Xinhua Denies Speculations of Foreign Investment Decline in China [TheGuru=Hong Seong-hwan] China's state-run Xinhua News Agency has refuted speculation that foreign companies are pulling out of China. According to the Korea Institute for Foreign Economic Policy, Xinhua refuted the pullout theory in a commentary on Nov. 21, citing the increasing number of stores in China by large food and beverage companies such as KFC, McDonald's, and Starbucks, Apple's announcement of plans to invest more in the country, GE Healthcare's doubling of R&D investment in China, and AstraZeneca's announcement of a $475 million investment plan. "Foreign capital shows that China is still a fertile ground for foreign investment and business," Xinhua said, "proving that the exaggerated claims by some Western media that there are no more opportunities in the Chinese market are not true." "The State Council issued the 'Action Plan for Expanding the Attraction and Utilization of Foreign Capital through Higher Openness to the World' to expand the market access of foreign capital and increase the degree of freedom for foreign investment, demonstrating China's willingness and action to share development opportunities with the world," Xinhua said. According to the "International Balance of Payments for 2023" released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on March 18, foreign direct investment in China totaled $30 billion last year. That's down 82 percent from the previous year. The $27.5 billion was the lowest level since 1993, when it was recorded, Bloomberg analyzed. It's less than a tenth of the $344.1 billion in 2021, when it peaked...
Adapting to Shifting Consumer Patterns: The Trend Towards Small-Scale Store Expansion in the U.S.The retail industry in the United States continues to expand small-scale stores. Analysis suggests that retail companies are responding to changed consumer purchasing patterns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to KOTRA, on the 30th, Whole Foods Market, a large organic supermarket chain in the US, plans to open a new small-scale store called Whole Foods […]
Short-Form Drama Fever Sweeps Through TikTok's Homeland, China[The Guru=Reporter Hong Sung IL] In China, where TikTok (known locally as Douyin) has created a global short-form content craze, even dramas, traditionally long-form content, are produced in short-form. The short-form drama market is rapidly expanding and showing signs of profitability. On the 22nd, KOTRA’s Chongqing Trade Center introduced the current state and prospects of […]
Netmarble’s U.S. Subsidiary Jam City Hires Additional Employees in the U.S. And UruguayAdditional hiring amid mass layoffs in the global gaming industry Jam City, the United States subsidiary of Netmarble, is on a hiring spree in the U.S. and Uruguay despite the storm of massive layoffs sweeping the global gaming industry. The company’s expansion of its workforce is drawing attention. According to industry sources, on the 29th, […]
Smilegate Barcelona Closes With All Employees Laid OffSmilegate’s first overseas game development studio, Smilegate Barcelona, has closed its doors. The global gaming industry’s restructuring winds are also affecting Korean game companies. Stephane Blais, former World Director of Smilegate Barcelona, announced on LinkedIn on the 27th (local time) that “Smilegate Barcelona is closing its doors. All staff are being laid off.” Edouard Albert, […]
Valkyrie CIO Predicts Ripple ETF Approval Ahead of Ethereum [Dugguru=Sung-Hwan Hong] It has been observed that a Ripple (XRP) spot exchange traded fund (ETF) is likely to be approved before an Ethereum (ETH) spot ETF. It will be interesting to see if global managers will start to launch Ripple spot ETFs. "I don't think an Ethereum spot ETF will be approved in May because I believe that Ethereum can be a security," said Stephen McClurg, co-founder and chief investment officer of Valkyrie Investments, in a conversation with a reporter from U.S. financial media Fox Business, according to industry sources. "I think it's more likely that Ripple or Litecoin (LTC) will be approved before Ethereum." However, no manager has yet formalized the launch of a Ripple or Litecoin spot ETF. Seven asset managers, including BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Investments, and Grayscale, have filed to list an Ethereum spot ETF. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to make a decision on May 23 on whether to approve ETH spot ETFs. The market is betting that an ETH spot ETF is unlikely to be approved. This is because unlike Bitcoin, which is proof-of-mining (POW), Ethereum is proof-of-stake (POS), which raises ongoing securities issues. Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg, previously put the likelihood of an ETH spot ETF approval at 70% in January, but recently downgraded it to 30%. "The approval process for an ETH spot ETF is different from that for a bitcoin spot ETF," he explained, "and we've lowered our odds of approval given the lack of progress with more than 70 days to go before the deadline."
