KOREA Q2 CURRENT ACCOUNT SURPLUS TOPS GERMANY , JAPAN COMBINED ON CHIP BOOM

What happened: Korea's second quarter current account surplus exceeded the combined total of Germany and Japan for the first time since comparable data began in 1996, driven by semiconductor exports. Key numbers: Q2 surplus $116.6 billion, up 310 percent from $28.4 billion a year earlier. Germany posted $52.3 billion and Japan $50.6 billion, a combined $102.9 billion. Why it matters: The IMF expects Korea's surplus to rank second globally behind China this year, but experts warn the gain may reflect a chip boom that could fade if AI investment cools or rival supply rises. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Korea's second quarter current account surplus exceeded the combined total of Germany and Japan for the first time since comparable data began in 1996, driven by semiconductor exports.

The IMF expects Korea's surplus to rank second globally behind China this year, but experts warn the gain may reflect a chip boom that could fade if AI investment cools or rival supply rises.