Singapore president said developed economies and other countries need to address declining demand for entry-level jobs among recent graduates.

South Korean stocks fell sharply on Monday as traders returned from a long holiday and assessed the risk that a new round of Middle East attacks could further disrupt global energy supplies. The KOSPI dropped 241.69 points, or 3.65%, to 6,384.24 — its lowest close since Aug. 11. The won strengthened, reaching its strongest intraday level versus the dollar since Oct. 4, 2024, while benchmark government bond yields fell. Chip names led losses: Samsung Electronics down 4.39%, SK Hynix down 4.52%. Other large caps: LG Energy Solution -0.75%, Hyundai Motor -1.39%, Kia +1.22%. Foreign investors were net sellers of Korean equities for 2.0169 trillion won.

Jefferies chief European economist Mohit Kumar said in a Monday report that Trump is exploring all options to push diesel prices lower ahead of the midterms. He added the deal with Russia has drawn domestic and European leadership opposition because it would bypass existing sanctions, and that while increased diesel shipments could ease some price pressure, the agreed volumes are unlikely to produce a material market impact.