THU, AUG 27, 2026 — BOK hikes to 3%, Nikkei reverses as Advantest drags, PNB Housing pops on loan growth.

BOK raised to 3% and lifted its growth forecast. That’s a hawkish surprise, not just a hike. Korean banks and the won should get a bid; Kospi rate sensitives feel the squeeze. Nikkei gave up gains and Advantest led the drop. Bad signal for Tokyo semis. If the AI-adjacent test names can’t hold, the index is pinned. PNB Housing is the standout Indian financial on strong loan growth. The housing credit cycle is still running even with the rupee sliding and disclosure rules getting messy. SEBI’s new closing-price mechanism is tripping up ETFs. This is a liquidity and tracking-error problem. ETF traders need to check spreads before the open, not just the NAV. US Embassy Seoul suspends immigrant visa interviews through Aug 31. That’s consular/geopolitics noise, but it adds a fresh caution layer over Korea risk. Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan are near a crossroads after a lackluster decade. Watch for restructuring headlines. If Tokyo autos finally move, 7211 and 7201 will trade hard. PBOC

BOK raised to 3% and lifted its growth forecast. That’s a hawkish surprise, not just a hike. Korean banks and the won should get a bid; Kospi rate sensitives feel the squeeze.