South Korea Stablecoin Bill: A Pioneering Leap For Digital Asset Regulation

Cryptocurrency

Economic

Summary:

Imagine a world where digital currencies, specifically stablecoins, operate within a clear, robust regulatory framework, ensuring stability and protecting users. For South Korea, this vision is rapidly becoming a reality. The nation is on the cusp of a significant legislative shift, as the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) prepares to propose the country’s first comprehensive South Korea stablecoin bill. This pivotal move signals a growing global trend towards legitimizing and integrating digital assets into traditional financial systems, promising a new era of clarity and security for the crypto landscape.

What is the South Korea Stablecoin Bill All About?

At its core, the upcoming South Korea stablecoin bill, spearheaded by DPK lawmaker Ahn Do-geol, aims to establish a clear regulatory pathway for stablecoins pegged to the Korean Won. Unlike previous, broader digital asset proposals, Ahn’s bill is specifically designed to address the unique characteristics and challenges of value-stable digital assets. It’s a targeted approach, focusing on:

● Issuance: Defining who can issue Korean Won-pegged stablecoins and under what conditions. This will likely involve strict requirements for reserves and auditing to ensure the stablecoin maintains its peg.

● Circulation: Regulating how these stablecoins are traded, transferred, and used within the South Korean economy. This could cover aspects like anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance.

● Oversight: Establishing a framework for government bodies to monitor and supervise stablecoin operations, ensuring compliance and market integrity.

While DPK lawmaker Min Byeong-dug introduced a broader basic digital asset act last month that touched upon stablecoins, Ahn’s proposal, set for July 28, is poised to be the first dedicated and comprehensive piece of legislation. Furthermore, there’s anticipation that Kim Eun-hye of the opposition People Power Party (PPP) will also introduce a similar bill, highlighting a bipartisan recognition of the urgent need for stablecoin regulation.

Why is This South Korea Stablecoin Bill a Game Changer?

The introduction of a dedicated South Korea stablecoin bill is more than just another piece of legislation; it’s a transformative step for several reasons:

1. Enhancing Consumer Protection: The primary driver behind this regulation is likely the protection of investors and users. By mandating transparent reserves and robust oversight, the bill aims to prevent scenarios akin to the Terra-Luna collapse, where a lack of regulation led to significant financial losses. This will foster greater trust in stablecoins and the broader digital asset ecosystem.

2. Fostering Financial Stability: Stablecoins, by their nature, aim to bridge the gap between volatile cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies. Unregulated stablecoins, however, can pose systemic risks if their reserves are not properly managed. This bill seeks to integrate stablecoins safely into the financial system, mitigating potential risks to national financial stability.

3. Promoting Innovation with Clarity: While regulation might sometimes be perceived as a hindrance, a clear regulatory framework can actually spur innovation. By providing legal certainty, businesses and developers will have a clearer understanding of the rules, encouraging them to build new services and applications utilizing Korean Won-pegged stablecoins without fear of sudden regulatory shifts.

4. Boosting Global Competitiveness: As nations worldwide grapple with crypto regulation, South Korea’s proactive stance with a dedicated South Korea stablecoin bill positions it as a leader in responsible digital asset adoption. This could attract foreign investment and foster a vibrant domestic blockchain industry, enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Who Are the Key Players Behind the South Korea Stablecoin Bill?

The legislative landscape for digital assets in South Korea is dynamic, with several key figures championing different approaches:

● Ahn Do-geol (DPK): The primary sponsor of the upcoming comprehensive South Korea stablecoin bill. As a member of the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee, his proposal is expected to be detailed and impactful, focusing specifically on Won-pegged stablecoins. His focus on issuance, circulation, and oversight suggests a thorough understanding of the stablecoin mechanism.

● Min Byeong-dug (DPK): Introduced a broader basic digital asset act last month. While his bill included references to stablecoins, it was more general in scope, aiming to lay foundational rules for the entire digital asset market. Ahn’s bill can be seen as a more specialized follow-up to this broader framework.

