News

Futures for both coking coal and coke fell, with coke dropping more than 3%. The pace of production resumption slightly exceeded expectations, while demand for finished steel products remains weak. Institutional analysis indicates that unless there is a fundamental reversal in the underlying factors, the prices of both coking coal and coke are likely to remain in a pattern of low-level fluctuation.

(1) Andrew Harker from S&P Global Market Intelligence stated that the preliminary June PMI presents a mixed picture for Australian businesses: business activity is close to stabilizing, the services sector performed relatively well, and there are some signs of easing inflationary pressures. (2) However, the market still faces significant uncertainties, resulting in a further decline in new orders and business confidence falling to one of the lowest levels on record. (3) The seasonally adjusted Composite Output Index rose from 48.7 in May to 49.8 in June, remaining below the 50 threshold for the second consecutive month, indicating that overall business activity is still in contraction territory.

(1) The global AI boom has driven SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics’ stock prices and profits to all-time highs, with generous bonuses creating a new group of affluent employees. According to matchmaking agencies, employees of these two companies now hold a market position in the dating world equal to that of traditional elite professions such as doctors and lawyers, rising from a previous “B+ or A-” rating to “A+.” (2) In terms of career paths, student interest in semiconductor majors has surged dramatically. The admission cut-off scores for the Semiconductor Engineering major jointly offered by Korea University and SK Hynix have reached historic highs; even high school students are starting to target chip roles at vocational schools. A 19-year-old student has already received a hiring offer from Samsung Electronics for an engineering position, commenting that in the current job market, “it’s hard to find a job even after going to college.” (3) This shift reflects that the chip industry is finally being recognized in proportion to its economic importance—over 40% of Korea’s exports depend on chips. Career consultants say competition to enter Samsung and SK Hynix is “almost as intense as college entrance exams.” Matchmaking advisors predict the semiconductor industry will continue to thrive for at least the next two to three years, with job security serving as a key attraction for young people.