Asiamoney - South Korea Coverage

South Korea

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

HSBC hires six in renewed enthusiasm for equities

25 Aug 2010 Broking, Market move
The UK bank has hired six people into different Asian markets to bolster its cash equities coverage. It is part of HSBC's latest drive to build its regional equities capabilities, following several failed attempts before.
BNY Mellon unveils new head of trading in Korea

24 Aug 2010 Structured products, Foreign exchange, Market move
The asset manager and securities servicing firm has hired K.H. Kang from Woori Securities as its new head of trading in Korea. He succeeds T.B. Song, who is set to retire from the firm after a transition period.
UBS adds duo to Korea fixed income business

09 Aug 2010 Bonds, Market move
The firm continues the build-out of its fixed income business with two appointments in Korea. It has re-hired Joonkee Hong as head of fixed income, currencies and commodities for Korea and appointed J.Y. Song as co-head of FICC distribution for the country.
Korean bonds benefit as country becomes safer

29 Jul 2010 Bonds
Analysts are becoming increasingly bullish on South Korean bonds as the government takes steps to make its export-driven economy more resilient to external financial shocks.
Dollar bond issuance hits record high in July

28 Jul 2010 Bonds
Pent-up demand amid the second quarter has led to sky-high levels of US dollar bond issuance this month. Debt experts believe more deals will occur into early August, before a brief two-week lull.
Why KB Financial should buy KEB, not Woori

19 Jul 2010 M&A
Seoul has set its heart on creating a megabank, with officials eager to secure a tie-up between KB Financial and Woori. Yet pride aside, a far better option for KB’s shareholders and employees would be the purchase of Korea Exchange Bank.
Opinion: China should join rate hike rage

12 Jul 2010 Nations & economies, Editorial
Countries across Asia are beginning to put up their interest rates as overheating and especially inflation become concerns. China is the only major exception, but signs of rising prices are becoming evident on the mainland. It should follow its neighbours.
Moody’s praises Korean bank moves on bankruptcy

06 Jul 2010 Bonds
South Korean banks decided to restructure scores of troubled corporates, which is positive for the lenders, says the ratings agency.
Equity correction offers buying opportunity: Citi

29 Jun 2010 Stock & exchange
Asian equity markets could continue to fall in coming months before rebounding after September, predicts the US bank. It continues to favour stocks in Taiwan and South Korea.
Bond volumes rise but values fall in first half

28 Jun 2010 Bonds, League table
The number of debt transactions in Asia Pacific rose by 18% from a year ago, although values fell by 2%, says Dealogic.
China renminbi revaluation to have limited FX impact

22 Jun 2010 Foreign exchange
Regional currencies enjoyed a boost after China said it would allow the renminbi to appreciate. But this rally is unlikely to last, with traders noting that global FX markets remain volatile and that the renminbi’s value may rise only a minimal amount in the coming year.
Pacific Alliance hires TPG’s Weijian Shan as CEO

21 Jun 2010 Private equity, Market move
The private equity company has appointed well-known executive Weijian Shan as its new chairman and chief executive, joining from TPG Asia. Additionally, Citi announced that Chris Laskowski will be returning to the region as head of its financial entrepreneurs group.
M&A helps lift comatose capital markets

21 Jun 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Bonds, League table
Although M&A activity was far lower than a few ago, it nonetheless helped boost the otherwise tepid capital markets in Asia Pacific ex-Japan.
Buy-out activity blossoms in India, South Korea

19 Jun 2010 M&A, Private equity
A spate of private equity buy-outs centred on India and South Korea this week, two economies that have posted bullish first-quarter results. Given the prospect of further growth, the outlook is very positive, writes mergermarket.
Bank of China convertible bond lifts sluggish market

14 Jun 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Bonds
The Chinese lender’s Rmb40 billion convertible issue was the largest deal of the week, helping lift issuance. M&A activity was also strong, although debt markets remained weak. Asiamoney.com rounds up last week’s capital markets activity.
Korea's FX red tape should not shackle ambitions