● Kim Eun-hye (PPP): A member of the opposition People Power Party, Kim Eun-hye is also anticipated to propose a similar bill this week. The potential for bipartisan consensus on stablecoin regulation underscores the perceived urgency and importance of the issue across the political spectrum in South Korea. This collaboration could lead to more robust and widely accepted legislation.

The interplay between these lawmakers and their respective proposals highlights a concerted effort within South Korea’s political arena to address the burgeoning digital asset market with careful consideration.

What Challenges and Opportunities Does the South Korea Stablecoin Bill Present?

Every significant regulatory move comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The proposed South Korea stablecoin bill is no exception:

Challenges:

● Balancing Innovation and Regulation: A key challenge will be striking the right balance. Overly stringent regulations could stifle innovation and push crypto activities underground or offshore. The bill needs to be robust enough to protect, but flexible enough to allow growth.

● Defining “Stable”: The concept of stability in the digital asset world can be complex. The bill will need clear definitions for what constitutes a “stable” asset and how its peg is maintained and verified.

● Enforcement and Resources: Implementing and enforcing new regulations will require significant resources and expertise from regulatory bodies. Ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to oversee a rapidly evolving sector is crucial.

● Cross-Border Implications: Stablecoins operate globally. The bill will need to consider how it interacts with international regulations and how to prevent regulatory arbitrage.

Opportunities:

● Increased Institutional Adoption: Regulatory clarity often paves the way for greater institutional participation. Banks, financial institutions, and large corporations may be more willing to engage with stablecoins once a clear legal framework is in place.

● New Business Models: The bill could enable new business models built on regulated stablecoins, such as streamlined international remittances, enhanced payment systems, and innovative financial products.

● Investor Confidence: A regulated environment will undoubtedly boost investor confidence, attracting more retail and institutional capital into the South Korean digital asset market.

● Global Leadership: By setting a precedent for comprehensive stablecoin regulation, South Korea could become a model for other nations looking to integrate digital assets responsibly.

How Does the South Korea Stablecoin Bill Compare Globally?

South Korea’s move is part of a broader global trend towards stablecoin regulation. Here’s how it stacks up against other major jurisdictions:

Jurisdiction	Regulatory Approach to Stablecoins	Key Highlights
South Korea	Targeted, comprehensive bill for Won-pegged stablecoins.	Focus on issuance, circulation, and oversight. Aim to protect consumers and foster financial stability.
United States	Fragmented, ongoing discussions.	Various proposals (e.g., Lummis-Gillibrand bill, Treasury reports). SEC and CFTC vie for oversight. Emphasis on reserve requirements and systemic risk.
European Union	MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation.	Comprehensive framework covering all crypto assets, including stablecoins. Strict rules for e-money tokens (EMT) and asset-referenced tokens (ART), focusing on reserves, governance, and consumer protection.
United Kingdom	Integrating stablecoins into existing financial regulations.	Consultations to bring stablecoins under the Electronic Money Regulations and Payment Systems Regulations. Focus on systemic stablecoins.

While different jurisdictions have varying speeds and approaches, the common thread is a recognition of stablecoins’ potential and the necessity for robust regulation to manage associated risks. South Korea’s specific focus on Won-pegged stablecoins highlights a national interest in controlling the digital representation of its own currency.

What’s Next for the South Korea Stablecoin Bill?

The journey for the South Korea stablecoin bill is just beginning. Once proposed, it will undergo a rigorous legislative process, including committee reviews, public hearings, and votes in the National Assembly. This process allows for amendments and ensures that various stakeholders’ perspectives are considered.

For individuals and businesses involved in the South Korean crypto space, staying informed will be paramount. Monitoring the legislative developments, understanding the implications of the proposed regulations, and preparing for compliance will be crucial. This bill has the potential to reshape how stablecoins are perceived and utilized in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced nations.

