Daily News Briefing — July 31, 2026

Daily Weather (As of July 2026-07-31)

Real-time data from the Korea Meteorological Administration is unavailable. Please check the latest forecasts at .

3 sources

democracynow.org

democracynow.org

weather.go.kr

weather.go.kr

weather.go.kr

weather.go.kr

Top 5 Headlines

1. KOSPI rebounds after crash amid AI confidence crisis

• Summary: After plummeting 11.4% on the 29th, the KOSPI surged nearly 18% by the 31st. The volatility was driven by major semiconductor stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix, reflecting extreme investor sentiment regarding AI infrastructure investments.

• Background: Sell-offs in tech stocks were triggered last week by doubts over AI profitability, compounded by liquidations of leveraged ETFs. Market confidence recovered on the 31st following a rally in global AI-related stocks.

• Impact: Extreme market volatility has caused losses for retail investors and raised questions about the Lee Jun-seok administration’s ability to stabilize the market. Authorities have promised to strengthen regulations on leveraged ETFs.

  

2. Japan earthquake death toll rises to 18; no Korean casualties

• Summary: The death toll from the earthquake in Japan has risen to 18. Yonhap News reported that no South Korean casualties have been confirmed thus far.

• Background: The earthquake occurred earlier this week, and rescue operations are currently underway.

• Impact: This event is expected to prompt a review of natural disaster response protocols across East Asia.

3. Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak

• Summary: Health authorities in Uganda have officially declared an end to the latest Ebola outbreak.

• Background: This success reflects enhanced disease control capabilities within the African continent.

• Impact: It is viewed as a positive case study for global infectious disease surveillance systems.

4. US-Iran tensions spike: Oil prices surge, energy profits climb

• Summary: Expanding military conflict between the US and Iran has driven up oil prices, leading to record quarterly profits for US oil companies.

• Background: Middle East tensions have escalated due to the Trump administration’s hardline policies toward Iran. The Senate again rejected a bill limiting the President’s war powers, and the risks of traversing the Strait of Hormuz are mounting.

• Impact: Surging global energy prices are expected to increase inflationary pressure on energy-importing nations, including South Korea.

5. France and Spain battle wildfires amidst heatwaves

• Summary: Southern Europe, specifically France and Spain, is contending with extreme temperatures and large-scale wildfires.

• Background: Climate change-induced extreme weather events are severely impacting Europe.

• Impact: These events could disrupt European energy and agricultural infrastructure, with potential ripple effects on global food security.

Economy & Markets

Market Closing/Trends

• KOSPI: Rose to the 7,200 range on the morning of the 31st. After crashing 11.4% to 5,338.56 on the 29th, it rebounded by nearly 18%. Volatility is driven by trading in semiconductor-focused tech stocks.

• KOSDAQ: Saw a similar trend, plummeting over 11% on the 29th before rebounding on the 31st.

• KRW/USD: Exact closing data is unavailable, but high market volatility likely increased exchange rate fluctuations.

Corporate & Industry News

• Samsung Electronics: Rebounded on the 31st after falling 12.5% on the 29th, driven by uncertainty regarding AI chip demand.

• SK Hynix: Rebounded on the 31st after an 18% drop on the 29th. The market remained unstable during its quarterly earnings release, but recovered alongside the AI tech sector on the 31st.

• Korean Regulatory Clampdown on Leveraged ETFs: Financial authorities announced additional regulatory measures to curb further losses for retail investors.

International News

Middle East — Oil prices soar as US-Iran conflict worsens

• Key point: Continued US attacks on Iran have spiked oil prices, fueling record Q2 profits for US oil firms.
• Impact on Korea: Since Korea imports over 50% of its energy from Middle Eastern oil producers, rising oil prices are expected to worsen domestic inflation.

Europe — Heatwaves and wildfire expansion

• Key point: Severe heatwaves are fueling massive wildfires in France and Spain.
• Impact on Korea: Agricultural damage in Europe could lead to a global grain shortage, potentially increasing food import costs for Korea.

Africa — Ebola outbreak ends in Uganda

• Key point: Uganda has officially ended its Ebola outbreak.
• Impact on Korea: Recognized as an international model for disease control, this may provide future opportunities for Korea to strengthen infectious disease response cooperation.

Focus Points for Today

• Schedule/Announcements: Authorities are expected to announce further market stabilization measures, including management of KOSPI volatility and new regulations on leveraged products.

• What to Watch:

  1. Whether AI tech stocks continue their downward trend.
  2. Global oil price trends (dependency on Middle East conflict).
  3. The US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.

• Advice for Readers: Investors are advised to refrain from high-risk leveraged products during this period of extreme volatility and to review their long-term asset diversification strategies.

1 sources

news.sbs.co.kr

Today

Quick Summary

• Today's Numbers:

  • KOSPI rebound (29th to 31st): +18%
  • Samsung Electronics drop (29th): -12.5%
  • SK Hynix drop (29th): -18%
  • Japan earthquake deaths: 18

• Top Keywords: AI investment, semiconductors, extreme volatility, oil price surge, Middle East conflict.

1 sources

news.sbs.co.kr

Today