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A daily market brief, published each morning. Markets, stocks, industry, economy, global, and policy — sorted by category.

Policy·2026-11-10

Taiwan Deploys Stabilization Fund Worth More Than 20 Trillion Won…Focus on South Korea’s Response

Taiwan held a meeting after Asian stocks plunged and decided to deploy its National Financial Stabilization Fund; it was reported to have begun buying stocks on Monday. The amount was 500 billion Taiwan dollars, equivalent to more than 20 trillion won. A figure was also cited showing that stocks had risen one month after the fund was deployed in 77.7% of previous cases. In South Korea, the possibility of deploying a stock-market stabilization fund and banning short selling has been discussed. The host explained that the stabilization fund is not money already set aside in cash; rather, participating institutions provide funds when needed, meaning that the actual amount raised and the timing and scale of its use have not been determined. The counterargument that a short-selling ban could hinder inclusion in the MSCI developed-market index and other goals was also mentioned. If volatility continues, measures discussed included using futures-related mechanisms to curb intraday swings, monitoring market disruption involving Samsung Electronics and SK hynix shares and inverse ETFs, and checking for violations related to short selling. The point was that if a blanket short-selling ban is too burdensome, investigations and enforcement against illegal practices such as naked short selling could be strengthened. No decision has been made on when or in what form any actual measures will be introduced.

Policy·2026-11-09

Three-Month Easing of Collateral Maintenance Requirement… Further Market Measures in Focus

The government held an F4 meeting last Friday to review market conditions and decided to waive for three months securities firms’ requirement to maintain a 140% collateral ratio on margin loans. Previously, if an investor borrowed KRW 10 million from a securities firm to buy shares, the firm could demand additional collateral if the value of the pledged shares fell below KRW 14 million. The measure allows securities firms to adjust collateral ratios and their application at their discretion, easing pressure from forced liquidations. The duration, ratio, and application procedures may vary by securities firm, so investors using margin loans should check each firm’s guidance. The measure is not expected to eliminate a large volume of forced selling, but aims to slow the chain reaction in which automatic sales after a sharp decline trigger further losses. Reports said the November 11 emergency meeting of economy ministers could discuss measures including a market stabilization fund and a short-selling ban. A short-selling ban could be considered alongside issues such as market accessibility and inclusion in the MSCI Developed Markets Index. A market stabilization fund is structured to raise resources through contributions from financial institutions and others, rather than holding cash ready for immediate deployment. Taiwan decided to deploy its National Stabilization Fund after the sharp decline, with the amount cited at 500 billion New Taiwan dollars, or more than KRW 20 trillion. A statistic was also cited showing that stocks had risen one month after a fund intervention in 77.7% of cases. Markets are watching how clearly South Korean authorities specify the actual buying capacity and timing of any further measures.

Policy·2026-11-06

Regulatory Concerns After U.S. Election, but No Sign of a Complete Halt to AI Investment

Concerns mounted that new data center investment could face obstacles after Democrats took control of both the House and Senate. A Democratic lawmaker's introduction of a bill to ban AI superintelligence research also weighed on investor sentiment. However, some analysts said the election platform was focused less on ending the AI industry than on determining who should bear the costs data centers impose on power, water and public land, as well as rising electricity bills for residents. Turning data center regulations into laws or rules would take time given the makeup of Congress and the legislative process. The possibility that President Trump could veto legislation also increases the potential for policy clashes. Analysts said it was difficult to conclude that hard-line remarks by individual lawmakers immediately after the election would lead to a nationwide halt to AI investment, and forecast that companies could respond to political demands by shouldering more costs and increasing engagement with local communities. President Trump linked the market decline to the Democratic election victory and cited losses to retirement accounts. Because stocks make up a large share of U.S. households' retirement plans and financial assets, a market downturn can reduce voters' wealth. Analysts said deteriorating share prices and employment could also become a political burden for Democrats, potentially leading to adjustments as hard-line campaign pledges are translated into actual policy.