Trump Administration Launches Second Round of Tariff Probes on 60 Economies

• Recent Consumer Price Index data showed benign inflation, providing the Federal Reserve with a reprieve as officials weigh potential interest rate increases. • While the report supports a patient approach, it has not fully resolved the internal debate among Fed officials regarding the necessity of further hikes.

• The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a final rule permanently ending beneficial ownership reporting requirements. • Under this new rule, U.S. companies and U.S. persons are no longer required to report beneficial ownership information as previously mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act.

• European stocks remained near record highs on Wednesday as investors balanced corporate earnings reports with geopolitical instability. • Defence and energy shares saw specific gains driven by escalating global tensions, providing a boost to overall market indices.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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%.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.