KOSPI opened higher on NVIDIA earnings, with investors now focused on the Bank of Korea’s rate decision today. Two market-moving items: NVIDIA’s results have lifted the semiconductor sector; the Bank of Korea’s policy signal will influence broader Korean asset prices. A dovish or easing-tilted outcome would likely amplify the equity rally; an unexpectedly hawkish decision could partially offset the NVIDIA-driven gains.

On August 26, flash floods struck Rasuwa district in northern Nepal’s Bagmati province, sweeping villages, markets and infrastructure. The Nepal Tourism Board said at least 16 people have died and 384 tourists are missing, including 93 Nepalis and the remainder foreign nationals. Scientists’ preliminary assessment is that an icefall blocked the Lende River, forming a temporary dam that later breached; investigators say the cause remains under review. Damage to roads, bridges, communications and power has hampered rescue operations and water levels in the mountains remain high, delaying a full accounting of casualties and property losses. A local resident said the event near the Nepal–China border may be the largest in decades and could be linked to glacier melt.

Bank of Japan deputy governor HIMINO said the BOJ will continue to raise interest rates depending on economic, price and financial conditions.