Conclusion: A New Horizon for Digital Assets

The impending proposal of South Korea’s first comprehensive South Korea stablecoin bill marks a significant milestone in the global journey towards responsible digital asset integration. By focusing on the issuance, circulation, and oversight of Korean Won-pegged stablecoins, lawmakers aim to establish a framework that protects consumers, enhances financial stability, and fosters innovation within a clear regulatory environment. This pioneering legislative effort positions South Korea as a key player in shaping the future of digital finance, offering a beacon of clarity in an often-unpredictable market. As the world watches, South Korea’s commitment to thoughtful regulation could very well set a new standard for how nations embrace the transformative potential of stablecoins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What exactly is a stablecoin?

A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, usually pegged to a fiat currency like the US Dollar or Korean Won, or to a commodity like gold. This stability is typically achieved by holding an equivalent amount of reserves in traditional assets.

Q2: Why is South Korea focusing on regulating stablecoins now?

South Korea is focusing on stablecoin regulation to enhance consumer protection, prevent financial instability, and provide legal clarity for businesses. Recent events in the crypto market have highlighted the risks associated with unregulated stablecoins, prompting a proactive legislative response.

Q3: How does Ahn Do-geol’s stablecoin bill differ from Min Byeong-dug’s broader digital asset act?

Min Byeong-dug’s act is a more general framework for all digital assets, including some references to stablecoins. Ahn Do-geol’s bill, however, is specifically and comprehensively dedicated to the issuance, circulation, and oversight of Korean Won-pegged stablecoins, making it the first of its kind in South Korea.

Q4: How will this South Korea stablecoin bill impact cryptocurrency users and businesses in South Korea?

For users, the bill is expected to increase trust and safety when dealing with Won-pegged stablecoins due to enhanced consumer protection and transparent reserve requirements. For businesses, it will provide regulatory clarity, potentially leading to increased institutional adoption and the development of new, compliant stablecoin-based services.

Q5: Will this bill affect global stablecoin projects like USDT or USDC in South Korea?

While Ahn Do-geol’s bill primarily focuses on Korean Won-pegged stablecoins, it sets a precedent for how South Korea views and regulates stable assets. It may influence future regulations concerning foreign-pegged stablecoins or prompt their issuers to seek local compliance to operate within South Korea.

Source: CryptoSlate

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Michelle

Cryptocurrency

Ethereum (ETH) has been trading at a significant price point, with the digital asset now nearing a key resistance level of $4000. This mark has drawn attention due to its potential to shape the next movement in the market.

According to Crypto Patel, Ethereum's recent price rally has sparked optimism among investors, especially those who purchased the asset when its value was below $1500. As ETH continues its upward trajectory, traders are focused on the $4000 level, which has been acting as a multi-month resistance.

Ethereum breakout | Source: X

Ethereum breaks through this level, and there are expectations that it could head towards its previous all-time high (ATH) of $6000 or more. A sustained breakout above this resistance could signal continued strength in the asset's price. If rejected at this level, some experts anticipate a decline, potentially pulling ETH back below the $3500-$3200 range.

Resistance and Support Dynamics

Crypto analyst ZAYK Charts notes that if Ethereum manages to break above $4,000, it could open the door for a potential surge toward the $6,000 mark, a significant increase from its current price.

A successful breakout could indicate continued strength and set the stage for further price growth in the coming months. However, it could also establish the $4000 level as a new support zone, further reinforcing the bullish sentiment surrounding Ethereum.

Ethereum Bullish | Source: X

Both short-term traders and long-term investors closely watch this price action. Many are considering the potential for Ethereum to move higher if the resistance at $4000 is cleared.

Ethereum’s Trading Volume and Market Sentiment

At the time of writing, ETH is priced at approximately $3,890, reflecting a 3.10% increase in the last 24 hours. Ethereum remains active in terms of trading volume, with over $34 billion in transactions reported within the past 24 hours.

Despite this significant trading activity, market observers remain cautious as Ethereum faces its next critical decision point. Should the asset manage to surpass this level, a strong bullish trend may continue.

