KOSPI to stay afloat as markets await for US/China tariff resolution. Volume likely to stay muted until markets find conviction. Recent trend of foreign net selling vs. local retail buying likely to stay unchanged. IT Contents, Robotics, Defense may continue to get traction as investors play safe.
* 1Q TODAY: SK HYNIX (OP/NP BEAT), HD HHI (14:00), HD MIPO (14:00), HD KSOE (14:00), SDS (14:00), POSCO INTL (14:00), LGD (14:00), HANWHA SOLUTION (14:00), SAMSUNG E&A (14:00), HYUNDAI STEEL (14:00), HMC (14:10), HD HMS (15:00), KB FIN (16:00), POSCO HLDG (15:00), SAMSUNG HEAVY (16:00)
* ECO: 1Q Advance GDP -0.1% YoY (est 0.0%/prior 1.2%), -0.2% QoQ (est 0.1%/prior 0.1%)
* CHIP: DRAM suppliers raise prices by 8-10% amid stockpiling ahead of tariffs, Trendforce.
* NAVER (035420)'s resale platform 'Kream' is in talks with US StockX for integration.
* LGE (066570) has paused Indian unit IPO due to market volatility.
* KOREAN AIR (003490)'s consortium with LIG NEX1 (079550) and US Collins Aero has been selected as preferred bidder for W961bn worth of UH-60 helicopter upgrade project from S.Korea Defense Ministry.
* LS CORP (006260) LS Cable to buy W70bn worth shares of sub GAON CABLE (000500) in the market by Sep 30. LS Cable owned 81% stake in Gaon as of Apr 23.
* SHINSEGAE (004170) Trump Junior to visit Korea next week at invitation of group chairman YJ Chung.
* BATTERY: CATL to finish establishing its Korean office as early as 2Q aiming to strengthen collaboration with Korean automakers like HMC (005380) and KIA (000270).