China's Industrial Production and Retail Sales Growth Slow in October... Investment Remains Sluggish

China's industrial production increased by 4.9% last month, falling short of market expectations and marking the lowest level in 14 months. Retail sales rose by 2.9%, slightly surpassing market forecasts, but the growth rate has been slowing for five consecutive months. On November 14, the National Bureau of Statistics of China announced that industrial production in October grew by 4.9% compared to the same month last year. This increase was significantly lower than in September (6.5% growth) and fell short of the median economist forecasts compiled by both Bloomberg and Reuters, which stood at 5.5%. Last month's industrial production growth rate was the lowest since August of the previous year (4.5%). Retail sales in October, a key indicator of domestic demand, rose by 2.9% year-on-year. This figure was higher than the Reuters forecast of 2.8%, but the growth rate has declined for five consecutive months since May of last year (6.4%). Bloomberg explained that this marks the longest p

Economy

11.14 14:41

"Trump to Attend Davos Forum in January Next Year"

Bloomberg News reported on the 13th (local time), citing sources, that President Donald Trump of the United States is expected to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF, also known as the Davos Forum) in Davos, Switzerland early next year, leading a large delegation. An anonymous White House official told Bloomberg that President Trump is expected to attend the Davos Forum, but the plans have not been fully finalized. The Davos Forum confirmed that it has invited President Trump, as well as leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies and other countries. However, the forum stated that the final list of attendees will be released one week before the event opens. Bloomberg explained that this development indicates improving relations between the United States and Switzerland ahead of the conclusion of a trade agreement between the two countries. The outlet also noted, "For the Swiss government, President Trump's attendance will take place just after Guy Parmelin, the Swiss Minister

Economy

11.14 10:31

Kiwoom: "Uncertainty in U.S. Economic Indicators Remains After Shutdown... Volatility Expected Until December FOMC"

Kiwoom Securities stated on November 14 that even after the U.S. federal government shutdown (temporary suspension of operations) is lifted, uncertainties surrounding economic indicators and monetary policy may persist. The company emphasized the need for caution regarding volatility until the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in December. Yumi Kim, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, highlighted these points in the report "Weekly Macro: What Should We Watch?" released on the same day. She mentioned the gap in U.S. economic data and the uncertainty of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Kim explained, "As the shutdown drags on, the collection of some economic indicators is delayed or data gaps occur, making it difficult to accurately assess the current economic situation." She added, "Additionally, the fact that Federal Reserve officials are expressing divergent views on whether to cut rates in December is also contributing to monetary policy uncertainty." Currently, there

Economy

11.14 08:08

European Parliament: Centrist-Right and Far-Right Alliance Passes 'Corporate Deregulation' Bill

The European Parliament has passed a bill easing corporate regulations through a coalition between the largest centrist-right bloc and far-right forces. On the 13th (local time), the European Parliament voted to pass an amendment to last year's corporate environmental regulation law, aiming to reduce burdens on companies, with 382 votes in favor, 249 against, and 13 abstentions. The European People's Party (EPP), the largest center-right group in the Parliament and the bill's sponsor, overcame opposition from its traditional centrist and leftist allies by securing support from far-right political groups such as "Patriots for Europe (PfE)" and "European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR)." The European Union (EU) had originally adopted the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) last year, requiring companies to regularly publish reports on labor and environmental issues and to take responsibility for human ri

Economy

11.14 06:56

Europe Moves to Curb Chinese E-Commerce Firms: "Tariffs to Be Imposed on Low-Priced Parcels"

In an effort to strengthen regulations on Chinese e-commerce imports, European countries plan to impose tariffs on low-priced parcels arriving from overseas as early as 2026. On November 13 (local time), the finance ministers of the European Union (EU) held a meeting in Brussels and agreed to abolish the current tax exemption for low-priced parcels valued at less than 150 euros (255,000 won) and to impose tariffs on such parcels as soon as possible. They also decided to consult with the European Parliament on these measures in the future. Maro? ?ef?ovi?, the EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, proposed scrapping the tax exemption for online purchases under 150 euros two years earlier than originally planned, in the first quarter of 2026, and introducing a "simplified temporary customs fee." The finance ministers of the member states put the proposal to a vote and passed it. This measure is seen as targeting Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, and Alibaba, whi

