Kremlin says it understands US special envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently occupied with other matters but expects them to make time at some point to resume contact.

Southbound flows net bought 15.751 bln yuan today. Via Shanghai Stock Connect, Tracker Fund of Hong Kong and Kingboard Laminates were net bought HKD 6.175 bln and HKD 1.558 bln respectively; Hua Hong Hongli was the largest net sell at HKD 1.597 bln. Via Shenzhen Stock Connect, Kingboard Group and SMIC were net bought HKD 1.299 bln and HKD 918 mln; Alibaba (HK) led net sells at HKD 578 mln.

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party leader Zheng Qinglai resigned on the 24th at a party Supreme Council meeting. Party whip Han Byung-do will act as leader. Observers widely speculate Zheng stepped down to mount a re-election bid. The party will hold a national convention on Aug. 17 to elect a new leader for a two-year term. Analysts say Zheng, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former party leader Song Young-gil are likely to run.