Kia EV9 Wins the World Car of the Year 2024, Making It a Two-time WinnerKia’s flagship electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), model EV9, has won the World Car of the Year, the highest honor at the World Cars Awards 2024. It also clinched the title of World Electric Vehicle, making it a two-time winner. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N also won in the performance car category. According to the WCA, […]
Four Seoul Restaurants Make the List of 'Asia's 50 Best Restaurants'Four Korean restaurants have made it onto Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, often called the Academy Awards of the culinary world. This year, Singapore had the most restaurants selected. South Korea ranked fifth. In the survey of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 announced by UK’s William Reed on the 26th, Mingles, a Korean restaurant […]
Callaway: 'There Have Been No Discussions of Acquisition'“Korean company’s acquisition rumor is out of the question. There will be no response in the future.”Callaway’s sales are strong, revenue increased 7% year-over-year Callaway has officially stated that there were “no discussions” about the acquisition from a Korean company. This comes as a rare official denial in response to reports that a Korean Strategic […]
TPG Plans to Raise $5 Billion Asia Fund with 10% Allocated to Korean MarketTexas Pacific Group (TPG), a global private equity managing firm, is set to establish a massive Asia buyout fund worth approximately $5 billion. They plan to invest around 10% of this fund into the South Korean market. According to Bloomberg and other sources, on the 26th, TPG is planning to close its eighth Asia buyout […]
Hyundai and Kia Ranked Lowest Maintenance Service Satisfaction in the U.S.A recent survey by prominent American consumer media outlet Consumer Reports reveals that Hyundai Motor and Kia’s US maintenance service satisfaction ranks low among local drivers. While some believe this is a temporary phenomenon due to increased sales, there are calls for rapid enhancement of maintenance service capabilities. According to industry sources on the 26th, […]
JP Morgan: Bitcoin Outshines Gold as Top Investment ChoiceJP Morgan has rated Bitcoin’s investment value higher than gold’s. The Bitcoin spot ETF market is projected to grow to $220 billion in 2-3 years. On the 25th, JP Morgan stated in an investment report, “Bitcoin is taking up a larger share in investors’ portfolios than gold. When adjusting for volatility factors, the preference for […]
Top Choice: Lotte Hotel Moscow Voted Best in the AreaLotte Hotel Moscow has been selected as the best hotel in the region. Its exceptional facilities and stylish interior have received high praise. According to Zoon, a Russian review specialist media, on the 24th, Lotte Hotel Moscow was chosen as the “Best Local Hotel.” Zoon selected superior hotels based on evaluations of the hotel’s rooms, […]
Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Shift Towards Automated ManufacturingSaudi Arabia is aiming to reduce its dependence on the oil industry and leap towards becoming a powerhouse in automated manufacturing. According to industry sources on the 24th, Saudi Arabia is striving to restructure its industries around future advanced technologies, reducing its reliance on oil, which accounts for 40% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) […]
Singapore Embraces Nuclear Energy for SustainabilitySingapore is planning to construct a nuclear power plant. According to the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy on the 24th, Singapore is considering introducing nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector and secure energy security. Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) is visiting countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and […]
From Virtual Try-Ons to Smart Mirrors: The Latest in US Beauty TechThe winds of technological innovation are blowing strongly in the American beauty industry. According to analysts, the American beauty tech market is expected to grow rapidly, but there are still many challenges to overcome. On the 23rd, the KOTRA Los Angeles Trade Office introduced the current status and prospects of the American beauty tech market […]
Short-Seller Targets SoundHound AI, Calls It 'NVIDIA's Favorite' in Scathing ReportThe U.S. activist short-seller investor Capybara Research has set its sights on SoundHound AI. This voice recognition AI company has attracted attention with its investment from the American semiconductor company NVIDIA. On the 22nd, Capybara stated in a short-selling report on SoundHound, “This company is a failed company that spreads lies and deceit. They don’t […]
Hyundai, Kia's Record Sales Streak Overshadowed by EPA's Fuel Economy BlowHyundai Motor and Kia are readjusting the fuel economy ratings for some models sold in the United States. Following fuel economy tests by local environmental authorities, it was pointed out that the mileage ratings needed to be lowered. This is the first time in 24 years that vehicle fuel economy ratings have been changed due […]
Peru's Copper Production Dip Sparks Global Price SurgePeru, the world’s second-largest copper producer, saw a slight decrease in production in January. With the recent surge in copper prices, all eyes are on whether Peru’s production decline will have an impact. Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines reported on the 19th (local time) that the country’s copper production in January was about 205,375 […]
Saudi Arabia Unleashes $40 Billion Blitz in Global AI RaceSaudi Arabia plans to invest approximately $40 billion in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Major governments worldwide are racing to increase their investments to gain an edge in AI supremacy. According to the New York Times and other sources, on the 20th, Saudi Arabia plans to establish a $40 billion fund to invest in AI. […]
Xinhua Denies Speculations of Foreign Investment Decline in China [TheGuru=Hong Seong-hwan] China's state-run Xinhua News Agency has refuted speculation that foreign companies are pulling out of China. According to the Korea Institute for Foreign Economic Policy, Xinhua refuted the pullout theory in a commentary on Nov. 21, citing the increasing number of stores in China by large food and beverage companies such as KFC, McDonald's, and Starbucks, Apple's announcement of plans to invest more in the country, GE Healthcare's doubling of R&D investment in China, and AstraZeneca's announcement of a $475 million investment plan. "Foreign capital shows that China is still a fertile ground for foreign investment and business," Xinhua said, "proving that the exaggerated claims by some Western media that there are no more opportunities in the Chinese market are not true." "The State Council issued the 'Action Plan for Expanding the Attraction and Utilization of Foreign Capital through Higher Openness to the World' to expand the market access of foreign capital and increase the degree of freedom for foreign investment, demonstrating China's willingness and action to share development opportunities with the world," Xinhua said. According to the "International Balance of Payments for 2023" released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on March 18, foreign direct investment in China totaled $30 billion last year. That's down 82 percent from the previous year. The $27.5 billion was the lowest level since 1993, when it was recorded, Bloomberg analyzed. It's less than a tenth of the $344.1 billion in 2021, when it peaked...
