South Korea's KOSPI fell more than 1% intraday, after earlier surging over 4%.

CSC Financial says the securities sector is in a convergence window of high earnings growth, low valuations and accelerating structural trends. Earnings: strong interim results plus conversion of investment‑banking deal flow provide ongoing validation. Industry: consolidation in large-scale wealth-management, scaling of sci‑tech investment‑banking capabilities and faster international expansion underpin a higher medium-to-long-term earnings baseline. Valuation: PB at historically low percentiles offers a margin of safety. Against rising trade overcrowding in technology and capital rotating from high- to low-valuation areas, the sector’s risk/reward profile remains attractive.

Counterpoint Research says global cellular IoT module shipments rose 4% YoY in Q1 2026. China remained the largest market by volume but saw shipments fall 2% YoY, a decline Counterpoint attributes to a seasonal post-Chinese New Year demand pullback among domestic OEMs in asset tracking, POS terminals and telematics, and weaker passenger car sales. Technology mix was divergent: 4G Cat 1 bis modules grew 12% YoY, led by demand in India, MENA and Latin America for smart meters, POS, asset tracking and vehicle connectivity; 5G modules were the fastest-growing segment, up 39% YoY on routers/CPE, connected PCs and automotive uptake, according to chief analyst Tina Lu.