Conversely, a rejection could lead to a consolidation phase or a downward adjustment in price. Traders are advised to monitor this crucial level closely.

Source: CryptoSlate

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Adam

Economic

U.S. stock futures tick up after the U.S. and European Union agree to a crucial deal that averts a potentially damaging trade war. Attention now turns to talks between the U.S. and China in Sweden, where media reports have suggested that the world’s two largest economies may decide to extend a trade truce. Along with an August 1 deadline for elevated "reciprocal" U.S. tariffs to kick in on a slate of countries, this pivotal week for markets will also feature a string of big-name corporate earnings, crucial economic data, and a much-anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate decision.

Futures rise

U.S. stock futures pointed higher on Monday, as investors digested key trade developments and looked ahead to a wave of major earnings, economic data and central bank decisions this week.

By 03:25 ET (07:25 GMT), the Dow futures contract had risen by 146 points, or 0.3%, S&P 500 futures had climbed by 25 points, or 0.4%, and Nasdaq 100 futures had increased by 127 points, or 0.5%.

The benchmark S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq both logged record closing highs at the end of the previous session on Friday, extending a strong run for Wall Street. Upbeat quarterly results, as well as the prospect of more certainty around often erratic U.S. tariff plans, have helped to support equities in recent weeks.

U.S. stock markets looked to be receiving a strong handover from Europe, where their counterparts rose to a four-month high.

U.S.-EU trade deal

The United States and European Union have reached a landmark trade agreement that includes a 15% tariff on EU goods entering the U.S., President Donald Trump announced Sunday while in Scotland.

The broad-strokes deal encompasses significant EU purchases of U.S. energy and military gear, along with substantial investments in the American economy.

According to Trump, the European Union has committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of energy from the United States. He also stated that the EU has agreed to make $600 billion in investments in the U.S.

"They are agreeing to open up their countries to trade at zero tariff," Trump told reporters. He added that the EU would "purchase a vast amount of military equipment" from the U.S.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement would include 15% tariffs across the board, noting that this measure would help "rebalance" trade between the two major trading partners. Of the $3.3 trillion in goods imported by the U.S. last year, more than $600 billion came from the 27-member EU.

The pact could help bring some calm to investors, who had been wary that both sides could fail to reach a deal before August 1, when Trump’s sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs are due to come into effect. The EU had been facing heightened levies of 30%, and had reportedly been pushing for a zero-for-zero agreement with the White House.

U.S. and China to extend trade truce - reports

The U.S. and China are expected to extend their tariff truce by an additional 90 days during trade talks starting Monday in Stockholm, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Sunday, citing sources close to the discussions.

The temporary suspension of most tariffs, agreed in May, is set to expire on August 12.

According to the SCMP report, both sides will use the third round of negotiations to outline their positions on unresolved issues, including U.S. concerns over China’s industrial overcapacity, rather than pursue immediate breakthroughs.

Sources told SCMP that during the extension, neither side plans to impose new tariffs or escalate the trade conflict. Beijing is also expected to seek clarity from Washington over the 20% tariffs imposed on Chinese goods in March related to fentanyl concerns, the report said.

Trump said Sunday the U.S. is “very close” to a deal with China, but did not elaborate. In an editorial on Sunday, China’s People’s Daily said Beijing remains committed to resolving disputes through equal dialogue and mutual respect.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that the U.S. has paused curbs on tech exports to China to avoid disrupting these talks.

Jam-packed week ahead for markets

Markets are now gearing up for a week that analysts at ING have described as a "massive" week for the U.S. economy.

Along with a possible string of trade deals before August 1, the coming days will see a raft of corporate earnings, including returns from mega-cap tech titans like Facebook-owner Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Apple , and Amazon.

July’s nonfarm payrolls report and a reading of inflation closely monitored by the Federal Reserve are also scheduled to be released, while the Fed itself will unveil its latest interest rate decision on Wednesday.