Adapting to Shifting Consumer Patterns: The Trend Towards Small-Scale Store Expansion in the U.S. The retail industry in the United States continues to expand small-scale stores. Analysis suggests that retail companies are responding to changed consumer purchasing patterns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to KOTRA, on the 30th, Whole Foods Market, a large organic supermarket chain in the US, plans to open a new small-scale store called Whole Foods […]
Short-Form Drama Fever Sweeps Through TikTok's Homeland, China [The Guru=Reporter Hong Sung IL] In China, where TikTok (known locally as Douyin) has created a global short-form content craze, even dramas, traditionally long-form content, are produced in short-form. The short-form drama market is rapidly expanding and showing signs of profitability. On the 22nd, KOTRA’s Chongqing Trade Center introduced the current state and prospects of […]
Netmarble’s U.S. Subsidiary Jam City Hires Additional Employees in the U.S. And Uruguay Additional hiring amid mass layoffs in the global gaming industry Jam City, the United States subsidiary of Netmarble, is on a hiring spree in the U.S. and Uruguay despite the storm of massive layoffs sweeping the global gaming industry. The company’s expansion of its workforce is drawing attention. According to industry sources, on the 29th, […]
Smilegate Barcelona Closes With All Employees Laid Off Smilegate’s first overseas game development studio, Smilegate Barcelona, has closed its doors. The global gaming industry’s restructuring winds are also affecting Korean game companies. Stephane Blais, former World Director of Smilegate Barcelona, announced on LinkedIn on the 27th (local time) that “Smilegate Barcelona is closing its doors. All staff are being laid off.” Edouard Albert, […]
Valkyrie CIO Predicts Ripple ETF Approval Ahead of Ethereum [Dugguru=Sung-Hwan Hong] It has been observed that a Ripple (XRP) spot exchange traded fund (ETF) is likely to be approved before an Ethereum (ETH) spot ETF. It will be interesting to see if global managers will start to launch Ripple spot ETFs. "I don't think an Ethereum spot ETF will be approved in May because I believe that Ethereum can be a security," said Stephen McClurg, co-founder and chief investment officer of Valkyrie Investments, in a conversation with a reporter from U.S. financial media Fox Business, according to industry sources. "I think it's more likely that Ripple or Litecoin (LTC) will be approved before Ethereum." However, no manager has yet formalized the launch of a Ripple or Litecoin spot ETF. Seven asset managers, including BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Investments, and Grayscale, have filed to list an Ethereum spot ETF. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to make a decision on May 23 on whether to approve ETH spot ETFs. The market is betting that an ETH spot ETF is unlikely to be approved. This is because unlike Bitcoin, which is proof-of-mining (POW), Ethereum is proof-of-stake (POS), which raises ongoing securities issues. Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg, previously put the likelihood of an ETH spot ETF approval at 70% in January, but recently downgraded it to 30%. "The approval process for an ETH spot ETF is different from that for a bitcoin spot ETF," he explained, "and we've lowered our odds of approval given the lack of progress with more than 70 days to go before the deadline."
