2026-07-19 Sunday
2026-07-19
11:22:12
[South Korea Plans to Expand Foreign Investment in Korean Bonds and Collateral to Boost the Won and Promote Internationalization] 1. South Korea's Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday (July 19) plans to allow foreign financial institutions to borrow won through temporary overdrafts and to use won-denominated bonds as collateral in financial transactions. These measures are part of an incentive program designed to encourage the use of the won and transform it from a restricted domestic currency into a more global one. 2. Prior to these measures, South Korea extended trading hours for the USD/KRW exchange rate to 24 hours a day starting July 6, marking a shift towards opening up its long-closed currency. These two moves are seen by some market participants as key steps in South Korea's bid to have its stock market upgraded from an emerging market to a developed market index by MSCI. 3. The won exchange rate has been under pressure recently due to the escalating US-Iran conflict, high oil prices, and capital outflows. In early July, the USD/KRW exchange rate approached the 1,560 won mark. Analysts point out that foreign holdings of South Korean bonds have reached approximately 200 trillion won. If the policy is implemented, it will significantly improve the international usability of the won and attract more overseas capital into the South Korean bond market, thus supporting the won. However, the market is also concerned that, given the Federal Reserve's maintenance of high interest rates, whether the won can reverse its downward trend solely through structural reforms remains to be seen.
11:14:14
[Iranian Military Claims Massive Drone Attack on US Bases in Kuwait] 1. The Iranian military's public relations department announced that, as part of the sixteenth phase of "Operation Lightning," a large-scale drone strike was carried out against two key US bases in Kuwait. Targets included an ammunition depot at Camp Adiri and Patriot air defense radars and systems at Base Ali Salim. 2. Camp Adiri is a crucial US support and reorganization center in the region, located approximately 104 kilometers from the Iranian border. The attack aimed to disrupt US support operations in the area. Iran stated that the operation was a response to "repeated aggression" and attacks on bridges, infrastructure, and the demilitarized zone. 3. Neither the US military nor Kuwaiti authorities have yet officially responded to Iran's statement. This attack comes against the backdrop of escalating US-Iran conflict. If confirmed, this would be the first time Iran has publicly announced a large-scale strike against US bases in Kuwait. 4. It is noteworthy that, unlike previous Iranian strikes against US military bases, this operation did not specifically target personnel at the two bases, but instead focused on ammunition depots and air defense systems. This suggests that Iran may be gradually weakening the US military's defensive capabilities and logistical support system in the region through a gradual pressure campaign, without directly triggering large-scale casualties among US personnel.
11:14:12
[US Airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm Island and Ahvaz Region Escalate Conflict] 1. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency on July 19, the US launched a new round of airstrikes on Qeshm Island in southern Iran. At least two explosions were heard in parts of the island, and emergency rescue, security, and operations teams have been dispatched to the scene to determine the location of the attack and assess casualties and property damage. 2. On the same day, the US also shelled the Al-Falahiya region southeast of Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. There are currently no reports of specific damage or casualties from this attack. 3. This airstrike comes amid a series of US attacks on Iran. Previously, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched a surprise attack on a US base in the Tanf region of Syria, causing numerous casualties and equipment damage, prompting the US to intensify its attacks on targets within Iran. The US State Department had previously issued a global security alert, advising US citizens abroad to be vigilant. 4. Qeshm Island, located along the Strait of Hormuz, is a strategically important location in southern Iran. The island has been a target of US airstrikes multiple times before. As of now, Iranian officials have not released specific details regarding the damage caused by the Qeshm Island airstrikes.
10:50:12
[US State Department Issues Global Security Alert: Advises US Citizens Worldwide to Be Vigilant] 1. The US State Department issued a global security alert on its official website on July 18, advising US citizens worldwide to be vigilant. The statement noted that tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the security environment remains complex, and there is a possibility of unintended escalation. 2. The alert emphasizes that US citizens around the world, especially those in the Middle East, should be highly vigilant and closely monitor news developments to stay informed. US citizens abroad should follow the security warning guidelines issued by their nearest US embassy or consulate, as flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures may disrupt travel. 3. The US State Department specifically points out that US diplomatic missions, including those outside the Middle East, have become potential targets. Pro-Iran groups may attack US interests overseas, US-related locations worldwide, or US citizens. 4. This global security alert comes as the US-Iran military conflict continues to escalate. Following the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's attack on a US military base in the Tanf region of Syria, the US has conducted airstrikes on targets within Iran for several consecutive days. This alert will remain in effect for 30 days after July 18.
10:20:12
[Iranian Military Warns US: "Decisive and Devastating" Retaliation Against Further Military Strikes] 1. The commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that Iran will retaliate with a "decisive and devastating" response if the US takes further military action against Iran. 2. This command is the highest joint operational command of the Iranian armed forces, responsible for coordinating joint operations between the Iranian army, the Revolutionary Guard, and the Basij militia. This warning follows the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's attack on a US military base in the Tanf region of Syria, indicating that Iran is prepared to further escalate the conflict beyond the Persian Gulf. 3. Previously, US President Trump stated in an interview, "If Iran doesn't abide by the agreement, we will strike them, and we will strike them in ways they've never seen before." He also stated that the US will keep the Strait of Hormuz open "with or without Iran" and continue to strike military facilities within Iran to "ensure the safety of US merchant ships and warships in the region." 4. The statement from Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters is a direct response to Trump's remarks. The command stated that any military strike against Iran would trigger "the full operational capabilities of the Iranian armed forces," including large-scale missile and drone attacks on US military bases and allied targets in the region.