Economy

11.14 05:53

China Cracks Down on Online Seller Tax Evasion... Demands Sales Data from Amazon and Others

Bloomberg reported on the 13th, citing sources, that Chinese tax authorities have requested global shopping platforms such as Amazon.com to submit sales data for Chinese vendors operating on their platforms. This measure marks the first time authorities have taken action to crack down on tax evasion by Chinese sellers conducting overseas business through online platforms. According to online sellers across China who requested anonymity, the State Taxation Administration of China has, over the past several months, instructed major global e-commerce companies to submit third-quarter sales data for Chinese sellers. Amazon began providing this data in mid-October, while Chinese platforms such as Aliexpress, operated by Alibaba Group, as well as Temu and Shein, received the request and submitted their data several weeks before Amazon. Bloomberg noted that Chinese tax authorities did not raise issues regarding illegal activities by the platforms themselves. According to sources, the actual s

Economy

11.13 14:38

Despite China Lifting Export Controls, "Nexperia Chip Shortage Persists"

Although China has lifted export controls on chips produced by semiconductor company Nexperia, the European automotive industry continues to face a chip shortage, the Financial Times (FT) reported on November 12 (local time). Quoting sources in the automotive industry, FT reported that ongoing conflict between Nexperia’s headquarters in the Netherlands and its Chinese subsidiary has resulted in the Dutch headquarters withholding silicon wafer supplies from the Chinese subsidiary. The wafers are manufactured at Nexperia’s European plants in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany, then shipped to the Chinese plant for assembly before being exported back to Europe and other regions. The chip supply crisis triggered by Nexperia began when the Dutch government took control of the company at the end of September, citing concerns over technology leaks. In response, China imposed export controls on Nexperia products, most of which are produced in its domestic factories, leading to a

Economy

11.13 14:06

US ‘Longest-Ever’ Shutdown Ends After 43 Days... Trump Claims $1.5 Trillion Loss

The United States federal government shutdown, which lasted for a record 43 days, has finally come to an end, significantly easing much of the uncertainty that had weighed on the U.S. economy. The direct hit to household finances caused by suspended wage payments, which had raised concerns about shrinking consumer spending and employment slowdown, is also expected to be alleviated. With the end of the shutdown and the resumption of economic indicator releases such as employment and inflation figures, the issue of diminished credibility in monetary policy decisions due to the lack of data is also likely to be resolved. However, President Donald Trump claimed that the prolonged shutdown resulted in losses amounting to 1.5 trillion dollars (approximately 2,200 trillion won) for the U.S. economy. On the 12th (local time), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate's short-term spending bill (a temporary budget proposal) with 222 votes in favor and 209 against. This shutdown last

Economy

11.13 12:04

UK Joins Fierce Race for 8 Trillion Won Submarine Project Involving Korea

China's Industrial Production and Retail Sales Growth Slow in October... Investment Remains Sluggish

"Trump to Attend Davos Forum in January Next Year"

Kiwoom: "Uncertainty in U.S. Economic Indicators Remains After Shutdown... Volatility Expected Until December FOMC"

European Parliament: Centrist-Right and Far-Right Alliance Passes 'Corporate Deregulation' Bill

Europe Moves to Curb Chinese E-Commerce Firms: "Tariffs to Be Imposed on Low-Priced Parcels"

China Cracks Down on Online Seller Tax Evasion... Demands Sales Data from Amazon and Others

Despite China Lifting Export Controls, "Nexperia Chip Shortage Persists"

US ‘Longest-Ever’ Shutdown Ends After 43 Days... Trump Claims $1.5 Trillion Loss

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