY. JAPAN'S FINANCE MINISTER WARNS AGAIN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ACTION ON THE YEN IN COORDINATION WITH THE U.S. IF NEEDED. INVESTORS BRACING FOR THE 40 YEAR SALE.INDIA AND THE EU SUCCEED ON A DEAL. SHERY: WE ARE KEEPING OUR EYES FIRMLY ON THE JAPANESE YEN WHICH HAS SEEN THE BEST RUN SINCE THE IMPLOSION OF GLOBAL CARRY ...

Ac t i o n | 26 Jan 2026 09:32:20 ET │ 16 pages Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) Intensifying Memory Supply Shortage Lifts 2026E Pricing Outlook; Raise TP to W240k CITI'S TAKE We raise our 2026E DRAM/NAND ASP growth estimates to +120%/+90% YoY from +88%/+74% YoY and expect 64GB DDR5 RDIMM ASP to jump to US$720 (+60% QoQ) in 1Q26E. Amid exacerbating supply shortage, we project SEC's 2026E OP to reach W182.2tr, driven by the strong memory ASP growth. Raise TP to W240k (vs. W200k before). Commodity Memory Prici ...

President Donald Trump escalated trade pressure on South Korea by raising tariffs to 25%, a move that risks tightening one of the most fragile corners of global supply chains: memory chips.In a statement posted Tuesday, Trump said South Korea's legislature failed to approve a trade agreement reached on July 30, 2025, and reaffirmed during his October visit to the country."Our Trade Deals are very important to America," Trump wrote.Trump said South Korea's National Assembly has not enacted the agreement, pro ...

Core Insights - U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25%, citing the South Korean National Assembly's failure to ratify a "Historic Trade Agreement" [1][2] Impact on Industries and Companies - The proposed tariff hike targets key sectors of the South Korean economy, specifically automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, along with other "reciprocal" goods [5] - The automotive industry, which constitutes 27% of South Korea's exports to the U.S., will be significantly impacted, with Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. being the most exposed [6][7] - Major pharmaceutical companies like Samsung Biologics and Celltrion are also at risk, as their direct exports of biosimilars could be affected by the tariffs [8] - South Korean semiconductor manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are on alert due to the broader "reciprocal" tariff policy, although the impact may be limited [9] Long-Term Outlook for South Korean ETFs - Despite immediate volatility, the long-term outlook for South Korean ETFs is supported by the South Korean government's efforts to address tariff threats through diplomacy and proposed legislation for a $350 billion investment in the U.S. [10][11] - South Korea's diversified export base and strong balance sheets of leading conglomerates provide a more constructive view for the future [12] - The restoration of the 15% tariff cap is anticipated once the National Assembly clarifies the investment timeline, presenting a potential recovery opportunity for investors [13] ETFs to Watch - **iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY)**: Net assets of $11.24 billion, top holdings include Samsung Electronics (26.48%), SK Hynix (18.37%), and Hyundai Motors (3.11%), with a 116.1% increase over the past year [14][15] - **Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR)**: Net assets of $316.2 million, top holdings include Samsung Electronics (20.26%), SK Hynix (18.75%), and Hyundai Motors (3.13%), with a 106.5% increase over the past year [16] - **Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR)**: Active fund with net assets of $85.9 million, top holdings include Samsung Electronics (24.9%), SK Square (4.6%), and SK Hynix (4.4%), with an 87.5% increase over the past year [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - The Schwab International Equity ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHF) is highlighted as a strong investment option for those seeking long-term returns through international equity exposure [1]. Fund Overview - The Schwab International Equity ETF is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that focuses on over 1,400 non-U.S. companies, contrasting with the S&P 500 index which includes 500 major American companies [2]. Performance Metrics - The ETF has shown impressive performance with average annual returns of 16.59% over the past 3 years, 9.39% over the past 5 years, 10.40% over the past 10 years, and 6.87% over the past 15 years [3]. Cost and Yield - The ETF features a low annual fee of 0.03%, translating to a cost of $3 per year for every $10,000 invested, and offers a solid dividend yield of 3.4% [5]. Holdings - Recent top holdings in the fund include ASML Holding, Samsung Electronics, Roche Holding, HSBC Holding, and Novartis AG, indicating a diverse portfolio of significant foreign companies [6]. Market Dynamics - The ETF is market-cap weighted, meaning larger companies have a greater influence on its performance, which can be both a risk and an advantage depending on market conditions [8].

U.S. stock futures are presenting a mixed picture this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as investors navigate a busy week dominated by corporate earnings reports, a crucial Federal Reserve policy meeting, and fresh geopolitical developments. While technology-focused futures show upward momentum, broader market indicators suggest a more cautious approach in premarket trading.Premarket Activity and Index FuturesAs of early Tuesday, premarket trading indicates a divergence among the major U.S. indexes. Nasdaq 100 fu ...

QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is included among the 15 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026. Qualcomm (QCOM) Valuation Looks Elevated After Recent Move, Citi Says Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr On January 15, Citi kept its Neutral rating on QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) with a $180 price target after the stock moved under a new analyst’s coverage. The firm noted that Qualcomm shares are currently trading above their historical valuation levels. Separately, Reuters reported on January 7 that ...