Fed officials are widely anticipated to leave borrowing costs unchanged, even as Trump has placed intensifying pressure on the central bank -- and Chair Jerome Powell in particular -- to quickly lower rates. Policymakers have recently signaled a "wait-and-see" approach to further rate decisions, partly citing uncertainty around the trajectory of Trump’s levies and their impact on the wider economy.

Gold holds firm

Gold prices held firm on Monday, as traders eyed bolstered risk appetite following the trade deal between the U.S. and EU. and exercised caution ahead of the Fed interest rate decision this week.

Investors may be particularly keen to hear what officials may have to say about the path ahead for the U.S. economy in the second half of 2025. The prospect of rate cuts later this year could provide some support to gold, which tends to do better in low borrowing-cost environments.

Spot Gold edged up 0.1% to $3,340.02 an ounce, while Gold futures also gained 0.1% to $3,396.67/oz by 03:29 ET.

Elsewhere, optimism that the U.S.-EU pact will avert a damaging trade war gave lift to oil prices, while the improved risk sentiment boosted Bitcoin.

source: investing

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Glendon

Economic

Stocks

The S&P 500 Index’s relentless advance to record highs faces a crucial test this week, with four technology behemoths worth a combined $11.3 trillion reporting earnings over a two-day stretch.

This earnings season is off to a solid start, but now all eyes are on quarterly results from Microsoft Corp. and Meta Platforms Inc. on Wednesday, and Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. on Thursday. The announcements will give investors a key glimpse into the health of businesses ranging from electronic devices and software to cloud-computing and e-commerce.

A strong showing is critical to sustaining the S&P 500’s rally. The four firms — members of the Magnificent Seven — account for a fifth of the market-capitalization-weighted benchmark. What’s more, Meta and Microsoft are among the top three point gainers in the S&P this year, after Nvidia Corp. With valuations climbing, the focus will be not only on whether they beat estimates, but also on their outlook for the coming quarters.

“The bar is set pretty high,” said Michael Arone, chief investment strategist at State Street Investment Management. “The Magnificent Seven in particular, they really need to deliver now to keep this momentum going.”

So far, Corporate America appears to be taking President Donald Trump’s tariffs in stride. With about a third of S&P 500 members having reported, roughly 82% have beaten profit forecasts, on track for the best quarter in about four years, data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence show. The performance has helped lift the benchmark by about 2% since the cycle kicked off around two weeks ago.

To be fair, analysts had slashed estimates over the past few months amid concerns about the impact of tariffs on consumer spending and profit margins. While Big-Tech projections have come down too, the surge in stock prices has kept expectations elevated.

The Magnificent Seven, which also includes Nvidia, Alphabet Inc. and Tesla Inc., is projected to deliver combined year-over-year earnings growth of 16% in the second quarter, according to data compiled by BI. That’s down from expectations of 19% at the end of March, before Trump announced his sweeping tariffs. Nvidia is the final member of the group to report, in late August.

The S&P 500, meanwhile, is expected to show annual profit growth of 4.5%, down from the 7.5% projected in March.

Source: Yahoo Finance

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Warren Takunda

Economic

Stocks

London stocks had pared earlier gains to trade just a touch higher by midday on Monday as investors continued to assess the impact of the US-EU trade deal struck over the weekend.

The FTSE 100 was up 0.1% at 9,124.65.

Sentiment was lifted after US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed a trade deal that will see the EU pay 15% tariffs on most goods entering the US. Trump had threatened to implement a 30% tariff from Friday.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "The much-awaited trade agreement between the US and the EU has finally been struck, sending a wave of relief across financial markets.

"As widely expected, the agreed tariffs aren’t as high as previously feared, which means investors are taking the trade agreement as a massive win.

"In reality, this is far from a done deal. It is only a framework and still needs to be signed into law. Furthermore, Donald Trump has form in constantly tinkering at the edges and what he says one day might not be the same as the next.

"Investors are taking each bit of news one day at a time and today is one of celebration. The agreement is significant because it avoids a trade war between the US and the EU, which could have been troublesome for economic growth and investor sentiment."

