European semiconductor stocks slid, with Infineon, STMicroelectronics, ASML, BE Semiconductor, ASM International and Soitec down 2.4% to 5%.

Germany's DAX up 1.00% intraday.

A Yonhap survey of six economists found all expect the Bank of Korea to hold rates today after consecutive hikes in July and August. Respondents said the central bank will keep a tightening stance but is more likely to pause to reassess timing than to pursue a rare third straight hike. Strong semiconductor exports are supporting growth while supply- and demand-side pressures are pushing inflation up, leaving scope for the tightening cycle to continue in the near term. Korea’s Jan–Aug current-account surplus was $279.2 bln, roughly four times the $69.7 bln recorded in the same period last year.