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Eleven shares changed hands at 1.168 million won each at 8 am Seoul time on August 6, about 30% below the previous Korea Exchange closing price. The stock quickly recovered most of the loss and ended Nextrade’s 50-minute pre-market session down roughly 2%, indicating that the extreme opening price was not driven by a change in the company’s business outlook.

The episode echoed a July 28 disruption when a single SK Hynix share traded at 1.272 million won, nearly 30% below the preceding close. That transaction triggered a volatility interruption on Nextrade and transmitted the distorted price into cryptocurrency derivatives linked to the chipmaker.

A perpetual futures contract tracking SK Hynix fell about 19% during the first event. Almost $60 million of leveraged long positions were liquidated within minutes, leaving more than 900 traders with estimated realised losses of $17.4 million. The platform operating the contract later offered to compensate eligible customers and said it would reassess the way external prices were incorporated into its valuation mechanism.

Thursday’s plunge again occurred at the start of Nextrade’s pre-market window, when order books are typically shallower than during the main session. The exchange allows stocks to move as much as 30% above or below the previous Korea Exchange closing price, meaning a small order can reach the limit when few competing bids are available.

The trade underscored the distinction between a price that is technically valid and one that accurately reflects the market’s consensus. Electronic systems can treat an executed transaction as authoritative even when only a handful of shares are involved. Prices may then spread through data feeds, trading algorithms, structured products and blockchain-based markets before human dealers can assess whether the move is credible.

Nextrade launched in March 2025 as the first serious challenger to the Korea Exchange’s long-standing dominance. It attracted investors with lower fees and trading hours stretching from 8 am to 8 pm, compared with the shorter core session on the main exchange. Retail traders account for most activity on the platform, which has at times handled a substantial share of the country’s equity turnover.

Its expanded trading day has improved access and competition, but the two SK Hynix incidents highlight risks when extended hours are combined with fragmented liquidity. Order books can be especially vulnerable at the opening instant, when market makers have not fully populated bids and offers and overseas price signals may still be feeding into domestic systems.

Regulators and exchange operators now face pressure to consider safeguards based on trade size, available depth and deviation from a volume-weighted reference price. Measures could include auction-style openings, minimum order-value requirements, stronger market-maker obligations or delayed dissemination of extreme prices produced by very small transactions.

The disruption comes during an unusually volatile period for SK Hynix and South Korean technology shares. The chipmaker has been at the centre of investor enthusiasm over high-bandwidth memory used in artificial-intelligence accelerators, but its shares have also recorded repeated double-digit moves as traders reassess valuations and future demand.

SK Hynix reported a sharp year-on-year increase in quarterly profit, supported by high-bandwidth memory sales, yet the results fell short of elevated market expectations. The disappointment contributed to a broad sell-off that erased trillions of dollars from South Korean equities at its peak and pushed measures of expected volatility to exceptional levels.

Leveraged exchange-traded funds linked to SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have amplified those movements. Authorities have halted new sales of some single-stock leveraged products and proposed tighter investment limits, larger minimum deposits and higher transaction costs after retail investors suffered heavy losses.

Research into the market turbulence has also raised concerns that predictable rebalancing by leveraged funds can encourage traders to buy or sell ahead of compulsory end-of-day transactions. Such feedback loops may magnify price changes even when there is little new information about a company’s operations.

The certification recognizes the substantial progress Vinhomes Green Paradise has made in advancing its smart city development in alignment with international standards. WCCD acknowledged that the project has achieved remarkable progress in its design, planning, and development strategy. This WCCD Certification serves as an important foundation for the project as it advances toward Full Certification upon commencement of operations.

The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the WCCD and based upon the customized indicators framework WCCD specifically developed for greenfield development projects. The framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world’s most respected international standards for measuring and evaluating smart city performance.

Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director of Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), stated: “This WCCD InterimCustom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification recognizes Vinhomes’ long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. The Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio urban development project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data designed to propel success, providing a strong foundation for year-over-year monitoring of development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure development, technology adoption and sustainability, ensuring Full ISO 37122 Certification once operations commence. We congratulate Vinhomes on this important certification milestone, a global first, setting a new precedent for greenfield developments in cities worldwide.“

Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), commented: “The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. KMAC will continue to support the project in developing smart city solutions and implementation strategies and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model during the operational phase.”

