As the KOSDAQ index flirts with the 720 threshold, market participants are increasingly demanding regulatory overhauls, including a ban on short-selling, the abolition of investor-caution designations, and the relaxation of earnings-loss rules tailored to R&D-heavy growth companies.
TOP 10Market Stories You Need To Know
Anthropic is aggressively expanding into the life sciences sector, moving beyond supplying research-grade AI to pharmaceutical firms to directly participating in drug discovery with its own research organization and laboratories. The company plans to deploy its Claude model across target design, experimental data analysis, and clinical trial planning.
After hitting the 1,200-point mark in April, the KOSDAQ index has plunged by more than 40% in six months, widening its performance gap with the KOSPI to 57.7 percentage points. Structural issues, including the migration of blue-chip companies, earnings polarization, and capital flight toward large-cap stocks, continue to weigh on the index 30 years after its inception.
POSCO Future M and LG Energy Solution have signed a preliminary agreement to supply 720,000 tons of cathode and anode materials over seven years, marking a strategic shift toward energy storage systems and affordable electric vehicles.
Nasdaq plunges 2.86%, chip index slides 7.2%; Intel records worst day in 52 years. Investors shift focus from top-line revenue growth to cash flow sustainability as AI capital expenditure pressures mount.
Seoul aims to scale up AI adoption among small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises tenfold by 2030, deploying physical AI and manufacturing robots to bridge a widening technological gap with conglomerates.
As telecom base stations begin to handle AI computations alongside traditional voice and data traffic, major tech firms like Nvidia, Nokia, and Samsung Electronics are accelerating the development of AI-RAN technologies. This shift could potentially expand the market for GPUs and server memory far beyond traditional data centers.
Global renewable energy installations hit a record 692 GW last year, driven largely by China, but are projected to decline this year amid a widening grid capacity mismatch. With connection backlogs exceeding 2,500 GW worldwide, experts warn that global grid investments must surge by 50% through 2030 to sustain the green transition.
Global investment banks and asset managers lean toward a further rate hike in December following the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady, though divergence remains over next year's monetary policy path.
While demand for AI semiconductors remains unabated, the soaring cost of capital has emerged as a significant headwind for massive infrastructure projects, with Elon Musk’s SpaceX facing complex price negotiations for a $40 billion financing deal.
Tesla kicks off production and targets external supply by late 2027, while Hyundai Motor plans factory deployment by 2028. As Samsung and LG step up their robotics race, global players face the critical test of proving economic viability beyond mere shipment volumes.
US consumer price growth picked up in September, driven by rising core inflation, while real consumer spending remained virtually unchanged when adjusted for inflation. A decline in real disposable income underscored a weakening of household purchasing power.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh reaffirmed the central bank's resolve to stabilize prices while withholding specific guidance on the policy path for December. The Fed held the benchmark interest rate steady following a September hike, as policymakers weigh the tightening effects of recent monetary adjustments.
Recent spikes in corporate bond yields—such as CoreWeave’s topping 16%—highlight growing credit risks in the artificial intelligence sector. With capital expenditures vastly outpacing operating cash flow, AI infrastructure firms continue to face mounting funding pressures despite falling benchmark interest rates.
The Bank of Korea held its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.00% following back-to-back hikes in July and August, pointing to a stronger-than-expected economic recovery driven by robust semiconductor exports and facility investments.
TOP 10Essential Corporate & Market Insights
Despite maintaining a robust operating margin above 50%, Hanmi Semiconductor’s third-quarter results fell nearly 30% short of market expectations, sparking a significant sell-off in its stock.
Despite posting record-high quarterly earnings, Samsung Electronics saw its shares tumble as the company deferred specific details on its share buyback and cancellation program until next January, sparking a wave of sell-offs following its earnings call.
Alteogen's subcutaneous (SC) delivery technology is driving significant revenue growth for Merck's Keytruda SC, with quarterly sales surging 79% to exceed $830 million.
SK hynix has effectively pre-sold its DRAM and HBM output through 2029, bolstered by a surge in AI data center investment. The company reported a record-breaking operating margin near 80%, fueled by long-term contracts with 14 major global tech clients.
Despite securing a blockbuster oral treatment through its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Amicus Therapeutics, U.S. rare-disease specialist BioMarin has licensed a Phase 1/2 Fabry disease candidate jointly developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical and GC Biopharma to target a broader patient demographic and challenge established intravenous therapies.
