MOFCOM said bilateral trade with Ecuador reached $9.83 bln in 1H, up more than 20% YoY. Since the China-Ecuador free trade agreement took effect over two years ago trade has expanded rapidly and China is now Ecuador’s second-largest trading partner; cooperation has deepened in infrastructure and energy/minerals. MOFCOM said Beijing will use joint economic-and-trade mechanisms to push for upgraded bilateral commercial ties during the Ecuadorian president’s visit.

JP Morgan analyst Jay Kwon estimates SK Hynix could deploy at least 180 tln won (~$130bn) in additional shareholder returns by 2027, about 16% of current market value, excluding a previously announced 40 tln won buyback-and-cancellation. SK Hynix has shifted policy from capping payouts at up to 50% of 2025-27 cumulative free cash flow to “over 50%,” effectively removing the prior constraint, JP Morgan says. The 180 tln won figure is a JP Morgan projection based on adjusted payout assumptions and prospective cash generation, not an official company commitment. Kwon said the worst appears to be past, expects mid-term investor sentiment to improve and recommended increasing positions.

Spot gold rose 3% intraday to $4,464/oz, its highest since June 5. New York gold futures gained 3% to $4,521.30/oz.