In March 2026, Vinhomes Green Paradise officially launched its Smart City Certification Project in partnership with WCCD, SUM, and KMAC. Under the agreed roadmap, the Interim Custom Certification represents the first major milestone in the process of assessing and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model aligned with international standards.

Vinhomes Green Paradise benefits from a unique geographical setting, overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 75,000 hectares. The development features a total area of 2,870 hectares, and a construction density of only 16%. Vinhomes is pioneering the project under its enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation.

Upon full operation, the entire urban management system will be greened, with the goal of utilizing 100% clean electricity generated from renewable energy sources and achieving 100% net-zero emission transportation. In addition to strict compliance with environmental protection standards, the project places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City’s climate adaptation strategy.

To support these efforts, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research, restoration, and long-term resilience initiatives. A key focus of the fund is the regeneration of the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, helping to create a protective green belt for the entire development.

With its pioneering ESG++ vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of the Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders.

The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification further reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise’s pioneering vision in advancing a smart and sustainable urban model that meets international standards, while progressing toward becoming a benchmark future city for the region and the world.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Vinhomes

Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate investment, development, and management company. It currently operates 32 urban developments while expanding its portfolio of flagship projects across strategically important provinces and cities nationwide. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with modern, highly connected infrastructure, Vinhomes is creating world-class integrated townships and megacities that are redefining Vietnam’s real estate market, driving sustainable development, and elevating the country’s urban landscape to international standards.

About the World Council on City Data (WCCD):

Established in Canada in 2014, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) is committed to helping cities and communities of all sizes globally embrace ISO standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data. The organization facilitates data-driven decision-making processes in management, planning, and investment, enabling cities to become more sustainable, safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and smart.

The WCCD team of professionals spearheaded the development and implementation of three international standards on city data, which have been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva. These standards, referred to as the WCCD ISO 37120 Series on City Data, encompass ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities), ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities), and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities).

Since its inception, the WCCD has been expanding its global network of cities dedicated to high-caliber data. The WCCD collaborates with more than 125 cities across 40 different countries.

About Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM):

Cities worldwide are taking centre stage in the drive toward sustainable development and the prosperity of nations. Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) is designed to build on the strengths of its rapidly expanding global network of city leaders, senior levels of government officials, private capital market professionals and key international organizations and industry innovators dedicated to securing a better future for cities.

SUM’s service provision spans services connected to the ISO 37120 Series (ISO 37120 – Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life, ISO 37122 – Indicators for Smart Cities and ISO 37123 – Indicators for Resilient Cities) in partnership with the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The SUM team work with city leaders and private developers to customize these ISO certifications for new greenfield developments – new cities, new business districts and new communities.

SUM houses a new global first – the ISO 37125 International Standard on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators for Cities and Regions. The SUM ISO 37125 certification protocol supports cities to report ESG city level data in conformity with the ISO globally standardized definitions and methodologies. SUM’s third-party verification process ensures the highest calibre data for cities across the globe. This Standard provides city leaders, governments, and the private sector with a robust, data-driven framework to guide ESG initiatives, drive infrastructure investment, attract investment, create and implement strategic planning decisions, propel innovation, and ensure socially inclusive planning and management. SUM is welcoming cities to join an exciting global cohort of World Premiere Cities – the first ISO 37125-certified cities.

