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Cardano is a blockchain platform built on academic research that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications while using significantly less energy than traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.   What sets Cardano apart is its methodical, research-driven approach — every major feature is peer-reviewed by scientists and cryptographers before being added to the network. This careful process aims to create a more secure and stable foundation compared to platforms that prioritize speed over thorough testing. The platform's native cryptocurrency, ADA, is used to send money, pay transaction fees, and participate in network governance.  Cardano uses a proof-of-stake system to process transactions, which works differently from Bitcoin's mining approach. Instead of competing to solve complex puzzles, users can "stake" their ADA — essentially locking it up temporarily — to become validators who verify transactions. The system selects validators based on how much ADA they've staked and for how long, then rewards them with additional ADA for their participation. This approach uses far less energy than traditional mining while keeping the network secure. The platform also features a two-layer design that separates basic payment transactions from smart contract operations, allowing each function to be optimized independently for better performance.   ADA holders can earn staking rewards by locking up their tokens to help secure the network, vote on proposed changes to the platform, and use ADA for international money transfers with lower fees than traditional services.  Cardano was founded in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, who previously helped create Ethereum. Hoskinson leads Input Output Global (IOG), the technology company that builds and maintains Cardano's core software. The ecosystem operates through three organizations: IOG handles technical development, the Cardano Foundation promotes adoption and standardization, and Emurgo helps businesses integrate blockchain technology into their operations. This structure distributes responsibilities across multiple groups rather than concentrating control in a single entity.   In February 2025, major asset manager Grayscale Investments filed to create an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for Cardano with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which would allow traditional investors to buy ADA through their regular brokerage accounts without needing to set up cryptocurrency wallets.Retry

Cardano

Cardano is trending due to the anticipated launch of its Midnight zero-knowledge sidechain and the listing of its associated NIGHT token on major exchanges. While some in the community see this as a significant development, urging long-term accumulation, a dominant sentiment expresses strong skepticism, labeling ADA a "scam" and forecasting substantial declines. This sharp division characterizes the current conversation around Cardano's future in the evolving crypto landscape.

Verizon Communications, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of communications, information, and entertainment products and services. It operates through the Consumer and Business segments. The Consumer segment provides consumer-focused wireless and wire line communications services and products. The Business segment offers wireless and wireline communications services and products, including FWA broadband, data, video and conferencing services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long-distance voice services, and network access to deliver various IoT services and products. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

Verizon Communications Inc

Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon is trending after its recent earnings report, which reaffirmed full-year guidance and an "iron-clad" commitment to its substantial dividend, sparking community debate. Investors are actively discussing whether its high yield makes it a resilient defensive play or a potential value trap amidst intense competition and evolving connectivity technologies.

VeChain, founded in 2015, is a sustainability-focused blockchain driving mass adoption of Web3. Its energy-efficient VeChainThor chain delivers fast, low-cost transactions, making blockchain accessible to millions worldwide. With partnerships including UFC, BCG, and Walmart, and over 2 million active users on VeBetter-powered apps, VeChain is proving real-world impact at scale.  In 2024, the VeChain Renaissance upgrade was launched, introducing Ethereum compatibility, dPoS consensus, and dynamic gas fees. It cut VTHO inflation and introduced StarGate NFT staking, where users lock VET to mint transferable NFTs that earn VTHO, can be delegated to validators, and serve as governance instruments. The upgrade also added new eco node tiers, lowering entry barriers while keeping rewards across higher staking levels.  By combining adoption, upgraded tokenomics, and inclusive staking, VeChain is positioning itself as a leading blockchain where usage, growth, and rewards fuel long-term value creation.

Vechain

VeChain (VET) is a major talking point as its community grapples with significant price underperformance and deep frustration, particularly from long-term holders, despite recent developments like the upcoming Hayabusa update and new partnerships with Crypto.com and Wanchain. While some criticize resource allocation on high-profile sponsorships and express concerns over the project's treasury, a segment of the community views current low prices as an opportune time for accumulation, anticipating a future reversal.

Hecla Mining Co. engages in the provision of precious and base metals. It operates through the following segments: Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, Keno Hill, Casa Berardi, and Other. The company was founded by Amasa B. Campbell, Patsy Clark, and John Finch on October 14, 1891 and is headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Hecla Mining Co.

Hecla Mining (HL) is trending following its inclusion in a key small-cap index, fueling significant investor interest amid a powerful rally in silver prices. Community discussions highlight HL as a prime beneficiary of increasing industrial demand and broader macroeconomic tailwinds, with many anticipating continued strong performance in the sector. The bullish sentiment suggests metals and miners are gaining traction as the 

GraniteShares ETF Trust - GraniteShares YieldBOOST COIN ETF

GraniteShares YieldBOOST COIN ETF

GraniteShares YieldBOOST COIN ETF ($COYY) is trending amidst intense discussion surrounding its weekly dividend payouts and concerns over Net Asset Value (NAV) erosion. The community is actively debating the sustainability of its distributions and overall share performance, as many question if the high weekly payouts can offset continued NAV decay seen across similar leveraged income products, especially given its relationship with its underlying asset.

