South Korea Jobless Rate Stays at 2.7% in May
South Korea’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.7% in May 2025, marking the third time this year it has held at that level. The number of unemployed individuals fell by 3.6% year-over-year (down 32,000), totaling 853,000 for the month. Meanwhile, employment figures showed growth, with the number of employed people rising by 0.8% (an increase of 245,000) to 29.16 million compared to May 2024. The labor force participation rate also inched up to 65.6% from 65.1% in April.
New Zealand Stocks Extend Gains
Shares in New Zealand climbed 43 points, or 0.3%, to 12,608—up for the second straight session—due to positive signals surrounding the US-China trade talks, despite a lack of details. The NZX 50 tracked a rise on Wall Street overnight, supported by optimism over US-China trade negotiations. Traders continued to monitor the development of the talks after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutinick said that discussions could run into Wednesday. However, the World Bank report capped gains, as the agency lowered its projection for global GDP growth to 2.3%, down from 2.7% expected in January, due to higher tariffs. On the data front, New Zealand visitor arrivals jumped 18.8% year-over-year in April, rebounding from an 8.4% drop in March. Industrials, financials, and communication services mainly drove the index, with notable gains including Auckland International Airport (1.4%), ANZ Group (1.3%), Infratil (0.8%), Property for Industry (0.7%), and Summerset Group (0.5%).
New Zealand Visitor Arrivals Jump 19% in April
Visitor arrivals to New Zealand jumped by 18.8% year-on-year to 267,300 in April 2025. The largest increases came from Australia (up 33,800), the United Kingdom (up 4,000), the United States (up 3,300), and Hong Kong (up 1,600), while arrivals from Indonesia declined by 1,100. The sharp rise in Australian visitors was partly influenced by the timing of school holidays and Easter. Despite the strong annual growth, total arrivals in April 2025 were still 13% below pre-pandemic levels, reaching 87% of the 307,400 recorded in April 2019.
Crypto currencies
Digital asset markets advanced, with Ether appreciating by 4.58%.
Agricultural Commodities Updates: Cocoa Tumbles by 6.24%
Top commodity losers are Cocoa (-6.24%) and Oat (-2.76%). Gains are led by Corn (1.21%) and Rubber (1.18%).
Metals Commodities Updates: Platinum Drops by 0.80%
Top commodity losers are Platinum (-0.80%), Silver (-0.53%) and Gold (-0.09%). Gains are led by Iron Ore CNY (0.79%).
Energy Commodities Updates: Natural gas Falls by 3.22%
Top commodity losers are Natural gas (-3.22%), Natural Gas UK GBP (-2.47%), Natural Gas EU Dutch TTF (-2.22%), Crude Oil WTI (-0.88%) and Brent Crude Oil (-0.73%).
FX Updates: South Korean Won Drops by 0.66%
Top currency losers are South Korean Won (-0.66%). Gains are led by Dollar Index (0.11%).
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