An obscure overseas investment group, Nexroc, has announced plans to acquire 14 companies, including K-pop agency JYP Entertainment and Japan's Avex, while proposing a tender offer for up to 50% of JYP. However, with no official negotiations initiated, unverified financial disclosures, and regulatory scrutiny mounting over its funding capabilities, market skepticism is intensifying.
LG Electronics' vehicle components division posts record third-quarter earnings, while cumulative orders for data center cooling solutions surpass 3 trillion won, accelerating the company's strategic shift toward business-to-business (B2B) markets and reducing its reliance on traditional home appliances.
HLB has unveiled long-term follow-up data from a Phase 2 trial of its pipeline liver cancer treatment, Rivoceranib, in rare thymic epithelial tumors at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO 2026) Congress. The company is also gearing up for the US commercial launch of its newly FDA-approved cholangiocarcinoma treatment, Repertu.
Google’s parent company Alphabet saw its shares tumble post-earnings despite explosive growth in its cloud division, as slowing core advertising growth and heavy artificial intelligence infrastructure spending outpaced operating cash flow.
Cumulative sales for probiotic 'Biotop' rise 31%; Q3 operating profit reaches 1.3 billion won; Batoclimab gains marketing approval in China as sequential clinical readouts for core novel drugs approach.
HLB F&B's multi-cultural river venue 'The River' hosted a corporate workshop for SM C&C, drawing top talent and executives as the company steps up efforts to secure high-end corporate events.
-6-400x300.webp)
MSD’s subcutaneous version of the blockbuster immunotherapy Keytruda recorded $830 million in third-quarter sales, a 79.3% increase from the previous quarter, signaling rapid market penetration of Alteogen’s proprietary delivery technology.
![HLB Life Care Showcases Integration of Blood Glucose Monitoring and Running at ‘Korea Running Expo’
<<<EXCERP>>>
HLB Life Care, a subsidiary of HLB Global, is expanding its footprint in the sports and wellness sector by debuting its "Run-BTI" program and "Picoling" continuous glucose monitor at the 2026 Korea Running Expo.
<<<CONTENT>>>
<blockquote><p>Program features ‘Run-BTI’ to identify personalized running patterns based on blood glucose correlation; offers tailored training advice across eight distinct types.</p><p>Company promotes ‘Picoling’ continuous glucose monitor to broaden consumer engagement in the sports and wellness markets.</p></blockquote><p>HLB Life Care, a subsidiary of HLB Global (003580), has launched an interactive program at the ‘2026 Korea Running Expo’ that bridges the gap between high-performance running and systematic blood glucose management. By introducing its continuous glucose monitor (CGM), “Picoling,” and proposing personalized exercise strategies, the company is actively expanding its consumer reach into the burgeoning sports and wellness industry.</p><p>HLB Life Care announced on the 30th that it is operating an interactive booth at the expo, which is being held through the 31st at the Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention Center (SETEC) in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event is hosted by Runnable, the organizer of the JTBC Seoul Marathon.</p><p>A key feature of the booth is the proprietary “Run-BTI” test. Developed using data on the correlation between exercise and blood glucose levels researched by Dr. Kim Jung-gyu of Seocho Endo Clinic, the test is designed to help participants easily grasp the complex relationship between physical activity and metabolic health.</p><p>Modeled after personality assessments like MBTI, Run-BTI requires participants to answer 10 questions to determine their specific running profile—such as "fasting-run vulnerable," "slow digestion," or "energy-depletion prone"—among eight predefined categories. Based on the results, the system recommends optimal meal timing and energy supply strategies tailored to the individual’s physiological profile.</p><p>The program visualizes blood glucose fluctuations before, during, and after a run as a “fuel gauge for the body,” alerting participants to hypoglycemia risks and the appropriate timing for energy intake. This guidance is intended to help users form healthier exercise habits by emphasizing the critical role of glucose management.