[Multiple South American Countries Hit by Torrential Rains, Killing Dozens] Recently, several South American countries have been hit by torrential rains and other extreme weather events. On the 25th local time, the Peruvian government declared a 60-day state of emergency in several regions, while the governments of Colombia and Brazil introduced measures to address the damage caused by the climate disaster. Affected by continuous heavy rainfall and flash floods, the Peruvian government announced on the 25th that several regions in southern Peru had entered a 60-day state of emergency. Peruvian officials reported that the torrential rains have resulted in at least two deaths, and another 15 people died in the rescue helicopter crash on the 23rd. (CCTV)

The Nikkei 225 index has just broken through the 58,700.00 mark, currently trading at 58,696.80, up 0.19% on the day.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $2,310.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $2,308.75/ounce, up 1.27% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $2,322.8/ounce, down 0.38% on the day.

[Bank of Korea Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged at 2.50%, Raises Growth Forecast for This Year to 2.0%] (1) The Bank of Korea decided at its meeting today (February 26) to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the sixth consecutive time and raised its economic growth forecast for this year to 2.0%. (2) Interest Rate Decision: The Bank of Korea kept its benchmark seven-day repo rate unchanged at 2.50% at its meeting on Thursday, in line with market expectations. Of the 25 analysts surveyed by the media, 21 had anticipated this decision. (3) Background of the Decision: Policymakers have refrained from cutting interest rates due to strong demand for chip exports, which has reduced the need to support the economy. At the same time, the central bank is also concerned about the weakness of the Korean won against the US dollar and the risk that lower borrowing costs may exacerbate household debt. (4) Economic Forecast: The Bank of Korea raised its growth forecast for Asia's fourth-largest economy, now expecting GDP to grow by 2.0% in 2026, up from the 1.8% forecast in November. (5) Future Outlook: Most analysts expect the Bank of Korea to keep interest rates unchanged until the end of the year, while some analysts predict a possible rate hike in 2027.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $2,320.00/oz mark, currently trading at $2,321.52/oz, up 1.83% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $2,327.2/oz, down 0.19% on the day.

Spot silver has just broken through the $90.00/ounce mark, last trading at $90.01/ounce, up 0.92% on the day; COMEX silver futures are last trading at $90.56/ounce, down 1.17% on the day.