14 Jun 2010 Foreign exchange
The country announced restriction on currency derivatives yesterday, but analysts say it is unlikely to curtail financial liberalisations or South Korea’s ambitions to become a financial hub.
Carlyle Group plots Asia expansion

14 Jun 2010 Private equity
Private equity firm Carlyle Group says it is looking to make more investments to tap the domestically-driven economic growth in Asia after investing more than US$140 million in four new companies in the region.
A week in Asia's business news

11 Jun 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Investment banking, Nations & economies, Market wrap
Japan gets yet another prime minister, Agricultural Bank of China’s huge IPO looks likely to be smaller than expected, AT&T begins talks with Reliance Communications about buying a stake in the Indian company and New Zealand raises interest rates for the first time in three years.
Kexim's Formosa bond unlikely to invigorate issuance

09 Jun 2010 Bonds
While some hope exist that Kexim’s foray of a US dollar-denominated bond to Taiwanese investors will rev up the tepid market for such deals, bankers think that is unlikely to happen.
Inflation a growing problem for Asia, says Moody's

09 Jun 2010 Nations & economies
Sovereign debt problems and geo-political worries make for a cloudier outlook in the region but governments should take care not to ignore rising inflation, warns the debt rating agency.
Asian hedge funds among hardest hit in May

09 Jun 2010 Hedge funds
All regional mandates ended in negative territory last month on the back of equity market volatility and euro-zone sovereign debt trouble. Hedge fund indexes for Eastern Europe & Russia and Asia ex-Japan sank the most, finds Eurekahedge.
Korean won to stay weak for weeks

08 Jun 2010 Foreign exchange
Fears of escalating tension between the two Koreas and Europe’s debt worries could keep the South Korean currency weak against the US dollar in the coming weeks, but it should begin to rise again after six months, says RBC.
Crédit Agricole hires head of fixed income for Korea

07 Jun 2010 Commodities, Bonds, Foreign exchange, Market move
The French bank taps Young-Whan Koh, a former DBS salesperson, as its head of fixed income markets for Korea.
Best domestic bank awards: South Korea

04 Jun 2010 Stock & exchange, Bonds, Broking
ASIAMONEY is pleased to announce the winners of our best domestic bank awards for South Korea. Shinhan Financial Group continues to gain the plaudits of market observers for its consistency, Samsung Securities' international aspirations also wins it admirers, and Woori Investment & Securities' bond issuance strength ensure it gets out best debt award.
HSBC dismisses fears of Asia trade slowdown

03 Jun 2010 Cash management
PMI manufacturing data from East Asia and the West revealed a sharp slowdown in activity last month, carrying worrying implications for Asian and global trade flows. However, HSBC is confident it is little more than a mid-cycle correction.
A week in Asia's business news

03 Jun 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Energy, Broking, Market wrap
Japan’s prime minister resigns as his popularity plummets, UK insurer Prudential walks away from bid for AIA, Standard Chartered completes offering of Indian Depositary Receipts in Mumbai, and Etisalat looks to buy a major stake in Reliance Telecommunications.
Turgid sentiment leaves major deal outlook uncertain

31 May 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Bonds, League table
The ongoing fears of European sovereign debt problems led equity and bond deal volumes to collapse and could lead to major deals being postponed until 2011. However M&A markets stayed buoyant. Asiamoney.com rounds up last week’s capital markets.
Investors flee to CDSs amid volatility

25 May 2010 Bonds
As volatility increases, Asian investors are increasingly turning to single name and index credit default swaps (CDSs) to hedge their risk. With no certainty in sight, one observer believes that the region’s credit markets are likely to trade in a narrow range over the coming week.
Korean tensions will have limited impact on markets

24 May 2010 Stock & exchange, Nations & economies
The current escalating political tensions between North and South Korea have exacerbated the slump in the latter’s financial markets, but an analyst at Samsung Securities believes any negative impact will be short-lived.
Emerging Asia stocks to drop 15%: Credit Suisse