</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2550/1618;" src="https://media.markettimes.co.kr/1000181135.png" width="2550" height="1618"></figure><p>[Caption=<span style="color:rgb(0,112,192);">Visitors at the ‘2026 Korea Running Expo’ participate in the HLB Life Care ‘Run-BTI’ test using the Picoling system. Source: HLB Life Care]</span></p><p>Throughout the event, the company is offering various promotions, including giveaways for those who sign up for the Picoling online mall or complete the Run-BTI test. Participants who share their results on Instagram Stories receive a three-day supply of "Pre-meal Sugar Balance" (Sikjeondangbu), and visitors receive a leaflet containing a 15% discount coupon for the Picoling mall.</p><p>Picoling is a compact, smart CGM that allows users to monitor blood glucose levels in real time for up to 15 days without the need for traditional finger-prick blood sampling. Via the dedicated “My Picoling” application, users can track how daily activities—including meals, exercise, and sleep—influence their blood sugar, providing actionable insights for lifestyle management.</p><p>Since the launch of Picoling in April, HLB Life Care has been aggressively scaling its health management services. The company has recently introduced supplementary products such as "Pre-meal Sugar Balance" and low-sugar meal kits like "Mildang-Sotbap," creating an integrated ecosystem that links blood glucose tracking with nutritional management.</p><p>The company plans to leverage its participation in this expo to highlight the necessity of blood glucose control during athletic activities and to further integrate Picoling into broader sports and wellness applications.</p><p>Kim Seung-soo, CEO of HLB Life Care, stated, “Because blood glucose levels fluctuate significantly based on various daily activities, including both meals and exercise, it is crucial for individuals to understand and manage their unique patterns. We will continue to expand our personalized health management services by integrating Picoling’s data with exercise and dietary routines.”</p>
[SOURCE]](https://media.markettimes.co.kr/%E2%80%982026%20%EC%BD%94%EB%A6%AC%EC%95%84%20%EB%9F%AC%EB%8B%9D%20%EC%97%91%EC%8A%A4%ED%8F%AC%E2%80%99%20%EB%B0%A9%EB%AC%B8%EA%B0%9D%EB%93%A4%EC%9D%B4%20HLB%EB%9D%BC%EC%9D%B4%ED%94%84%EC%BC%80%EC%96%B4%20%ED%94%BC%EC%BD%94%EB%A7%81%EC%9D%98%20%E2%80%98%EB%9F%B0BTI%E2%80%99%20%ED%85%8C%EC%8A%A4%ED%8A%B8%EC%97%90%20%EC%B0%B8%EC%97%AC%ED%95%98%EA%B3%A0%20%EC%9E%88%EB%8B%A4.(1)-400x300.webp)
‘Run BTI’ operation based on blood sugar and learning correlation… Introducing ‘Picoring’, a continuous blood glucose meter that suggests 8 types of customized running methods… Expanding consumer contact points in the sports and wellness field HLB Global (003580) subsidiary HLB Lifecare is offering an experience program that combines running and blood sugar management at the ‘2026 Korea Running Expo’
Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced on the 30th that it has supplied its AI-based smart patient bed monitoring system, 'thynC', to all 90 beds at Class Hospital in Ansan, establishing a 24-hour real-time vital sign monitoring environment.
![[Market Man's Load Briefing] On October 31, AI performance and financial declines due to negative news](https://media.markettimes.co.kr/%EC%8B%9C%ED%99%A9%EB%A7%A8-4-400x300.webp)
U.S. equity markets faced a sharp correction as concerns over the sustainability of AI capital expenditure and weakening cash flows hit major tech stocks, with the semiconductor sector plunging 7.2%.
Dow drops 1.09%, S&P 500 falls 1.82%, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plunges 7.2%; defensive sectors provide a buffer as tech sell-off intensifies.
Seoul stocks tumbled across the board as heavy selling by foreign investors and mounting concerns over AI investment returns weighed heavily on major semiconductor heavyweights, pulling the KOSPI down sharply.
South Korean markets faced significant selling pressure on Wednesday as earnings disappointments at global tech giants Amazon and Intel, coupled with local margin misses from industry heavyweights like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, dampened investor sentiment.
![GM Pivots to Hybrids: Intensifying SUV Rivalry with Hyundai Motor and Kia in the U.S.
<<<EXCEPT>>>
General Motors is shifting its product strategy to incorporate hybrid technology into its flagship SUV lineup, setting the stage for a head-to-head battle with Hyundai Motor and Kia in the competitive U.S. large SUV market.
