Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
South Korea lost about 277,000 jobs in July to push the number of unemployed people to 1.13 million, up by 41,000 lost jobs from last year.
The figure represents a jobless rate of 4 percent, up by 0.1 percent from last year.
The unemployment rate is the highest since July 1999 when there were 1.47 million without jobs and the fifth consecutive month of decline in employment.
The increase in unemployment was mostly attributable to those aged 40 and above.
The unemployment rate for those aged between 15 and 29 was at 9.7 percent, down 0.1 percentage point on-year.
The employment rate for those between 15 and 64 reached 66 percent, down 1.1 percent from last year.
The number of temporary workers plunged by 395,000 in July, while jobs for day laborers dropped 44,000.
By industry, the foodservice and accommodation and segment saw a drop of 225,000 jobs last month, and the wholesale and retail sector losing 127,000.
The decrease is attributed to people refraining from having gatherings or going outside, along with a sharp plunge in the number of inbound tourists.
In contrast, the social welfare sector gained 161,000 jobs in June, and the logistics industry added 58,000 jobs.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki described as "hurtful" the weak job figures for young adults and the troubles faced by industries requiring face-to-face interactions, such as restaurants and accommodation.
Hong noted on social media that jobs have been decreasing by a smaller margin since May. He added that the recent heavy rainfall might adversely impact recovery.
