Financial Times reports Novo Nordisk (NVO.N) does not rule out upgrading its New York listing to raise its profile in the U.S. market; the Danish weight‑loss drug maker is exploring the move. AstraZeneca took a similar step earlier this year.

Per YONHAP, Statistics Korea said on Sept. 23 that July births rose 11.1% YoY to 24,275, the 25th consecutive month of YoY gains and the highest July tally since 2019 (25,222). The total fertility rate was 0.89, up 0.08 YoY. Cumulative Jan–Jul births were 170,079, up 14.7% YoY and the highest Jan–Jul level since 2019. Statistics Korea attributed the recent rebound to more marriages, a larger cohort in their 30s and improved fertility intentions.

At the open, China’s main futures contracts were mixed. Shanghai crude (SC) and ethylene glycol (EG) fell more than 3%; polyester short fiber, bottle-grade PET chips and LPG were down over 2%; styrene (EB), polypropylene monthly average and plastics monthly average dropped about 2%. Gains: China–Europe container shipping rates rose >2%; platinum, Shanghai silver, Shanghai nickel, lithium carbonate and foundry aluminum were up >1%; stainless steel (SS) and international copper were near 1% higher.