SUM establishes a global hub for innovative learning partnerships among leaders of cities and private capital markets. Together, SUM and its partners foster innovation, imagine alternative futures, and create more livable cities. Certification by SUM underscores a collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for cities and regions.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO, World Council on City Data (WCCD) and
Director, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM)
patricia.mccarney@globalcities.ca

About KMAC

Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) is one of Asia’s leading management consulting firms, delivering end-to-end capabilities from strategy formulation and transformation design to operational implementation and performance improvement. For decades, KMAC has served as a trusted innovation partner to the Korean government, public institutions, and leading private-sector enterprises, helping shape and execute initiatives that strengthen national competitiveness, modernize industries, and advance digital and AI transformation, sustainability, and organizational excellence. By combining deep sector expertise, rigorous strategic insight, and proven execution capabilities with an extensive regional network, KMAC enables clients to convert ambitious visions into actionable roadmaps, measurable operational outcomes, and sustainable growth across Asia and global markets.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Young Hwan Park
Team Lead of Asia Business Center,
Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC)
Davidpark819@kmac.co.kr

By Nitya Chakraborty Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emerged as a clear winner at the end of his crucial talks with the U.S. envoy for South Asia Sergio Gor last week as he was able to extract maximum concessions from the U.S. team on big investments in his country to help the struggling economy as […]

The article Bangladesh Is A Clear Winner In U.S.- China Diplomatic Battle Over Its Loyalty appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Revenue for the financial year ended March 2026 rose from nearly $9 billion a year earlier, driven mainly by demand for iPhones, Mac computers and services. The increase came as Apple widened its company-owned retail network, expanded financing options and deepened distribution beyond the largest metropolitan centres.

The performance marks a sharp acceleration from the roughly $8 billion recorded in the year ended March 2024. It also underlines Apple’s ability to gain ground in a price-sensitive market where devices using Google’s Android operating system account for the overwhelming majority of smartphone sales.

The iPhone remained Apple’s largest source of revenue in the country. Sales were supported by premiumisation in the smartphone market, trade-in programmes and instalment plans that reduced the upfront cost of devices. Older iPhone models also continued to attract buyers after price reductions following new product launches.

Apple does not disclose country-level sales in its global financial statements. The India figure reflects sales booked through its local operation and may include products distributed through company stores, online channels, authorised resellers and large electronics chains.

The company now operates six physical stores across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Noida. Its latest outlet opened in Borivali, Mumbai, in February, adding to Apple BKC, Apple Saket, Apple Hebbal, Apple Koregaon Park and Apple Noida.

Further retail expansion is being prepared, including another store in Bengaluru. Apple has also been recruiting specialists, technical staff and customer-support employees for multiple locations, indicating that its direct-sales presence will continue to grow.

Company-owned stores offer Apple greater control over pricing, product presentation and after-sales support. They also provide space for training sessions, product demonstrations and technical services, helping the group build customer loyalty in a market where many purchases have traditionally been made through third-party retailers.

The Apple Store online, launched in 2020, remains an important part of the company’s strategy. It allows customers across the country to access trade-ins, custom Mac configurations, education pricing and direct delivery, including in cities without a physical Apple outlet.

Apple’s sales expansion has coincided with a substantial increase in local manufacturing. Contract manufacturers Foxconn and Tata Electronics have raised iPhone assembly capacity, while suppliers are expanding component operations to support a broader production ecosystem.

The country is expected to account for about a quarter of global iPhone production during 2026. Apple has also been working to supply a larger share of devices sold in the United States from factories operated by its partners in the country, reducing dependence on China.

The manufacturing network includes operations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with further investment planned in assembly, enclosures, display components and semiconductor-related infrastructure. The expansion is being supported by production incentives and proposed tax concessions for foreign companies supplying equipment to contract manufacturers.

Authorities have proposed extending exemptions covering machinery provided to electronics producers until 2041. The measures are designed to reduce tax uncertainty for global suppliers and encourage longer-term investment in mobile phones, laptops, tablets and wearable devices.

Local production has helped Apple avoid some import duties and improve product availability. However, the company still relies heavily on components sourced from abroad, and manufacturing costs can remain higher than in China because of logistics, tariffs and a less developed supplier base.

India delivered another record quarter for Apple during the three months ended June. Mac sales reached an all-time high in the country, while demand for iPhones and other devices continued to expand.

Globally, Apple reported revenue of $109.42 billion for its fiscal third quarter, up 16 per cent from a year earlier. iPhone revenue climbed 22 per cent to $54.25 billion, while Mac revenue advanced 29 per cent to $10.35 billion.