<<<CONTENT>>>
<blockquote><p><span>GM to introduce hybrid variants for three flagship SUV models; redirects $500 million in EV production subsidies.</span></p><p><span>Hyundai Motor and Kia report a 53% surge in hybrid sales, signaling a direct confrontation in the large SUV segment.</span></p></blockquote>
<p>General Motors (GM), the largest automaker in the United States, is moving to integrate hybrid powertrains into its flagship sports utility vehicles (SUVs). As the company modifies its long-standing focus on all-electric vehicles (EVs), it is preparing for an intensifying battle with Hyundai Motor and Kia in the U.S. large SUV market.</p>
<p>Hyundai Motor and Kia have already secured a firm foothold in the market, having aggressively expanded their hybrid sales in the U.S. this year. The new hybrid models GM is pursuing are set to compete directly against key rivals such as the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.</p>
<h3>GM Shifts Strategy: Hybrid Expansion for Flagship SUVs</h3>
<p>Reuters reported on the 27th (local time), citing multiple sources, that GM is planning to produce hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia at its Lansing, Michigan facility. These three models share a common platform and serve as the core of GM's U.S. lineup.</p>
<p>Following the report, GM confirmed its investment plans to prepare its Lansing Delta Township plant for hybrid production. This marks a strategic shift for an automaker that had previously been heavily centered on pure battery-electric vehicles.</p>
<p>The company’s capital allocation is also reflecting this pivot. The U.S. Department of Energy is reportedly reallocating $500 million, originally intended to support GM's EV manufacturing transition, toward the hybrid production efforts at the Lansing plant. GM already recorded $3.6 billion in costs related to its EV strategy adjustments between January and September of this year.</p>
<p>During the third-quarter earnings call on the 20th, GM CEO Mary Barra stated, "We will introduce hybrid models in the major segments where we compete," confirming that the company intends to add hybrids to its core product offerings alongside its existing EV investments.</p>
<p>GM’s U.S. market share stood at 16.4% from January to September this year, a 0.7 percentage point decline from 17.1% in the same period last year. While competitors like Toyota and Honda expanded their influence in the U.S. by leveraging popular hybrid models, GM struggled with a lack of relevant vehicle offerings.</p>
<p>Rising gasoline prices in the U.S. have fueled consumer demand for hybrids. In August, hybrid vehicles accounted for 19% of new car retail sales, up from roughly 16% prior to the start of the Iran conflict. GM dealers have increasingly voiced concerns over the lack of hybrid options on their lots.</p>
<p>GM is prioritizing large SUVs for its hybrid rollout—vehicles characterized by their size and frequent use for long-distance driving. By adding hybrid powertrains to existing gasoline models, the company aims to capture fuel-conscious consumers.</p>
<h3>Hyundai Motor and Kia Lead with 53% Growth in Hybrid Sales</h3>
<p>Hyundai Motor and Kia entered the U.S. large SUV hybrid market well ahead of GM. The two companies saw their combined U.S. sales reach 506,200 units in the third quarter, a 5.4% increase year-on-year. Notably, hybrid sales climbed 53.4% to 138,112 units, accounting for 27.3% of total sales, while EV sales fell by 51% to 22,311 units.</p>
<p>Sales of large SUVs also showed strong growth. In September, the Palisade saw sales rise 52.1% year-on-year to 10,327 units, while the Telluride increased 41.9% to 11,927 units. Both models compete in the exact family-SUV segment that GM is now looking to penetrate with its new hybrids.</p>
<p>To support this growth, the companies are expanding local production. Hyundai is strengthening hybrid output at its Alabama plant and the new Georgia Metaplant, while Kia continues to produce the Telluride hybrid at its Georgia facility.</p>
<p>The 2027 Palisade Hybrid is priced starting at $44,560 in the U.S., offering an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 34 mpg for the front-wheel-drive trim. The Telluride hybrid starts at $46,490, delivering 35 mpg and a maximum output of 329 horsepower.</p>
<p>Hyundai Motor plans to increase its North American hybrid lineup to more than 10 models by 2030 and aims to raise the share of hybrids in its total sales to 50%.</p>
<p>As GM moves to bring the Traverse, Enclave, and Acadia into the fold, they are entering a segment where Hyundai Motor and Kia have already established a strong competitive advantage. While GM has not yet disclosed a specific launch schedule for its new hybrids, the battle over price and fuel efficiency in the U.S. large SUV market is expected to intensify significantly.</p>
[SOURCE]](https://media.markettimes.co.kr/0-21-400x300.webp)
GM seeks to introduce hybrids for three flagship SUVs... The $500 million subsidy for electric vehicle production also shifted to Hyundai Motor·Kia hybrid sales increased by 53%... Foreshadowing head-on competition in the large SUV market General Motors (GM), the largest automobile company in the United States, is pushing to introduce hybrids in its flagship sports utility vehicles (SUVs). in electric cars
Major U.S. technology companies are simultaneously ramping up investments in artificial intelligence and downsizing their traditional workforces. While pouring massive capital into data centers and semiconductors, firms are increasingly cutting headcount or reassigning employees in customer support and administrative roles as AI reshapes the corporate labor landscape.
