◆ Daily Global-Macro Brief LIVE
TODAY IN 30 SECONDS
  1. G7 Nations Agree to Release Diesel and Oil Stocks Following US Pressure · 3 sources
  2. North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the sea, South Korea reports · 2 sources
  3. Dollar Reaches 17-Month High Amid Global Bond Rout, Impacting Euro
  4. Japanese Companies Raise Prices on Over 3,000 Food and Drink Items Amid Inflation Wave
  5. Interpol Warns AI Accelerates Cyber Threats, Urges Companies to Prioritize 'Crown Jewels' Protection

Markets 143

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  • The US Dollar Index (DXY) has climbed to a 17-month high.
  • A global bond market rout is exerting downward pressure on the euro.
  • The dollar's strength reflects broader market shifts and investor sentiment.
  • 18 Chinese quantitative funds now manage over 10 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) in assets each this year.
  • This growth highlights the industry's ability to generate competitive returns despite a tight regulatory environment.
  • The success is attributed to technology-driven momentum within China's stock market.
  • These quant firms are among 159 Chinese hedge funds overseeing more than 10 billion yuan in assets each.

Macro/Economy 67

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  • Over 3,000 food and drink products in Japan saw price increases from Thursday.
  • Affected items include beer, baby formula, potato chips, and cigarettes.
  • Companies cited higher wages, a weaker yen, and soaring energy and logistics costs as reasons for the hikes.
  • The price increases occur as the Bank of Japan (BOJ) considers potential rate hikes.
  • Brazilian President Lula identifies China as a potential partner for critical minerals development.
  • Lula advocates for Brazil to domestically process raw ore rather than exporting it.
  • China is seen as a source of technology for Brazil's critical minerals strategy.
  • Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee's policy address included reforms to enhance competitive edge and livelihoods.
  • Mental well-being is identified as crucial for the city's fortunes, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • An integrated approach featuring 11 measures is planned to promote mental health.
  • Key measures include extending the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism.
  • The Hindu Kush Himalaya hydropower industry experiences persistently high damage-related losses.
  • Human-induced climate change destabilizes high-altitude icy zones, increasing risks of floods and avalanches.
  • In Nepal, hydropower insurance claims have consistently surpassed premiums in recent years.
  • A Japanese government fund is stimulating private-sector investment in the shipbuilding industry.
  • The initiative aims to double Japan's shipbuilding capacity by 2035.
  • Shipbuilders are reversing previous downsizing trends due to booming demand.
  • Hakodate Dock, for example, currently holds an order backlog exceeding three years.
  • New taxation rules in Pakistan could incentivize YouTubers and content creators to move operations or receive payments abroad.
  • The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) notified new rules on September 23.
  • Rules cap creators' deductible expenses at 30%, leaving 70% of income as taxable.
  • Authorities and creators are clashing over an assumed income of 70 cents per 1,000 views.

Central Banks 6

Energy/Oil 21

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  • G7 countries have reached an agreement to release diesel and oil stocks.
  • The decision was made after pressure from the United States.
  • The move is intended to address supply concerns and stabilize energy markets.

Gold/Metals 19

Crypto 35

Geopolitics 36

  • North Korea launched a ballistic missile from Wonsan, flying over 700km (435 miles) towards the sea.
  • South Korea convened an emergency meeting, raised an alert, and will share intelligence with the US and Japan.
  • Japan issued an emergency alert; the US Pacific Command stated no immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or allies.
  • The launch follows recent North Korean military displays and heightened tensions, including Kim Yo Jong's dismissal of South Korean demands.

Tech/AI 31

  • AI is enhancing existing cyber threats like scams and fraud by increasing their speed and scale, rather than revolutionizing them.
  • Companies should identify their 'crown jewels' (critical assets) and tailor defenses using threat intelligence against specific adversaries.
  • A disconnect between senior management and cybersecurity strategy remains a significant hurdle for many businesses.
  • Agentic AI, capable of taking actions on users' behalf, introduces new risks, particularly in physical domains with potential for bodily harm.
  • High public trust in technology, compared to financial services, compounds the risks associated with evolving AI capabilities.
  • Major Japanese banks have seen a significant increase in discovered system vulnerabilities.
  • The rise in vulnerabilities is attributed to the introduction of new artificial intelligence tools, such as Mythos AI.
  • AI tools are creating both cybersecurity advantages and new risks for financial institutions.
  • Lenders are being urged to bolster their cyberattack response, potentially including service suspensions.

Companies 3

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  • Western Digital and Seagate shares experienced significant drops.
  • Investor worry stems from potential increased production by Toshiba of a key AI storage product.
  • Increased supply from Toshiba could undermine the strong pricing power currently held by Western Digital and Seagate.
  • Australian company Sunrise Energy Metals intends to redomicile to the United States.
  • The company plans to pursue a primary listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
  • This move signifies a strategic shift towards the US market for the energy metals firm.
  • Thai Vietjet Air targets doubling its revenue by 2028.
  • The airline plans to expand its fleet to 50 aircraft, more than twice its current size, by 2028.
  • Expansion strategy includes acquiring fuel-efficient jets and launching new routes.
  • The low-cost carrier transported over 3.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026.

Thai Markets 14

Other 3

  • A Leiden University study found the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau actively supported colonialism for centuries and shared responsibility for the survival of the Dutch slave trade.
  • The royal family profited substantially from the colonial system, accumulating about $650 million (modern terms) in the 19th century, mainly from trade in the Dutch East Indies.
  • The research indicated the royal family earned 'almost nothing' directly from the slave trade itself.
  • King Willem-Alexander expressed personal impact from the study's 'painful and confronting' conclusions, acknowledging the lasting effects of colonialism and slavery.
  • The findings are expected to reignite debate on reparations in the Netherlands, following the government's 2022 apology and a 200 million euro fund for social initiatives.
  • Three-time world champion Worawut Saengampa will captain Thailand's boccia team at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (Oct 18-24).
  • Thailand is sending a 10-athlete squad to compete in 11 boccia events.
  • Key athletes include four-time Asian Para Games champion Witsanu Huadpradit (BC1) and Hangzhou gold medalist Pornchok Larpyen (BC4).
  • Worawut expressed confidence following his third consecutive world title win, anticipating strong competition from Indonesia and China.
  • Two new islands have appeared off Anak Krakatoa, potentially the first in nearly a century within the 1883 Krakatoa caldera.
  • The formations were discovered after a 25-hour eruption in early September.
  • The islands are located hundreds of meters off Anak Krakatoa, one to the northwest and one to the southeast, almost in a straight line through the volcano's crater.