💼 Global Economy & Market Recap for the Week of April 21–25, 2025
“Earnings Season Begins, Policy Signals Emerge… A Week Full of Key Events!”
Hello! As always, here’s your detailed roundup of the most important economic and market issues from Korea and the United States for the week of April 21 to 25, 2025.
From key global events and corporate earnings to central bank signals and market forecasts, we’ve gathered everything you need to stay ahead. Let’s dive in!
🇰🇷 South Korea – Key Economic & Market Highlights
🔹 Bank of Korea Holds Base Rate at 2.75%
At its April policy meeting, the Bank of Korea maintained the base interest rate at 2.75%, citing concerns about economic slowdown while continuing efforts to tame inflation.
📌 Source: Focus Economics
🔹 $23 Billion Support Package for Semiconductor Industry
In response to mounting trade risks with China and the U.S., the Korean government unveiled a support package worth $23 billion aimed at strengthening the domestic chip sector.
📌 Source: Reuters
🔹 DN Solutions Aims for $1.1 Billion IPO
DN Solutions, a leading industrial tools manufacturer, is preparing one of Korea’s largest IPOs of 2025, targeting institutional investors with an offering exceeding $1 billion.
📌 Source: Reuters
🔹 Producer Prices Rise in March
South Korea's Producer Price Index (PPI) increased in March, raising concerns that consumer inflation may rebound in the coming months.
🔹 ₩12 Trillion Supplementary Budget Announced
The Korean government has unveiled a ₩12 trillion ($8.7 billion) supplementary budget aimed at responding to trade risks, fostering AI industry growth, and expanding financial support for small businesses.
🇺🇸 United States – Key Economic & Market Highlights
🔸 Fed Chair Powell to Deliver Key Speech
On April 24, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to deliver a speech that could offer fresh clues about the central bank’s policy direction.
📌 Source: Federal Reserve
🔸 Earnings Week: Tesla, Netflix, Goldman Sachs in Focus
This week marks the peak of Q1 earnings season, with major tech and financial firms reporting results. Market volatility is expected to rise depending on their guidance.
📌 Source: Kiplinger
🔸 Retail Sales & Housing Data Disappoint
U.S. retail sales and housing starts for March came in below expectations last week, reinforcing concerns about an economic slowdown.
🔸 U.S. and Ukraine Sign Economic Agreement
The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in critical minerals and resource supply chains.
📌 Source: Reuters
🌐 Other Global Developments
🔸 U.S.–Ukraine Economic Partnership Deepens
The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen economic ties and establish a fund for reconstruction and investment.
🔸 UK Seeks New Trade Talks with U.S.
The UK Chancellor is visiting Washington this week to initiate new trade negotiations with the U.S., aiming to reduce tariffs and promote bilateral trade cooperation.
🗓️ Key Events Calendar This Week ( Weekly Earnings Calendar )
Date Event
| April 21 (Mon) | Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee to Speak IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings Underway |
| April 22 (Tue) | Multiple speeches by Fed officials, Tesla, Alphabet |
| April 23 (Wed) | South Korea Q1 GDP flash estimate, Intel, Merck |
| April 24 (Thu) | U.S. initial jobless claims, IBM, Procter & Gamble |
| April 25 (Fri) | University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, Preliminary U.S. Q1 GDP Report |
📝 Closing Thoughts
This final full week of April brings a critical mix of earnings reports and monetary policy signals, with the potential to shift investor sentiment significantly.
Whether you’re focused on tech stocks, central banks, or macro data, stay alert and proactive. Wishing you a focused and profitable week ahead. 📊📈