Despite its growth, Apple remains a relatively small player by unit volume in the country’s smartphone market. Its share is considerably stronger in the premium category, where consumers are showing greater willingness to spend on high-end devices, financing plans and connected services.

From Thailand–Canada Collaboration to Industrial-Scale Deployment

TCMA announced progress in its strategic Thailand–Canada partnership under the project “Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand.” As part of the initiative, a Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) has been deployed in Thailand for the first time to test the technology’s performance in real industrial conditions within the cement sector.

The deployment of the MCCU marks a significant step in strengthening technological readiness for carbon capture—one of the key solutions for high-emission industries such as cement—while supporting the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.

Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA and President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), stated that the project reflects Thailand’s strong commitment to driving industry toward Net Zero through international collaboration. TCMA serves as a central platform linking industry, government, academia, and global organizations to develop practical carbon reduction solutions.

“The transition to Net Zero for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires policy support from the government, as well as international collaboration in technology, finance, and knowledge transfer to accelerate real-world implementation,” Dr. Chana said.

Connecting Technology and Investment Through Global Collaboration

The project is funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) serving as the implementing agency. The initiative aims to develop a technology and innovation ecosystem for decarbonizing Thailand’s cement and concrete industries.

Ms. Richelle Bourgouin, Deputy Minister of Trade and Export Development, Saskatchewan, Canada, noted that the collaboration highlights the power of integrating knowledge, technology, and innovation to support the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

“This partnership also opens opportunities to connect expertise in clean technology, research, and innovation between the two countries, enabling the development of practical solutions and fostering future trade and investment cooperation in Thailand and across ASEAN,” Ms. Richelle said.

A key outcome of the project is the deployment of the MCCU, developed by the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI) at the University of Regina, Canada. The unit will be tested in Thailand to evaluate its performance and applicability within the Thai cement industry.

“Saraburi Sandbox”: A PPP Model for Accelerating Low-Carbon Industry

Under the project, TCMA is collaborating with Chulalongkorn University to study and transfer knowledge on carbon capture technology while building human capacity. The MCCU will be rotated across cement plants operated by TCMA member companies in Saraburi province to test performance, collect technical data, and assess future investment pathways.

The “Saraburi Sandbox” serves as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) platform, bringing together government, industry, academia, and international partners to pilot and scale carbon reduction technologies, while establishing investment models for a low-carbon economy.

The area is being developed as a prototype low-carbon city, integrating technology, infrastructure, standards, and investment frameworks to support Thailand’s long-term industrial transition.

Accelerating Readiness for a Low-Carbon Future

Dr. Chana emphasized that deploying the MCCU in Thailand represents an important step in enhancing technological and knowledge readiness, particularly in carbon capture technologies that are essential for industries facing significant decarbonization challenges.

Preparation must begin today, as the transition to Net Zero requires time for technological development, workforce readiness, and infrastructure buildout, alongside appropriate support mechanisms. This is especially important as global carbon measures—such as carbon pricing and emissions trading systems (ETS)—become increasingly stringent.

“The success of decarbonizing the cement industry depends on collaboration across all sectors to create an enabling ecosystem for investment and to accelerate the adoption of technologies at scale,” Dr. Chana said.

TCMA’s efforts not only reflect the Thai cement industry’s commitment to translating decarbonization plans into action, but also reinforce the importance of Thailand–Canada collaboration in advancing clean technologies and innovation in the industrial sector. This includes knowledge transfer, technology development, and expanding future investment partnerships.

This collaboration represents a key mechanism in laying the foundation for Thailand’s cement industry to remain competitive in a low-carbon economy, while accelerating progress toward Net Zero 2050 and strengthening Thailand’s role as a regional model for low-carbon industrial development in ASEAN.

Hashtag: #TCMA #สมาคมอุตสาหกรรมปูนซีเมนต์ไทย #CementActionToNetZero #CarbonCapture #MCCU #NetZero2050 #ไทยแคนาดา #ClimateTech #สระบุรีแซนด์บ็อกซ์

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.