European stocks hold near record highs as investors await US inflation data - Emirates 24|7

• The FTSE 100 experienced a decline in stock prices as investors reacted to escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East. • The market slip occurred despite the release of U.S. inflation data that aligned with analyst expectations, which typically provides stability.

• K-TECH SOLUTIONS (KMRK) disclosed significant operational and financial risks in its latest Form 20-F filing. • The company reported 21.1 million shares outstanding, with insiders holding a dominant 91.9% of the voting power.

• The global Tourism-as-a-Service (TaaS) market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the integration of technology-enabled, on-demand, and personalized travel solutions. • Industry giants such as Booking Holdings, Expedia Group, and Airbnb are leading the shift toward a service-driven ecosystem for consumers and tourism organizations.

• On August 12, Japanese and South Korean stock markets closed higher, highlighted by a 3.68% surge in South Korea's KOSPI Index to 6,579.04 points. • The rally was driven by the semiconductor sector, with Samsung Electronics jumping 6%, SK Hynix gaining over 5%, and Kioxia rising nearly 4%.

• Indian stock indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to have a muted or slightly weaker opening on August 13, 2026, as signaled by Gift Nifty. • Market sentiment is balanced between positive global cues from softer US inflation and strong AI infrastructure earnings, and negative pressures from elevated crude oil prices.

• South Korean stocks rallied sharply on Wednesday, driven by a renewed surge of investment into chip giants Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. • The market recovery follows a period of uncertainty, as signs of resilient global spending on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure revived investor confidence.

• Indian equity markets declined today due to heavy selling in large IT firms, rising crude oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding the Tata Group. • The downturn was intensified by the significant index weight of companies like TCS and Infosys, which hindered a broader market recovery despite strength in other sectors.

• The Kospi index surged 3.68% to close at 6,579.04 on August 12, gaining 233.51 points and nearly ending a seven-week losing streak. • The rally was driven by foreign investors net buying $2 billion, with semiconductor giants Samsung and SK Hynix leading the market gains.

• A senior Pentagon official stated that the U.S. will not disengage from Asia but aims to maintain a favorable regional balance. • The administration is urging allies, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, to assume greater responsibility for their own national defense.

• Shares of South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. rallied, with both extending gains to more than 8%. • The surge follows a report from Asia Business Daily stating that Singapore’s state fund, Temasek Holdings Pte, plans to invest directly in the two companies.

• The Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has decided to permanently exempt U.S. businesses from disclosing their beneficial owners. • This decision eliminates a planned database that banks intended to use to satisfy mandatory customer due diligence requirements.