The State Council Information Office will hold a press briefing at 10:00 a.m. on July 15, 2026. National Bureau of Statistics deputy director Mao Shengyong will present 1H 2026 national economic performance and take questions.

South Korea's KOSPI index fell as much as 7% intraday.

South Korea’s equity market trades at a discount, reflecting governance concerns and the historically cyclical profits of Samsung and SK Hynix, which together make up more than half of KOSPI market value. Some analysts argue AI could create demand beyond a typical memory boom‑bust, but KOSPI’s low P/E suggests many remain unconvinced. Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets, says Korea needs evidence the memory supercycle has staying power and that cheap valuations alone are not a buy; she warns many mega‑caps may still spend heavily this quarter but will begin talking cost optimisation, a negative for memory demand if high prices suppress volumes. Jason Minsang Kam, head of active equities at Kyobo Life Insurance, notes KOSPI EPS estimates for the year have risen roughly 170% and describes an unprecedented surge in earnings momentum, but he cautions on extreme volatility and recommends avoiding Korean chipmakers given their high earnings cyclicality.