Country Profile: South Korea

HONG KONG: Asian shares lost ground and the dollar fell to its lowest level against the yen this year yesterday due to weak US and Chinese economic data, although Mumbai was lifted by positive earnings. Sentiment took a hit from news out of the US earlier of a drop in manufacturing activity in New York state and only a modest rise in industrial production across the country last month. Data also showed a decline in US producer prices, suggesting a slow recovery and possible deflation. The data sent the dollar to its lowest level so far this year against the yen. Tokyo shares closed down 2.86 per cent, with exporters such as Sony and Nissan hit hardest due to the strong yen. Shanghai was similarly weighed by AgBank's slow performance. The Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.03 points.....

SEOUL, South Korea, July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP) and Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. delivered the first electric taxi produced through their China venture, ZAP Jonway, to Korean distribution partner Samyang Optics (Kospi: 008080.KSE).

[Economy] :

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) has surged to its highest level in two years. The ...

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HONG KONG: Asian shares sank yesterday as optimism about US corporate earnings tapered off and China denied it was easing restrictions aimed at curbing its red-hot property market. The Nikkei index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange closed down 0.11 per cent after a brief rally, continuing its slide from the previous session after a stinging weekend election setback for the government. Improved results in the second quarter for US aluminium giant Alcoa initially provided the region with a lift but traders remained anxious about other results still to come from the US' big corporate hitters. "This week's trading catalysts are short-lived," a Japanese brokerage manager told Dow Jones Newswires. Shanghai closed down 1.62 per cent, led by mainland property developers after Beijing denied reports it had loosened controls on mortgage lending. China's housing ministry acknowledged "positive changes" in the.....