Kia EV9 Wins the World Car of the Year 2024, Making It a Two-time Winner Kia’s flagship electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), model EV9, has won the World Car of the Year, the highest honor at the World Cars Awards 2024. It also clinched the title of World Electric Vehicle, making it a two-time winner. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N also won in the performance car category. According to the WCA, […]
Four Seoul Restaurants Make the List of 'Asia's 50 Best Restaurants' Four Korean restaurants have made it onto Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, often called the Academy Awards of the culinary world. This year, Singapore had the most restaurants selected. South Korea ranked fifth. In the survey of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 announced by UK’s William Reed on the 26th, Mingles, a Korean restaurant […]
Callaway: 'There Have Been No Discussions of Acquisition' “Korean company’s acquisition rumor is out of the question. There will be no response in the future.”Callaway’s sales are strong, revenue increased 7% year-over-year Callaway has officially stated that there were “no discussions” about the acquisition from a Korean company. This comes as a rare official denial in response to reports that a Korean Strategic […]
TPG Plans to Raise $5 Billion Asia Fund with 10% Allocated to Korean Market Texas Pacific Group (TPG), a global private equity managing firm, is set to establish a massive Asia buyout fund worth approximately $5 billion. They plan to invest around 10% of this fund into the South Korean market. According to Bloomberg and other sources, on the 26th, TPG is planning to close its eighth Asia buyout […]
Hyundai and Kia Ranked Lowest Maintenance Service Satisfaction in the U.S. A recent survey by prominent American consumer media outlet Consumer Reports reveals that Hyundai Motor and Kia’s US maintenance service satisfaction ranks low among local drivers. While some believe this is a temporary phenomenon due to increased sales, there are calls for rapid enhancement of maintenance service capabilities. According to industry sources on the 26th, […]
JP Morgan: Bitcoin Outshines Gold as Top Investment Choice JP Morgan has rated Bitcoin’s investment value higher than gold’s. The Bitcoin spot ETF market is projected to grow to $220 billion in 2-3 years. On the 25th, JP Morgan stated in an investment report, “Bitcoin is taking up a larger share in investors’ portfolios than gold. When adjusting for volatility factors, the preference for […]
Top Choice: Lotte Hotel Moscow Voted Best in the Area Lotte Hotel Moscow has been selected as the best hotel in the region. Its exceptional facilities and stylish interior have received high praise. According to Zoon, a Russian review specialist media, on the 24th, Lotte Hotel Moscow was chosen as the “Best Local Hotel.” Zoon selected superior hotels based on evaluations of the hotel’s rooms, […]
Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Shift Towards Automated Manufacturing Saudi Arabia is aiming to reduce its dependence on the oil industry and leap towards becoming a powerhouse in automated manufacturing. According to industry sources on the 24th, Saudi Arabia is striving to restructure its industries around future advanced technologies, reducing its reliance on oil, which accounts for 40% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) […]
Singapore Embraces Nuclear Energy for Sustainability Singapore is planning to construct a nuclear power plant. According to the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy on the 24th, Singapore is considering introducing nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector and secure energy security. Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) is visiting countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and […]
From Virtual Try-Ons to Smart Mirrors: The Latest in US Beauty Tech The winds of technological innovation are blowing strongly in the American beauty industry. According to analysts, the American beauty tech market is expected to grow rapidly, but there are still many challenges to overcome. On the 23rd, the KOTRA Los Angeles Trade Office introduced the current status and prospects of the American beauty tech market […]
Short-Seller Targets SoundHound AI, Calls It 'NVIDIA's Favorite' in Scathing Report The U.S. activist short-seller investor Capybara Research has set its sights on SoundHound AI. This voice recognition AI company has attracted attention with its investment from the American semiconductor company NVIDIA. On the 22nd, Capybara stated in a short-selling report on SoundHound, “This company is a failed company that spreads lies and deceit. They don’t […]
Hyundai, Kia's Record Sales Streak Overshadowed by EPA's Fuel Economy Blow Hyundai Motor and Kia are readjusting the fuel economy ratings for some models sold in the United States. Following fuel economy tests by local environmental authorities, it was pointed out that the mileage ratings needed to be lowered. This is the first time in 24 years that vehicle fuel economy ratings have been changed due […]
Peru's Copper Production Dip Sparks Global Price Surge Peru, the world’s second-largest copper producer, saw a slight decrease in production in January. With the recent surge in copper prices, all eyes are on whether Peru’s production decline will have an impact. Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines reported on the 19th (local time) that the country’s copper production in January was about 205,375 […]
Saudi Arabia Unleashes $40 Billion Blitz in Global AI Race Saudi Arabia plans to invest approximately $40 billion in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Major governments worldwide are racing to increase their investments to gain an edge in AI supremacy. According to the New York Times and other sources, on the 20th, Saudi Arabia plans to establish a $40 billion fund to invest in AI. […]
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