Samsung, SK Hynix to Microsoft, Apple: Tech Earnings Super Week

SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are set to release their second-quarter earnings this week. These two powerhouses in the artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor market are expected to provide crucial insights into high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand and industry outlook for the latter half of the year. Across the Pacific, tech giants Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon will also unveil their financial results, marking a 'Super Week' that could shape global AI investment trends.

SK Hynix will announce its Q2 results on July 29, followed by Samsung Electronics on July 30. Analysts predict record-breaking earnings for SK Hynix, driven by surging AI chip demand and robust HBM sales. Samsung Electronics plans to disclose performance across its divisions, with a focus on semiconductor profitability, HBM competitiveness, foundry business recovery, and second-half projections. Industry watchers are particularly keen on HBM market leadership and future investment strategies, seen as pivotal in steering the global semiconductor landscape.

In the U.S., Microsoft and Meta will report on July 29, with Apple and Amazon following suit on July 30. Market observers are closely monitoring these tech behemoths' AI infrastructure investments and capital expenditure (CAPEX) plans. The investment strategies of these Silicon Valley giants are expected to significantly impact both the domestic semiconductor industry and investor sentiment.

Fed to Hold FOMC Meeting July 28-29: Rate Freeze Widely Expected

The Federal Reserve will convene its Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on July 28-29. The central bank is set to announce its benchmark interest rate decision early on July 31, Korea time. Market consensus leans heavily towards maintaining the current rate of 3.50% to 3.75%. The CME FedWatch Tool indicates a 70% probability of a rate hold, with a 30% chance of a 25 basis point hike. However, ongoing concerns over Middle East tensions, oil prices, and inflation have led markets to price in an over 80% likelihood of an additional 25 basis point increase at the September meeting.

Real Estate Policy Forum Round Two: Prime Minister Han Takes Center Stage

Prime Minister Han Seung-soo will lead the second 'National Forum on Real Estate Policy' at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul on Monday at 4:00 p.m. This follow-up session aims to address topics left unexplored during the initial forum chaired by President Lee Jae Myung on July 23. The sequel comes at President Lee's suggestion to dive deeper into unresolved issues.

The government plans to focus discussions on supply expansion strategies, including financial and tax incentives, urban land development, new town projects, construction cost stabilization, private rental market stimulation, and urban renewal initiatives. Insights gathered during the forum will inform the upcoming tax reform plan and shape future real estate policies. While the first session centered on collecting public opinion, this round is expected to yield a more concrete roadmap for implementing supply-side policies.

Key Economic Indicators on Deck: Population, Production, and Tax Revenue Data to Gauge Second-Half Trends

A slew of critical economic indicators, including population, production, and tax revenue data, are set for release, offering valuable insights into economic trajectories for the latter half of 2025. The National Data Agency will unveil the comprehensive 2025 Population and Housing Census results on July 28, followed by May 2026 Population Trends on July 29. The Ministry of Economy and Finance is scheduled to release June 2026 Industrial Activity Trends and National Tax Revenue Status on July 31. These reports will provide a comprehensive view of demographic shifts, living conditions, economic vitality, and fiscal health. Analysts are eager to see if the recent economic upturn will persist and how these figures might influence government policy for the remainder of the year.

High-Profile Legal Proceedings: Yoon Suk Yeol Verdict and Kim Keon Hee Appeal Hearing

A series of high-stakes legal battles, including cases involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, are set to unfold this week. The Seoul Central District Court will deliver its verdict on Yoon's alleged election law violations on Monday. Yoon stands accused of spreading false information during his presidential campaign. Prosecutors have pushed for a two-year prison term. A fine exceeding 1 million KRW (about 685 USD) could force the People Power Party to return nearly 39.7 billion KRW (about 27.2 million USD) in election funds.

July 29 marks the start of appeal hearings for the Pyongyang Drone Operation case involving Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The same day will see preparatory proceedings for Kim Keon Hee's bribery appeal. On July 31, appeal hearings begin for former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae and former Legislation Office chief Lee Wan-kyu in relation to the state of emergency controversy.

Soccer Association Under Scrutiny: Parliamentary Hearing to Address National Team Woes and Coaching Controversy

The National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will grill the Korea Football Association (KFA) in a hearing on July 30. Originally slated for July 22, the date was pushed back due to ongoing political negotiations. The committee has summoned 15 witnesses, including ex-KFA President Jung Mong-kyu, former national team coach Hong Myung-bo, and former technical director Lee Im-sang. Key topics will likely include the national team coach selection process, KFA operations, and accountability for the squad's recent poor performances.

Former KFA Vice President Park Hang-seo has declined to attend, citing commitments in Thailand, but has offered to provide written testimony if required. While Park Ji-sung, co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee, Korean Sports Council President Yoo Seung-min, and committee members Park Joo-ho and Lee Young-pyo were also called as witnesses, reports indicate that Park Ji-sung, Park Joo-ho, and Lee Young-pyo will not be present.

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