Bank of Korea policy rate decision as of July 16: 2.75% (expected 2.75%, prior 2.50%).

CNBC reported Wednesday that Warren Buffett said he personally initiated Berkshire Hathaway’s large investment in Alphabet. Berkshire first disclosed the position in Q3 2025 and has since materially increased it, including a $10 billion private share purchase last month. Buffett, who stepped down as CEO earlier this year but remains chairman, said he and CEO Greg Abel collaborate closely on investment decisions; they consult regularly, though Abel is the ultimate decision-maker.

At the morning session close, China’s main futures contracts were mostly higher. Low-sulfur fuel oil (LU) and fuel oil jumped about 6%; ethylene glycol (EG) rose over 4%; SC crude, styrene (EB), palladium and propylene gained more than 3%. On the downside, lithium carbonate fell over 2%; SHFE lead, urea and polysilicon dropped more than 1%.