On home shores, the latest survey from the Confederation of British Industry showed that retail sales continued to struggle in July as rising prices and economic uncertainty weighed on household demand, although the pace of decline slowed from June.

The retail sales volume balance was -34%, up from -46% a month earlier, but marking the tenth consecutive month of decline.

The balance of expected sales improved to -31 in July from -49 the month before, with retailers expecting sales to fall at a broadly similar pace next month.

Martin Sartorius, principal economist at the CBI, said: "Retail annual sales volumes continued to fall in July, although the pace of decline moderated from June’s sharp drop. Firms reported that elevated price pressures - driven by rising labour costs - and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on household demand, which has contributed to sales volumes falling since October 2024. These trends of weak demand and uncertainty were mirrored across the wider distribution sector, with wholesale and motor trades also seeing declining sales.

"With long-term strategic ambitions outlined, the government must now seek to build shorter term confidence in its growth mission. It can do this by collaborating with business to deliver an Autumn Budget that acknowledges the burden firms are facing and sets clear policy delivery targets. This includes providing clarity on how the government will deliver its action plan to tackle regulatory barriers to growth, position businesses to invest in the people they need through a flexible Growth and Skills Levy, and find an appropriate landing zone for the Employment Rights Bill."

In equity markets, GSK rallied after saying it has entered into a partnership with Chinese pharmaceutical outfit Hengrui Pharma to jointly develop up to 12 medicines, providing new growth opportunities for the UK pharmaceutical group beyond 2031.

FirstGroup advanced after saying it has bought Tetley's Coaches, a Leeds-based coach and bus operator that has been in operation for over 75 years, for an undisclosed sum.

IT support and services firm Computacenter reversed earlier heavy losses as it said it continues to expect FY25 adjusted operating profits to be ahead of FY26 after delivering "strong” revenue growth in the first half.

However, it also said it experienced softer trading in Germany and France in the second quarter, with the performance in France significantly weaker than last year.

Computacenter said that while the broader geopolitical and macro uncertainty is expected to persist, it expects some recovery in public sector activity in Germany in the second half while France is expected to remain challenging.

On the downside, food producer Cranswick turned lower after it held annual guidance as like-for-like revenue rose 7.9% on the back of new business wins and increasing consumer demand for natural protein.

Cranswick still expects adjusted profit before tax to be in line with consensus expectations of between £206.5m and £213.6m.

Ocean Wilsons - a supplier of maritime services in Brazil - tumbled after it agreed a £900m all-share merger with Hansa Investment Company.

Source: Sharecast

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Winkelmann

Stocks

Economic

The striking of a better-than-feared trade deal with the U.S. last week has removed a significant economic uncertainty for Japan, further bolstering the improving fundamentals of the country, and helping lift equities to near-record highs.

Driving this was some relief among investors that while the agreed 15% tariffs on Japanese imports is higher than the 10% rate that was in force while the countries negotiated, it is lower than the 25% levy President Donald Trump had threatened. Importantly, Japan’s automotive sector, a pillar of the country’s economy and biggest contributor to its $63 billion trade surplus with the U.S., will incur the 15% rate and face no quotas on the volume of imports.The greater clarity that comes with the deal is welcome. However, in recent days, fresh political uncertainties have emerged in Japan following the July 20 elections, when the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Ishiba lost control of the upper house of parliament.

This was the third major election defeat after losing a majority of seats in the October 2024 lower house election and most recently in the Tokyo prefectural (metropolitan assembly) vote, which have led to calls within Ishiba’s own party for him to resign. Ishiba has said he has no plans to step down. However, mounting speculation over the Prime Minister’s potential successor and the prospect of them forming a coalition with any one of the resurgent opposition parties, which have been calling for more fiscal stimulus and lower taxes, has led to a fresh spike in long-dated Japanese government bond yields.

