Business Times

• Most Asian share indices are heading for weekly losses on Friday, August 21, driven by persistent stress in global bond markets and rising inflation risks. • The Nikkei slipped 0.8%, bringing its total losses for the week to 4%, while Chinese blue chips dipped 0.1% and markets in South Korea and Taiwan also trended downward. • Oil prices have reached one-month highs due to a diplomatic deadlock in the Gulf, further pressuring equity markets.

• South Korea's Kospi index surged 6%, leading a broader rally across Asian markets following a positive trend in bonds. • Other key indices also rose, including the Hang Seng by 1.1%, the Nikkei 225 futures by 1%, and the Topix by 0.9%. • The MSCI Asia Pacific index climbed 1.7%, effectively snapping a two-day losing streak for the region.

• South Korea's Kospi index surged 4%, leading a broader rally across Asian markets following a positive trend in bond yields. • The MSCI Asia Pacific index rose by 1%, effectively ending a two-day losing streak for the region. • This jump reflects investor optimism and a shift in sentiment triggered by the recent bond market rally.

• AIA Group reported a 10% increase in its new business value for the first half of the year, with positive growth across all reportable segments except Thailand. • The insurer maintains a broad operational footprint across 18 Asian markets, including mainland China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as Australia and New Zealand. • The growth comes amid market pressure following reports that Chinese tax authorities may levy a 20% personal income tax on returns from Hong Kong insurance policies.

• European governments are aggressively seeking new ways to fund cutting-edge start-ups to bridge a nearly $1 trillion investment gap. • The initiative aims to bolster Europe's ability to compete with the United States and China in the development of pioneering technologies. • Officials attribute the current competitive disadvantage to soaring energy costs, high labor expenses, and the European Union's slow decision-making processes.

• President Donald Trump announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his diplomatic overtures. • This development follows a strategic decision by the United States to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea in Seoul. • The shift in military posture is seen by experts as a critical gesture of goodwill intended to lower tensions on the peninsula.

• South Korean stocks surged 22% over a 10-day period, driven by a global rebound in the artificial intelligence trade. • The rally is fueled by renewed investor enthusiasm for tech hardware and semiconductors, specifically benefiting major firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. • This growth reflects continued massive AI infrastructure spending by global big tech companies, signaling strong demand for high-end chips.