India's FY27 Budget Bets Big on Infrastructure Growth

South Korea's economy is on track to be dominated by its semiconductor sector in 2026, with chips projected to account for 30% of the nation's total exports. According to analysis from BofA Securities, a price-driven "super-cycle" in the semiconductor market is extending into its third year, reshaping the country's economic landscape.

The trend has already delivered a significant impact. In 2025, semiconductor exports surged by 22%, contributing 4.6 percentage points to South Korea's overall headline export growth of 3.8%.

The Unprecedented Super-Cycle in Numbers

The momentum has accelerated dramatically. In early January, daily chip export growth hit 70.2% year-over-year, marking the fastest pace recorded since 2017. This surge is largely fueled by DRAM prices, which have already climbed between 20% and 30% year-to-date.

BofA analysts forecast this trend will continue, with projections showing:

• Global DRAM sales will grow by 60% in 2026, following 50% growth in 2025.

• Average selling prices are expected to rise by 40% this year, on top of gains of 62% in 2024 and 26% in 2025.

This current upcycle, which began in the second half of 2023, is now the longest in decades. It has already outlasted the typical two-year cycles seen in 2019-2021, 2016-2018, and 2012-2014.

Economic Windfalls and Fiscal Benefits

The semiconductor boom is strengthening South Korea's national finances and supporting the won. In the January-October 2025 period, government tax revenue jumped 12.6% to 331 trillion won ($246 billion). Improved profitability for exporters drove a 22% surge in corporate and income tax receipts, which rose from 152 trillion won to 185 trillion won over the same period a year earlier.

This rally could also reduce the country's projected fiscal deficit for 2026, which currently stands at 4.0%. According to BofA, this may create more room for government spending on research and development and social welfare programs.

Concentration Risk: A Double-Edged Sword

While the benefits are clear, the economy's growing dependence on semiconductors creates significant vulnerabilities. Market concentration has reached new heights, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix now accounting for nearly 40% of the KOSPI index, a substantial increase from 25.4% in 2020. This makes the market highly sensitive to any reversal in the chip cycle.

Furthermore, with semiconductors representing 24% of total exports—the highest level in recent decades—the nation's economic cyclicality is amplified. The report warns that this risk is compounded by persistent weakness in other key sectors like consumer electronics, autos, and traditional intermediate goods.

What's Fueling the Chip Demand?

The primary driver of the current cycle is the soaring demand for advanced chips used in artificial intelligence. BofA notes that capacity for high-bandwidth memory remains extremely tight, which helps sustain elevated prices. Analysts expect the upcycle to continue through the second half of 2026.

This optimistic outlook has prompted the central bank to signal a likely upgrade to its 1.8% growth forecast for 2026 at its February meeting. BofA anticipates the Bank of Korea will hold interest rates steady throughout the year.

Major Headwinds on the Horizon

Despite the positive momentum, significant risks remain. On January 26, President Donald Trump announced on social media that he would raise tariffs on Korean goods to 25% from 10%, targeting autos, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and other products.

The cycle could also be derailed by a sharp reversal in DRAM prices, particularly if major technology companies alter their capital spending plans.

A Price-Driven Boom, Not a Production Surge

A key feature of this cycle is that it is driven more by price than by volume. Despite the strong export growth, facility investment by chipmakers has only grown moderately, lagging historical patterns. This suggests manufacturers are maintaining tight supply to support higher prices.

In 2025, semiconductor production rose by 15%. This figure is well below the 29% increase seen in 2021 and the 39% surge recorded in 2010, underscoring the price-centric nature of the current boom.

The euro's recent surge has turned heads toward the European Central Bank, but economists argue that the currency's rapid appreciation is unlikely to force policymakers into immediate action.

Last week, the euro climbed to $1.20 against the U.S. dollar, a level not seen since mid-2021. According to analysis from Capital Economics, the speed of this move is historically unusual. The currency has only strengthened by a similar magnitude over a 10-day period a few times in the last decade, and its trade-weighted exchange rate has now hit an all-time high.

Muted Inflation Impact Limits Urgency

Despite the sharp rise, the immediate effect on the eurozone's inflation is expected to be minimal.

Capital Economics cites the ECB's own sensitivity analysis, which suggests that if the euro stays at its current level against the dollar, headline inflation would only be about 0.1 percentage points lower next year than the central bank projected in December.

While this tilts inflation risks slightly to the downside, analysts say it falls far short of the threshold needed to justify intervening in the foreign exchange market on grounds of price stability.

Why Direct Currency Intervention Is Off the Table

The ECB is expected to discuss the euro's strength at its upcoming meeting, but direct intervention appears highly improbable.

The central bank has the power to intervene in currency markets to counter disorderly conditions that could threaten price stability. However, Capital Economics notes the euro would have to rise much further before such a move would be considered. Even then, an intervention involving the purchase of U.S. dollars is seen as very unlikely.