10:12:12
[EU and GCC Joint Statement: Sovereignty Claims in the Strait of Hormuz "Illegal"] 1. The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a joint statement on Saturday (July 18), strongly opposing any country's claims to sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling such actions "illegal," and opposing the imposition of permits or passage fees on international shipping. 2. The statement pointed out: "No bilateral arrangement, understanding, or memorandum between states may illegally regulate or restrict the right to transit through international straits." According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ships of all states have the right to transit through straits "and must not be subject to the control or authorization of any state." 3. The EU and the GCC condemned Iran's attacks on transit merchant ships and the sovereign territories of several regional states "in the strongest terms." The statement said these attacks endangered the lives of civilians and seafarers, violated international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and "cannot be justified under any circumstances." 4. Both sides called on Iran to "immediately and unconditionally cease all attacks and all forms of interference with maritime navigation," and to maintain unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz without any conditions, transit fees, or service charges. 5. The statement was released following the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, co-chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Karas and Bahraini Foreign Minister Zayani. Both sides pledged to continue close coordination to uphold freedom of navigation and protect international shipping and the safety of seafarers. 6. The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with the US and Iran launching attacks against each other. Despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding in June, brokered by Pakistan, aimed at ending the war, the military conflict continues to escalate.
10:04:13
[Multiple AI Security Governance Achievements Released in Shanghai] This morning (19th), during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, the Frontier AI and Intelligent Agent Security Forum was held in Shanghai. More than 20 top global experts and policymakers gathered to release several important reports and achievements in the field of AI security, and to conduct in-depth discussions on frontier AI risk management and global industry governance. The forum focused on three core themes: "Frontier AI Risk Monitoring," "Intelligent Agent Runaway Risk and Emergency Management," and "Frontier AI Risk Management and Global Perspective." It featured multiple keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, bringing together senior practitioners from relevant UN agencies, leading domestic and international AI companies, and authoritative international think tanks. It also gathered authoritative experts from domestic research institutions, facilitating exchanges between technical practices and policy discussions. Five landmark research achievements were launched at the forum, constructing a complete AI security management system, from technical tools and tiered standards to emergency response plans and industry-wide assessments. (CCTV)
07:54:12
Securities firms in the IPO queue are entering their "half-year performance review period"! The first earnings report has been released, with net profit surging by over 70%. Dongguan Securities, currently in the IPO queue, has delivered a stellar performance. Recently, Jinlong Holdings released Dongguan Securities' unaudited operating data for the first half of the year, showing that the company's operating performance has continued its steady growth trend, achieving a net profit of 820 million yuan in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of over 70%. Dongguan Securities' strong performance also provided key support for its shareholder, Jinlong Holdings, to achieve a turnaround in its non-GAAP net profit. It is understood that there are currently four securities firms in the IPO queue: Dongguan Securities, Caixin Securities, Hualong Securities, and Bohai Securities.
04:06:12
The European Central Bank (ECB) remains on high alert for further rate hikes, preparing for potential increases. While it is highly likely the ECB will temporarily slow the pace of its second round of rate hikes next week, it has not completely ruled out a September increase. Previously, due to a sharp rise in energy prices, the central bank raised borrowing costs in June. At that time, officials stated that peace talks between the US and Iran could mitigate the impact of the conflict on Eurozone prices. However, Greek central bank governor Yannis Stournaras stated that with the current escalation of the conflict and the uncertain future of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, inflation risks have returned to their initial levels. The latest economic data released after the June interest rate decision meeting is insufficient to prompt the central bank to immediately raise rates this Thursday. Currently, oil and gas price trends are largely in line with policymakers' baseline expectations released last month, and the decline in inflation is better than anticipated. Furthermore, the ECB's bank credit survey results, to be released on Tuesday, are unlikely to significantly alter the current policy stance.
02:40:12
As of June, nearly 2 million Americans had been unemployed for at least six months. The proportion of job seekers unemployed for six months or more rose to 27.3% of the total unemployed population that month, approaching the highest level since the end of 2021. Currently, several core statistical indicators show an overall positive trend in the US labor market: the US economy has added jobs for four consecutive months, the job market has shown a significant recovery compared to the end of last year, and the unemployment rate has slowly fallen to 4.2%. However, even with this overall positive situation, nearly 2 million Americans have been unemployed for at least six months. Among them, the long-term unemployed group (those unemployed for 27 weeks or more, the longest unemployment category counted in the US Department of Labor's monthly employment report) accounted for 27.3% of the total unemployed population in June, an increase of 4 percentage points compared to the same period last year. This proportion is approaching the peak of the labor market recovery period after the impact of the pandemic at the end of 2021. Long-term unemployment hides many risks; most job seekers lose their severance pay or unemployment benefits after six months of unemployment. According to data released by U.S. federal departments, white-collar workers have the longest unemployment period of all groups, and young adults of working age are particularly hard hit by long-term unemployment.
02:04:13
[SpaceX Shares Fall Below IPO Price, Cathie Wood Makes a Buying Move] According to transaction information disclosed by ARK Invest, an investment management company owned by Cathie Wood, on July 17, after SpaceX (SPCX.O) shares fell below their IPO price last Friday, ARK Invest spent $18.3 million to buy shares in the company. This included 147,623 shares purchased by four actively managed ETFs under ARK. The stock closed at $123.99 that day, having dipped as low as $122.12 during the session. This purchase appears to be a firm addition to the position during a downward price trend, rather than a hedging operation, as it further increases ARK's already substantial position. According to data tracking ARK's holdings, in the week ending July 10th, the company purchased approximately $52.1 million worth of SpaceX-related stock through its four funds: ARKK, ARKQ, ARKW, and ARKX. Including this recent purchase, ARK's total investment since SpaceX's IPO in June has exceeded $475 million. This clearly demonstrates that Cathie Wood's investment team consistently views every stock price dip as an opportune moment to increase their holdings, rather than a negative signal to be wary of.