Cumulative food exports for the first three quarters rose 7.9% to $9.15 billion, with instant noodles surpassing $1.41 billion. Fresh fruit and processed rice products also post strong gains as markets diversify into Europe and Latin America.
Driven by product competitiveness and social media proliferation, emerging K-beauty indie brands are conquering the US and European markets. With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accounting for over 70% of cosmetics exports, original design manufacturers (ODMs) and distributors are experiencing a synchronized boom.
Inbound tourism to South Korea surged in the first nine months of the year, driven by a strong influx of Chinese and Taiwanese visitors. Foreign card spending in the tourism sector jumped nearly 50%, breathing new life into local retail and accommodation industries.
South Korea is launching a massive, nationwide consumption festival on October 29 running through November 15, with some 40,000 businesses participating. The comprehensive discount event spans agricultural and fishery products, automobiles, and home appliances, supported by expanded subsidies for local currency vouchers and traditional market gift cards to bolster domestic demand.
Retail prices for napa cabbage, radishes, and dried chili powder dropped compared to the same period last year ahead of the traditional winter kimchi-making season. However, prices showed a mixed trend across ingredients, with salted shrimp surging 35%.
South Korea is expanding discount subsidies and export channels for agricultural produce as favorable weather and surging shipments drive prices down by nearly 50% compared to historical averages, triggering government intervention to support struggling farms.
null
As foreign investment groups announce plans to acquire up to 50% of JYP Entertainment through a tender offer, financial authorities and market watchers are urging caution, pointing to a lack of formal filings, unverified funding sources, and discrepancies with the company's stance.
Following the success of his previous concert film, which drew 350,000 viewers and surpassed 10 billion won in revenue, trot star Lim Young-woong returns to theaters with a film capturing his 10th-anniversary concert, exclusively distributed by CGV on November 18.
Acclaimed Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon is generating Oscar buzz in the US following rave reviews for her performance in director Lee Chang-dong’s Netflix film ‘A Possible Love’.
MTimes
Curated Insights →
01The U.S. September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report has rattled financial markets, as "sticky" core inflation pressures raise the possibility of an earlier-than-expected interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve.
02South Korean biotech firm Mezzion Pharma is expanding its pivotal Phase 3 trial for Udenafil to Europe as it moves toward a potential 2027 FDA filing, with peak annual U.S. sales estimated at $3 billion.
03HLB Therapeutics CEO An Ki-hong emphasized that the superior convenience and safety profile of RGN-259 will drive its adoption as a primary treatment for neurotrophic keratitis (NK), with top-line results from the SEER-2 global Phase 3 clinical trial expected by mid-November.
04HLB Therapeutics is preparing for a make-or-break moment in November, as it awaits the top-line results of its U.S. Phase 3 "SEER-2" trial for the neurotrophic keratitis (NK) treatment candidate RGN-259. The company aims to challenge the U.S. market dominance of Dompé’s "Oxervate," leveraging the logistical advantages of a shelf-stable, short-term treatment regimen.
![[K-Bio Global Phase 3] Fred Kim, Head of AriBio US: "AR1001 Aims to Become the First-Line Therapy for Early Alzheimer’s"](https://media.markettimes.co.kr/20261001_105713-1-400x300.webp)
05AriBio’s U.S. division head, Fred Kim, outlined the company’s ambition to position its oral Alzheimer’s candidate, AR1001, as a first-line treatment, with global Phase 3 trial results set for release in November 2026.
06ArisBio is gearing up for the pivotal November release of its Phase 3 global clinical trial results for its oral Alzheimer's treatment candidate, AR1001, setting its sights on U.S. FDA approval by 2028 and a 1 trillion won revenue milestone by 2030.
07While the KOSPI finished September in positive territory, the broader market suffered a severe breadth contraction as heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK hynix propped up the index while nearly 70% of listed issues declined.
08Behind Micron’s robust quarterly earnings lies an even stronger industry signal, as hyperscalers and AI data centers rush to lock in memory supply agreements stretching all the way to 2031.
09Global technology giants are moving beyond conversational chatbots to always-on autonomous AI agents capable of executing tasks, scheduling, and data analysis in the background without user intervention.
10HanAll Biopharma’s autoimmune disease treatment batoclimab has received marketing approval in China following successful Phase 3 clinical trials, paving the way for milestone payments and sales royalties. Meanwhile, its next-generation candidate, imireprovat (IMVT-1402), is undergoing global Phase 3 trials for generalized myasthenia gravis, with early therapeutic responses also observed in rheumatoid arthritis.