Historically, the ECB has intervened in currency markets on only two occasions: in late 2000 and March 2011. Both times, the goal was to support a stronger euro, and the actions were coordinated with other major central banks. Today, Capital Economics finds that a coordinated effort to push the euro lower is extremely unlikely, particularly given the U.S. administration's stated preference for a weaker dollar.

What to Expect From ECB Officials

So far, ECB officials have downplayed the currency's climb. Vice President Luis de Guindos previously described levels above $1.20 as "complicated" but also called the $1.20 mark "perfectly acceptable." Similarly, Austria's central bank governor reportedly referred to the recent rise as "modest."

Capital Economics expects ECB President Christine Lagarde may reiterate that policymakers are closely monitoring the euro but is unlikely to take active steps to talk it down.

The Long-Term Outlook: When Could the ECB Act?

While immediate action is not on the horizon, sustained gains in the euro could influence monetary policy over time.

According to ECB analysis cited by Capital Economics, a gradual rise to between $1.25 and $1.30 over the next three years would lower headline inflation by approximately 0.3 percentage points in 2028. In such a scenario, policymakers would more likely turn to stronger verbal warnings and interest rate cuts rather than direct currency market operations.

For now, economists believe the euro's strength is more a reflection of dollar weakness than fundamental momentum in the eurozone, which lessens the need for an ECB response. As a result, the central bank is expected to remain on the sidelines unless the currency's appreciation becomes significantly larger and more persistent.

India's federal government plans to borrow a record 17.2 trillion rupees ($187.63 billion) in the 2026–27 fiscal year, a figure that surpasses most market expectations. The proposal was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech on Sunday.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the country's net market borrowing is projected to be 11.70 trillion rupees, which is slightly lower than the borrowing for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Figure 1: India's gross market borrowings are projected to hit a record 17.2 trillion rupees in FY 2026-27, continuing a trend of elevated government debt issuance since FY 2020-21.

Bond Yields Under Pressure Amid Supply Concerns

The announcement comes as India's bond yields have already been climbing for months. The heavy borrowing by both federal and state governments has been overwhelming demand for government debt securities.

Even after the Reserve Bank of India cut its policy rate by 125 basis points, the benchmark 10-year bond yield has edged slightly higher since February of last year. Market analysts had anticipated gross borrowings to be in the range of 16 trillion to 17.50 trillion rupees, with a Reuters poll of 35 economists showing a median expectation of 16.3 trillion rupees.

Traders fear the substantial supply of new debt could continue to suppress demand and keep yields elevated. This concern persists despite significant support from the Reserve Bank of India, which has included record bond purchases and foreign-exchange swaps designed to inject more liquidity into the banking system.

With government bond markets closed on Sunday, the benchmark 10-year bond yield (IN10YT=RR) is expected to see a further increase when trading resumes on Monday. A trader at a private bank noted that any negative reaction might be partially offset by the central bank's choice of paper for its open market purchase scheduled for Thursday.

New Fiscal Targets: Debt-to-GDP and Deficit Goals

The government is shifting its fiscal policy to focus on a debt-to-GDP ratio target. The goal is to lower this ratio to 55.6% in the next fiscal year.

This strategy corresponds to a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The fiscal deficit, which measures the gap between government spending and revenue, is a critical metric for markets as it directly influences borrowing requirements, overall debt levels, and investor confidence.

Figure 2: The government's budget outlines a strategy to reduce both the fiscal deficit to 4.3% of GDP and the debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6% by the 2026-27 fiscal year.

($1 = 91.6710 Indian rupees)

India is set to unveil an annual budget designed to accelerate and sustain strong economic growth while enhancing business competitiveness in a volatile global climate. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government's priorities are geared towards long-term stability and expansion.

The upcoming fiscal year's budget will center on critical areas, including structural reforms, strengthening the financial sector, and increasing investment in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team present the annual budget, which outlines a strategy for sustained economic growth and reform.

Economic Outlook and Projections

The Indian economy is projected to grow at a rate of 7.4% in the current financial year, with inflation expected to remain near 2%. Meanwhile, the government's fiscal deficit for the year is anticipated to be 4.4% of GDP.

Looking ahead, the government's economic survey has forecast growth between 6.8% and 7.2% for the fiscal year beginning in April.

A Foundation of Recent Reforms

To stimulate private investment and demand, New Delhi has recently implemented a series of significant policy changes. More adjustments are expected in the forthcoming budget. Key reforms already rolled out include:

• Cuts to consumption and income taxes.

• A comprehensive overhaul of labor laws.

• Measures to open up the tightly controlled nuclear power sector.

Modi's Long-Term Vision for India

Prime Minister Modi emphasized a shift in focus, stating, "The nation is moving away from long-term problems to tread the path of long-term solutions." He noted that such solutions create the predictability needed to foster global trust.