24 May 2010 Stock & exchange
Analysts at the Swiss bank believe stocks in emerging Asia still have to drop a further 15% before investors resume buying again. May is also lining up to become the region’s second biggest month for net foreign selling on record.
India telco licence sales dominate M&A activity

24 May 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Bonds, League table
The sale of a set of 3G telecom licences in India led the region’s M&A activity to rise fourfold over the previous week, while two large debt deals by PetroChina kept debt market buoyant. In contrast, equity markets were tepid. Asiamoney.com rounds up the region’s capital markets.
China has window to allow more flexible currency: SSGA

19 May 2010 Foreign exchange
The asset manager believes that Beijing should consider more flexibility in the renminbi this month, before the US Congressional hearings and the currency manipulator report in June.
Chinese property firms chase bonds as risks rise

17 May 2010 League table
High yield property companies from the mainland flooded to market in April, leading to the largest monthly volume of high yield bond issuance in Asia in over two years. The region’s equity markets were also busy, despite volatile markets. Pamela Tang and Aaron Pan report.
UBS dominates Private Banking Poll 2010

17 May 2010 Polls & awards, Private banking
The Swiss bank takes top honours for all three main categories of Asiamoney’s largest Private Banking Poll. Deutsche, BNP Paribas, Maybank and Citi also did well.
Sungard eyes Asia M&A opportunities

13 May 2010 M&A, Cash management, Interviews
The software firm is targeting emerging markets in Asia for growth as it strives to build its presence in the region. Asiamoney.com interviews David Runacres, its head of sales, international distribution, on the firm’s listing plans and coming trends.
European troubles unlikely to derail Asian recovery

13 May 2010 Nations & economies
The sovereign debt crisis in the European Union is unlikely to materially slow Asia's economies because rising intra-regional trade will help support growth, predicts HSBC. The problems could encourage some central bankers to keep monetary policy loose.
Credit Suisse's SJ Hwang quits for Samsung Securities

11 May 2010 Stock & exchange, Market move
The Swiss bank’s head of institutional equity sales for Asia-Pacific has resigned to join Samsung Securities, asiamoney.com can exclusively reveal. He had worked at Credit Suisse for 16 years.
EU loan package to offer Asia markets brief reprieve

10 May 2010 Stock & exchange, Nations & economies, Foreign exchange
Analysts believe that the financial stability package hashed out by European ministers at the weekend will stabilise Asia’s markets and currencies this week, but remain concerned about the longer-term outlook.
Asia deal volumes fall as volatility rises

10 May 2010 M&A, Stock & exchange, Bonds, League table
The number of new equity and bond listings dramatically slowed down last week amid heightened investor risk aversion. Four IPOs were pulled while bond issues fell by half. Asiamoney.com rounds up the region’s capital markets activity.
Tech stocks stand out in moribund markets, says RBS

27 Apr 2010 Stock & exchange
The UK-headquartered bank recommends investors consider technology stocks in Asia, following underwhelming performance of wider equity markets in the region so far this year.
Business news: the past week in Asia

16 Apr 2010 Market wrap
President Hu Jintao says he is committed to changing China's currency policy gradually. Also, Singapore and China report surging GDP growth in the first quarter, Thailand’s PM comes under mounting pressure, and Agricultural Bank of China selects underwriters for its IPO.
Opinion: why Bank of Korea should raise rates

15 Apr 2010 Nations & economies, Editorial
The country’s central bank surprised few when it left its benchmark interest rates untouched, yet again, during the April 9 policy meeting. However, that may no longer be appropriate policy.
A week in Asia’s business news

01 Apr 2010 Market wrap
Two Australian resources consolidation attempts fail, and a major Chinese pension fund looks to invest internationally. Japan sees its largest IPO in years as a life insurance company lists and South Korea is poised to see a similarly gigantic issue from the same sector.
ABN Amro sees revolution for Asia corporate bonds

