February 8th: A Critical Day for Global and Korean Stock Markets with Significant Scheduled Events

(TrendHub KR – Posts by ICARUS Journalist)On Thursday, February 8th, significant events scheduled in both global and Korean stock markets are expected to have a substantial impact on market participants. This date includes the options expiration day in Korea, the confirmation hearing for nominee Jo Tae-yul as Minister of Foreign Affairs, the disclosure deadline for Hanwha Ocean’s acquisition of the Philippine shipyard, and the earnings announcements from several major companies. These events will provide investors with crucial information about the current economic and industry conditions, potentially influencing both short-term and long-term market outlooks.

Global Market Key Events:

• U.S. Weekly Initial Jobless Claims and Wholesale Inventories for December: These data points are critical for assessing the health of economic activities within the U.S. and the state of business inventory management. Specifically, jobless claims reflect the current state of the labor market, while the wholesale inventories index helps understand the balance between demand and supply.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Earnings Announcement: This serves as an important indicator for consumer spending trends and the state of the luxury goods market.

Domestic (Korean) Market Key Events:

• Fourth Quarter Trends in Service Production and Retail Sales by Province in Korea: This data provides vital insights into consumer spending and the activity level within the service industry in the domestic economy.
• SK Square’s Response to Inquiries Regarding the Sale of 11st, and Additional Listing Information for H&B Design, DL Construction, Yeonwoo, Kumho HT, and Zeus: These corporate activities offer investors an opportunity to assess the capital structure, growth strategies, and market confidence of these companies.
• Earnings Announcements from Lotte Shopping, CJ Freshway, Samsung Card, Kakao Games, Shinhan Financial Group, and Bukwang Pharmaceutical: These announcements provide key insights into the financial health, growth potential, and industry trends for each company.

China and Taiwan Market Key Events:

• Taiwan Stock Market Closure: The closure of the Taiwan stock market due to a major holiday in China can affect liquidity and investor behavior in the Asian financial markets.
• China’s January Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI): These indicators are crucial for assessing inflationary pressures and the state of industrial activity in China, offering significant implications for the global economy.

Major Pre-Market Issues and Related Themes

1. LG Chem and GM’s Cathode Material Supply ContractSummary: LG Chem has signed a contract to supply GM with cathode materials worth at least KRW 24.75 trillion until 2035. This amount of cathode material can produce batteries for approximately 5 million high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) capable of traveling over 500km per charge.Related Themes: Electric vehicles, Batteries, Cathode materialsRelated Stocks: LG Chem, LG Energy Solution, Nara M&D, Cosmo Advanced Materials & Technology, Saehan Enertech, EcoProBM, Konik Tech, Hyundai Movex
2. SK Hynix and TSMC’s AI AllianceSummary: SK Hynix and Taiwan’s TSMC have established a ‘One Team Strategy’ to expand their influence in the AI semiconductor market. This cooperation aims to compete with Nvidia, a dominant player in the AI semiconductor market, focusing on the development of next-generation High Bandwidth Memory (HBM).Related Themes: AI semiconductors, HBM, Technology cooperationRelated Stocks: Hanmi Semiconductor, S-Mac, Wonik, Puret, IMT, DIT, STI, LaserTek, Eo Technics, Protek, PSK Holdings, Oros Technology, MK Electronics, Winpac, SKC, IntekPlus, Signetics, Lino Industrial, JT, OpenEdge Technology, QRITY, SamCNS, Padu, Avicotech, Simmtech, TLB
3. Samsung Electronics’ Plan to Acquire Rainbow RoboticsSummary: Samsung Electronics plans to use its call option to acquire a 59.94% stake in Rainbow Robotics, considering changing its name to ‘Samsung Robotics’. This reflects Samsung’s intention to enter the global robotics market.Related Themes: Robotics technology, Mergers and acquisitions, Industrial automationRelated Stocks: Rainbow Robotics, Intops, Elandsys, SBV Tech, KPf, Ajinextek, RS Automation, Samick THK, Dreamtech, Namu Tech, Everybot, UIL Robotics, Sonid, Haesung TPC, SPG, TPC Global, S-Mac, Raon Tech, Smac, Robostar, Robotis, T Robotic, Neuromeka

Additional Information

• Introduction of OpenAI Watermark: OpenAI has included an invisible watermark in its image generation model, DALL·E 3, to identify AI-generated images.
• Expansion of Value-Up Program: The introduction of a value-up program aimed at enhancing corporate value for Kosdaq-listed companies is under consideration, including tax benefits.
• Preparation for Collective Action Against Medical School Expansion: The Korean Medical Association and residents are preparing for collective action against the expansion of medical schools.
• Reevaluation of the Preliminary Designation System for Platform Law: The Fair Trade Commission announced the need for further review of the preliminary designation system for the platform law due to industry backlash.
• Plan for a Referendum on Incorporation into Seoul: The People’s Power Party plans to push for a referendum on incorporating some cities in Gyeonggi Province into Seoul after the general elections.

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