asia

🇰🇷 1. SOUTH KOREA EXPORTS HIT RECORD ON CHIP BOOM

South Korea's September exports surged 83.5% year on year to a record $120.9 billion. Semiconductor shipments jumped approximately 263% to $60.3 billion. Nine-month exports reached $814.5 billion, already surpassing the previous full-year record.

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources · 1 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇨🇳 2. CHINA'S FACTORIES RETURN TO GROWTH

China's official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in September from 49.8 in August, moving back above the threshold separating expansion from contraction. The non-manufacturing business activity index also returned to growth, climbing to 50.2 from 49.0.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics · 30 September 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇯🇵 3. TOKYO INFLATION STRENGTHENS CASE FOR MORE BOJ HIKES

Tokyo's core consumer prices rose 2.7% year on year in September, accelerating from 1.8% in August and exceeding forecasts of 2.4%. Rising energy and everyday costs added pressure after the Bank of Japan's September rate increase.

Source: Reuters · 1 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇯🇵 4. JAPAN'S MANUFACTURING CONFIDENCE IMPROVES

The Bank of Japan's September Tankan index for large manufacturers rose to +24 from +22 in June. Confidence among large non-manufacturers weakened to +35 from +37, showing an uneven business outlook across the economy.

Source: Bank of Japan · 1 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇮🇳 5. INDIA RAISES INTEREST RATE FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2023

The Reserve Bank of India raised its repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% on 7 October, its first increase since February 2023. It also shifted its policy stance to "calibrated tightening," signalling concern over inflation and the possibility of further increases.

Source: Reuters · 7 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇮🇳 6. INDIAN STOCKS END EIGHT-WEEK LOSING STREAK

Indian equities recovered on 9 October, ending their longest weekly losing streak in 25 years. The Nifty 50 gained 1.3% on the day and the Sensex rose 1.23%, leaving both benchmarks modestly higher for the week as technology shares supported the rebound.

Source: Reuters · 9 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇻🇳 7. VIETNAM'S ECONOMY GROWS 9.95% IN THIRD QUARTER

Vietnam's GDP expanded 9.95% year on year in the third quarter, its fastest quarterly growth in four years. Strong exports and infrastructure investment supported activity, although higher import costs pushed the nine-month trade deficit to a record $19.42 billion.

Source: National Statistics Office / Reuters · 3 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇭🇰 8. HONG KONG STOCKS REBOUND AFTER TWO DAYS OF LOSSES

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose approximately 1.8% to 24,211 on 9 October, snapping a two-session losing streak. Investors returned to beaten-down shares as regional sentiment improved, although elevated oil prices and interest-rate concerns continued to weigh on markets.

Source: Trading Economics · 9 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇰🇵 9. NORTH KOREA REJECTS SEOUL'S MEDICAL AID PROPOSAL

Kim Yo Jong rejected South Korea's proposed medical equipment assistance on 8 October, describing it as politically motivated. The response marked another setback for President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to reopen dialogue and expand humanitarian cooperation with Pyongyang.

Source: Reuters, citing KCNA · 8 October 2026 · Edited & presented by GSR Analytix.

🇵🇰 10. IMRAN KHAN SUPPORTERS LAUNCH MARCH TOWARD ISLAMABAD

More than 5,000 supporters of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan began a march toward Islamabad on 4 October after government–opposition talks failed. The convoy departed from Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while authorities erected container roadblocks around the capital.

Source: Associated Press · 4 October 2026 · Edited & presentEnter your text here...