Samsung Electronics is under intensifying pressure in its foundry business following reports that AMD has abandoned plans to adopt its advanced 4nm process, SF4X. The decision marks another setback for Samsung, already grappling with low 3nm yields and weakening demand for older process nodes.

Central Bank governor Chin-Long Yang has stepped forward to dispel rumors regarding exchange rate fluctuations, urging the market not to speculate on foreign exchange issues. He stressed the importance of maintaining order and stability in the forex market to prevent adverse effects on the real economy. Yang also highlighted that the Central Bank has detected signs of speculative currency trading by “vultures” and is closely monitoring the situation.

The US is charting a new course for defense spending, with President Donald Trump’s administration proposing a 13% increase that would push the Pentagon’s 2026 budget to an unprecedented US$1.01 trillion. While funding for medical research and education faces deep cuts, the White House is prioritizing investments to strengthen national security, deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and revitalize America’s defense industrial base. The move aligns with a global trend of escalating military budgets, as nations respond to heightened geopolitical tensions.