Modi added that India will push forward with "next-generation reforms," highlighting the next 25 years as crucial for achieving the goal of transforming the South Asian nation into a developed economy.

Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing

A core component of this long-term strategy is a third major initiative to boost manufacturing's share of the economy, following two previous attempts. The government is also expected to ease regulations for investment in defense manufacturing to support this objective.

Navigating Global Trade Challenges

On the international front, India is actively pursuing new trade agreements to mitigate external economic pressures. A landmark trade deal with the European Union is a key example of this strategy.

This move is intended to offset the impact of the 50% tariffs that President Donald Trump's administration imposed on certain Indian goods exported to the United States.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to confront the issue of a surging euro at its first policy meeting in 2026, a development that analysts warn could push eurozone inflation further below its target. Officials in Frankfurt have already voiced concerns over this trend.

While the ECB has held interest rates steady since June and no immediate changes are anticipated, several critical issues are demanding the bank's attention. Developments since the last rate decision on December 18, including moves by the Federal Reserve, threats of new tariffs from US President Donald Trump, and a recent decline in the dollar, have all come under scrutiny.

Dollar's Decline Fuels Euro Surge

Comments from President Trump, who stated he was not bothered by the US dollar's status, contributed to a significant drop in the currency. This slide propelled the euro to approximately $1.20, a level not seen since 2021.

In response, ECB officials have expressed concern about how this currency shift might be received. François Villeroy de Galhau, a key member of the ECB's Governing Council, emphasized that the euro will be a crucial determinant of future monetary policy. Another Governing Council member, Martin Kocher, confirmed the bank will closely monitor the currency for any continued upward movement.

Below-Target Inflation Complicates ECB Policy

The focus on the euro comes as eurozone inflation fell below 2% in December. Analysts forecast a further decline, predicting the figure will be around 1.7% when Consumer Price Index data is released on Wednesday, February 11.

The ECB had previously projected that price growth would naturally reach its target without further intervention. However, a persistently strong euro could undermine this outlook and potentially trigger a new round of discussions about rate cuts.

"Europe has started the year with many geopolitical issues, and the ECB will likely keep its focus on bigger problems," noted analysts. "This means they will probably overlook the recent US trade conflict involving Greenland, the slight drop in inflation below 2%, and the rising euro. However, these changes highlight that there are growing risks to the economic outlook."

Global Central Banks Diverge on Rates

The ECB is expected to release quarterly surveys on bank lending and expert economic forecasts soon, positioning it among several central banks scheduled to announce interest-rate decisions this week.

Globally, a mixed policy landscape is emerging:

• The UK, Mexico, and the Czech Republic are likely to hold rates steady.

• India and Poland are expected to implement rate cuts.

• The Reserve Bank of Australia might become the first major central bank to hike rates this year.

Meanwhile, this month's US jobs report will be a key data point, measured against the Federal Reserve's view that the labor market is stabilizing after a period of slow hiring late last year.

A senior Iranian official has indicated that diplomatic negotiations with the United States are making headway, a surprising development that contrasts sharply with a recent American military buildup in the region.

The signal for de-escalation follows US President Donald Trump's deployment of warships to the area and his public statements that an attack on Iranian soil was possible if the country refused to negotiate a "deal."

Diplomatic Channels Open Through Regional Allies

Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, suggested that behind-the-scenes progress was being made. "Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing," he stated.

Larijani's comments followed a meeting in Tehran with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. A statement from Qatar confirmed the two discussed "ongoing efforts to deescalate tensions in the region." Qatar, a major US ally with closer ties to Iran than other Gulf Arab nations, is positioned to act as a key mediator.

In a separate diplomatic push, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized a desire to avoid conflict during a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, another close US ally. "The Islamic Repubic of Iran has never sought, and in no way seeks, war and it is firmly convinced that a war would not be in the interest of neither Iran, nor the United States, nor the region," Pezeshkian said.

Trump Confirms 'Serious' Dialogue

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump confirmed that Iran is talking "seriously" with the US. He expressed hope for an "acceptable" deal, outlining two primary conditions:

• Iran must commit to having "no nuclear weapons."

• The Iranian government must stop killing anti-government protesters.

Domestic Unrest Creates a Volatile Backdrop

The diplomatic overtures are occurring as Iran grapples with a severe economic crisis and widespread domestic unrest. Demonstrations that began in December, fueled by high unemployment, inflation, and a weakening rial currency, have spread nationwide.

The government's crackdown on these protests has resulted in significant casualties, according to human rights organizations.

• The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 6,713 deaths, including 6,305 demonstrators.

• The Center for Human Rights Iran places the number of killed at 6,479.

• The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights watchdog estimates that "at least 40,000 people, including children, have been detained."

Last month, Trump encouraged the protests, telling Iranians that "help is on its way." However, he later softened his rhetoric on military action, claiming his shift was because Iran had decided not to execute protesters.