South Korea’s consumer prices increased by 3.1% in August compared to the previous year, according to official statistics. This growth rate surpassed the 2.8% recorded in July, pushing the headline inflation figure back above 3%. The consumer price index reached 120.05, with 2020 set as the baseline of 100. Prices also grew by 0.2% from July. The Ministry of Data and Statistics published the August figures on September 2.

Korea’s August exports jump 68.7% to $98.25 billion as Asia’s fourth-largest economy extends its trade expansion streak for a 15th consecutive month. Exports of semiconductors skyrocketed 209% year-on-year to an all-time high of $46.65 billion, fueled by ongoing capital investment from leading global tech companies. Additional reports revealed that exports of computer products grew 419.5% to $6.24 billion, while energy and chemical sectors also contributed significantly to the overall increase. Shipments to key trading partners showed broad-based growth, with exports to China increasing 119.3% and deliveries to the United States rising 89.3%.

India’s economy grew 7.8% in Q1 FY27 as manufacturing, services and investment expanded. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the real gross domestic product (GDP) stood at ₹81.36 lakh crore for the quarter. This compares with ₹75.46 lakh crore in the same period last year. Nominal GDP reached ₹88.27 lakh crore, representing a 10.3% increase from ₹80 lakh crore. Real gross value added (GVA), another indicator of economic activity, grew by 8.2% to ₹73.82 lakh crore. Meanwhile, nominal GVA rose by 11.5% to ₹80.53 lakh crore. Manufacturing expanded by 9.2% during this period, while the financial, real estate, and professional services sectors grew by 12.1%. Agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing increased by 3.6%. Household consumption rose by 7.1%, continuing its role as a primary driver of domestic demand. Additionally, investment saw an uplift, with gross fixed capital formation increasing nearly 12% compared to the previous year. Its share of nominal GDP reached 34.3%, up from 31.4% in the same quarter last year.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 decreased nearly 2% during early trading on Monday as markets responded to growing expectations for higher interest rates. The index fell 1.97% to 65,096.63 before further declines pushed it to an intraday low of 64,832.10. Initial trading saw a focus on technology and other rate-sensitive shares, which dominated the sell-off. Meanwhile, the broader Topix also declined early, dropping 0.84% to 4,111.71, but later managed to recover some ground in the session.

Indonesia expands sports investment coordination through a new business licensing framework. The accord unites the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming with the Ministry of Youth and Sports on issues related to business licensing. It also promotes investment and provides services for enterprises operating within the sports sector. The ministries will work together through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission system, known as OSS, to ensure streamlined coordination. Their collaboration extends to monitoring compliance, coordinating regulations, and sharing data. The framework aims to support investment development within Indonesia’s sports industry rather than targeting the creation of a US$521 billion domestic market.

Al Dahra Agriculture Trading and Egypt’s General Authority for Supply Commodities have activated a five-year agreement for wheat supply valued at up to US$500 million. This pact transitions a 2023 financing structure into a functional import arrangement for Egypt. Al Dahra will provide imported wheat to GASC, financed through the Abu Dhabi Exports Office. The agreement sets out the process for purchases under that existing program.