Seoul Markets and Global Financial News Recap

Financial markets face intense pressure as geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic shifts unfold globally. Investors in Tokyo and around the world monitor developments closely following significant moves in oil, employment data, and corporate earnings.

【Performance Tickets】【Seoul】Hot Man Show THE MAN ALIVE : Choice

Book today before 18:00

HKD 339 Start

Book now

【1-Day Tour Routes】Seoul: DMZ Demilitarized Zone Aijibong Starbucks & Hanok & Sightseeing/History Day Tour

Available 2026-10-19

HKD 305 Start

Book now

The Iran Conflict and Global Market Impact

Tensions surrounding the Iran conflict continue to dominate global headlines, with leaders from both sides issuing tough statements. Trump demanded unconditional surrender from Iran on Friday to consider any agreement. Meanwhile, European equities plummeted, with the STOXX 600 losing over 5.5% this week, and emerging markets experiencing heavier losses.

To encourage oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump announced a $20 billion reinsurance program for oil tankers. Investor skepticism persists regarding whether this measure will maintain steady oil flows through the strait.

The US Labor Market Slowdown

The official US jobs report released on Friday revealed a surprise decline of 92,000 in nonfarm payrolls for February, missing expectations for an increase of 50,000. Additionally, December figures underwent a downward revision to negative 17,000, marking three negative jobs growth months out of the past five. The unemployment rate rose from 4.3% to 4.4%.

Analysts debate the exact causes of this slowdown, noting that immigration crackdowns contribute by lowering population growth and reducing the number of new jobs needed. Despite sluggish job growth, overall consumer spending and economic conditions appear stable.

International Macroeconomic Updates

* Monday: China reported that new home prices in February fell at their fastest pace since December 2022.

* Tuesday: Trump threatened to halt all US trade with Spain after the country declined to permit US military bases for Iran strikes.

* Tuesday: China manufacturing PMI dropped from 49.3 in January to 49.0 in February, missing the 49.1 expectation, while the composite PMI declined from 49.8 to 49.5.

* Wednesday: Private companies added 63,000 jobs in February according to the ADP report, beating the 48,000 forecast, though January numbers were revised down to 11,000 additions.

* Wednesday: Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair to succeed Jerome Powell when his term concludes in May.

* Wednesday: Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda indicated the central bank will maintain tightening and raise interest rates if growth and inflation forecasts hold, though Middle East conflict oil price spikes could challenge sustainable 2% inflation goals.

* Thursday: China set its 2026 GDP growth target between 4.5% and 5% with a budget deficit target around 4% of GDP, alongside a 2% inflation target.

* Thursday: EU member states granted final approval to target a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Corporate Earnings and Acquisitions

* Broadcom: Reported fiscal Q1 earnings and revenue beats alongside strong guidance, resulting in a 4.8% stock rally on Thursday.

* Marvell: Issued strong guidance based on ongoing demand, leading to a surge of over 18% in its share price on Friday.

* Netflix: Acquired AI film technology company InterPositive, founded by Ben Affleck, following its recent withdrawal from a Warner Bros. deal. Netflix stock rose nearly 3% during the week.

Practical Tips

* Monitor central bank announcements from the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve regarding future interest rate adjustments.

* Track international crude oil price movements and developments in the Strait of Hormuz for potential impacts on energy costs.

* Review major corporate earnings reports and employment data releases to assess ongoing shifts in equity markets.

Source

https://moneybycj.substack.com/p/news-recap-week-10-2026