31 Mar 2010 Bonds, Asset management, Private banking
Didier Duret, CIO for ABN Amro’s private banking arm, says the corporate bond market in Asia is getting deeper and represents good value. He also urges investors to take note of the ascent of a new middle class in fast developing countries.
Experts disagree over junk bond refinancing challenges

24 Mar 2010 Bonds
Moody’s believes that Asian non-investment grade companies may struggle to refinance debt in 2011 and 2012. A senior debt banker disagrees, arguing that conditions may remain benign.
BNY Mellon outlines sukuk interest in South Korea

16 Mar 2010 Bonds, Islamic finance
Lawmakers in Seoul are due to vote next month on whether to allow tax neutrality for Islamic bonds. It is a crucial hurdle to overcome as interest in such debt is developing in the country, says BNY Mellon.
Business news: the past week in Asia

26 Feb 2010 Market wrap
BoCom announces plans for a rights issue, while Morgan Stanley moves closer to selling its stake in CIC. Hong Kong said it would raise taxes to deflate a potential property bubble and Dai-ichi Life’s targets what would be the world’s largest IPO this year.
Opinion: India must try harder in race for energy assets

24 Feb 2010 Editorial, Commodities, Energy
Asian state firms have been vying for oil and gas assets abroad, notably China and South Korea, to reduce dependence on imports. Now India has joined the fray, but its firms need to improve their public relations.
Business news: the past week in Asia

11 Feb 2010 Market wrap
Australia’s richest man gets Chinese funding for a mega-mine, Kirin and Suntory end merger discussions, Temasek launches a new US$4 billion fund, and Taiwan lets its chip- and screen-makers invest more into the mainland.
Asia export slowdown could halt central bank rate hikes

09 Feb 2010 Nations & economies
The growth of exports in the region could begin to taper off this year, prompting central banks might to keep fiscal and monetary policy more accommodative than previously thought.
Won, rupee, New Taiwan dollar set for rebound

09 Feb 2010 Foreign exchange
Risk aversion should subside in the next few weeks and the three Asian currencies are set to be key beneficiaries for revaluation, believes a senior Asia strategist.
Korean regulators respond to revival in private equity

08 Feb 2010 M&A, Private equity
The return of private equity activity in South Korea has prompted regulators to urge investment in the asset class. They introduced tax benefits and are seeking to relax rules over the creation of funds, says Mergermarket.
Country deals of the year: South Korea

01 Feb 2010 Bonds, Polls & awards
Regular borrower Kexim was the perfect candidate to re-open Asia ex-Japan’s G3 currency debt markets with its US$2 billion, five-year deal last January. It earns our nod as South Korea's best deal of the past year.
Little upside left in Indian rupee, says HSBC

29 Jan 2010 Nations & economies, Foreign exchange
The bank notes that the rupee is now the fourth most expensive Asian currency against the US dollar. HSBC is tipping the Korean won, the New Taiwan dollar and Indonesia’s rupiah to appreciate more strongly.
BNP Paribas adds trio in Korean equities

26 Jan 2010 Stock & exchange, Market move
The French bank has hired Eric Yun as head of domestic sales, Jay Koo joins as head of international sales, and Joon Park as head of sales trading. It comes as the bank continues to beef up its Korean securities business.
Business news: the past week in Asia

22 Jan 2010 Market wrap
China's GDP grew at 10.7% in the fourth quarter, raising the liklihood of monetary tightening, while regulators also ordered some China banks to halt lending to rein in credit growth. Japan Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection and SocGen ran into trouble in India’s equities market.
Former ‘Asian Tiger’ economies on comeback trail

12 Jan 2010 Stock & exchange, Nations & economies
The region’s developed economies have rebounded strongly from the financial crisis and stand to benefit from a recovery in global trade, says a fund manager.
Business news: the past week in Asia

08 Jan 2010 Market wrap
Japan’s government names a new finance minister while Beijing edges up local borrowing rates. The Philippines enjoys great demand for its bond reopening, while firms set to list on the ChiNext exchange are enjoying such good demand that the bourse could alter its rules to dampen investor enthusiasm.

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Sectors

South Korea

Most read articles