As we highlighted in our analysis last month, Japan has led the march higher this year in long-dated government bond yields among advanced economies amid a renewed and sharper focus by investors on fiscal stability.

Seeing Through the Politics

In our view, such political machinations and volatility in the government bond market are to be closely watched, but they don’t alter our long-held constructive view on the country. We were overweight Japan equities before the U.S. trade deal was announced on July 22.

Indeed, we see the election results as unsurprising given a number of factors—including the current administration’s mishandling of inflation and political scandals—and view any change in leadership as immaterial to Japan’s sustainable economic growth and development over the medium term. Seen another way, we believe any potential change in leadership (Ishiba was still in power at the time of writing although the situation is fluid) could even help to bring in new views and ideas on sustaining the country’s growth trajectory.There are fundamental reasons why we remain constructive on the country, as we outlined earlier this year in our white paper on Japanese equities and more recently in our Q3 Equity Market Outlook.

First, Japan’s economy continues to gain momentum. Inflation is modestly stabilizing above the Bank of Japan’s targeted 2% and is high enough in our view to invigorate revenue and profit growth, while low unemployment and recent wage increases due to structural labor shortages have helped to boost spending among Gen-Z and Millennials. Meanwhile the stronger Japanese currency versus year-ago levels has helped to curb imported cost inflation.

Second, thanks to the corporate governance and capital management reforms of the past several years, Japanese companies are becoming increasingly conscious of corporate value from a shareholder’s perspective. This has resulted in companies reducing their cash hoard and streamlining their cross-shareholdings, as well as making better use of their capital through growth investments, which we view as accretive for EPS growth over the medium to long term.

Third, despite potentially stronger growth, record corporate buybacks and ongoing shareholder-friendly corporate reforms, Japanese equities remain under-owned and relatively attractive compared to global peers. For instance, the aggregate forward price-to-earnings ratio represented by the MSCI Japan Index currently stands at 15.2 times compared to 19.0 times and 22.4 times for the MSCI ACWI and S&P 500 indexes, respectively. *

Long-Term Growth Opportunity

As we continue to closely watch the political situation and any fresh developments in the government bond market, we maintain our constructive outlook on Japan, choosing to look through these short-term moments of flux in a country that is in a new period of economic transition.Clearly near-term risks remain, including volatile currency swings from monetary policy adjustments, which disrupted equity markets last August, but we believe high-quality Japanese companies may be an attractive long-term investment opportunity.

Source: Neuberger Berman

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Michelle

Economic

The United States and the European Union agreed on aframework trade deal, ending months of uncertainty for industries and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Here are the main elements of the deal:

* Almost all EU goods entering the U.S. will be subject to a 15% baseline tariff, including cars, which currently face 27.5%, as well as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The 15% tariff is the maximum tariff and is not added to any existing rates.

* The U.S. is to announce the result of its 232 trade investigations in a few weeks and decide on tariff rates for the sectors under investigation. But the EU-U.S. deal already secures a 15% tariff for European chips and pharmaceuticals, so the results of the investigations will not change that, U.S. officials said. It is not yet clear, however, if the same 15% rate has been set for timber and copper, which are also under U.S. 232 investigation.

* The U.S. and EU will have zero-for-zero tariffs on all aircraft and their components, certain chemicals, certain generic drugs, semiconductor equipment, some agricultural products, natural resources and critical raw materials. More products would be added.

* The situation for wine and spirits - a point of friction on both sides of the Atlantic - is still to be established.

* Tariffs on European steel and aluminium will stay at 50%, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said these would later be cut and replaced by a quota system.

* The EU pledged to make $750 billion in strategic purchases, covering oil, gas, nuclear, fuel and chips during U.S. President Donald Trump's term in office.

* The EU pledged to buy U.S. military equipment.

* European companies are to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the course of Trump's second term. Unlike Japan’s package - which Tokyo says will consist of equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies of up to $550 billion to be invested at Trump's discretion - EU officials said the Europe's $600 billion investment pledge is based on private sector projects already in the pipeline.