KLA Corp. engages in the supply of process control and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related nano-electronics industries. The company operates through the following segments: Semiconductor Process Control, Specialty Semiconductor Process, and PCB, Display and Component Inspection. The Semiconductor Process Control segment provides a comprehensive portfolio of inspection, metrology and data analytics products and related services. The Specialty Semiconductor Process segment develops and sells advanced vacuum deposition and etching process tools. The PCB, Display and Component Inspection segment enables electronic device manufacturers to inspect, test and measure PCBs, flat panel displays and ICs to verify their quality. Its products include manufactured chips, reticle, packaging, surface profilers, nanochemical testers, KT pro equipment, and compound semiconductors. The company was founded on July 9, 1975 and is headquartered in Milpitas, CA.

KLA Corp.

KLA Corp is trending due to a confluence of strong earnings and positive guidance, alongside multiple analyst upgrades highlighting its pivotal role in the ongoing AI and memory upcycles. The community actively discusses its critical position in semiconductor process control and advanced packaging, with many seeing it as a top pick benefiting from increased wafer fab investments. Despite some valuation concerns, investors are focused on KLA's perceived resilience and strategic importance within the booming chip equipment sector.

GE Aerospace is an American aircraft company, which engages in the provision of jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. The firm's portfolio of brands includes Avio Aero, Unison, GE Additive, and Dowty Propellers. It operates through the Commercial Engines & Services and Defense & Propulsion Technologies segments. The Commercial Engines & Services segment is involved in the design, development, manufacturing, and servicing of jet engines for commercial airframes, as well as business aviation and aeroderivative applications. The Defense & Propulsion Technologies segment offers defense engines and critical aircraft systems. The company was founded by Thomas Alva Edison in 1878 and is headquartered in Evendale, OH.

GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is currently trending due to its strong performance as a reinvented industrial powerhouse, buoyed by robust demand for commercial jet engines and defense contracts. The company's strategic focus on innovation, including hybrid-electric aviation partnerships, and the significant value unlocked from its past spinoffs, fuels widespread bullish sentiment and discussions about its substantial backlog and high-margin services in the aerospace sector.

PENGU is the official coin of Pudgy Penguins.  Pudgy Penguins has become the face of crypto with one of the most influential communities in the industry. From large companies wearing the Penguin, to being featured in ETF commercials, to garnering millions of followers and over 100 billion views, the Pengu has become a cultural icon making PENGU the world’s social currency.  PENGU allows for the ever-expanding Pudgy Penguin fanbase and the hundreds of millions of people outside of crypto that see and share the Pudgy Penguin everyday, to join The Huddle. PENGU is a symbol for community, memes, and good vibes.  Believe in Pengu. Believe in the Prophecy.

Pudgy Penguins

PENGU is trending amidst a flurry of major brand collaborations, including partnerships with NHL, Care Bears, and DreamWorks/Kung Fu Panda, along with prominent marketing on the Las Vegas Sphere, signaling a push for mainstream exposure. The community remains sharply divided, with many accumulating on dips due to perceived real-world utility and potential ETF catalysts, while others express concern over ongoing selling pressure, token unlocks, and sustained price volatility.

Pump Mind Virus is a Pure Meme with a long term vision. We are building for the future while making no promises about the present. The project aims to bring the spirit of community memes back to the Solana ecosystem. We do that with engaging content and memes. Culture through community. Viral spread by word of mouth.  And most importantly, by not using the fake hype machine that has come to dominate the meme coin landscape.

PumpMindVirus

PumpMindVirus ($PMV) is generating significant buzz through its highly engaged community, often referring to themselves as "infected" or "sturdy chads," who are actively spreading their unique meme culture. The token is experiencing strong cross-community bullish sentiment, notably with $CAW, and its presence on the Solana chain from the Pump.fun ecosystem is frequently highlighted as participants discuss a robust "Viral Agenda 2026" and a committed long-term hold strategy.

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. engages in the provision of network security solutions to enterprises, service providers, and government entities. It operates through the following geographical segments: the United States, Israel, and Other Countries. The company was founded by Nir Zuk in March 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

Palo Alto Networks Inc

Palo Alto Networks is trending due to its expanded multi-billion dollar strategic partnership with Google Cloud, which sees the company leveraging Google's Gemini AI models to secure cloud and AI deployments. The community widely regards this as a significant deal, reinforcing PANW's leadership in the critical and rapidly evolving AI cybersecurity sector. Despite the reported scale of the collaboration, some observers have noted a more measured initial market reaction.

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<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Seoul’s top policy and industry chiefs will meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Wednesday to iron out final details of the $350 billion investment deal that would cap tariffs on Korean goods at 15%.</li><li>Negotiations accelerated after Washington dropped its demand for an upfront equity payment, with both sides now focused on structuring a balanced investment fund.</li><li>Talks followed a weekend meeting between President Donald Trump and executives from Hyundai, SK Inc., and Hanwha at Mar-a-Lago, as leaders aim to announce progress at the upcoming APEC summit.</li></ul>Senior South Korean officials will travel to Washington on Wednesday for urgent negotiations to finalise a $350 billion investment deal that would cap U.S. tariffs on Korean goods at 15%, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this month.Presidential Policy Secretary Kim Yong-beom and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan are set to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday after initial talks last week. Kim said that “gaps have narrowed” but “a couple of matters” still remain unresolved, adding that Seoul will not sign a partial deal merely to meet a deadline, according to a Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-industry-minister-urgent-us-visit-hopes-tariff-breakthrough-2025-10-21/">report</a>.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Deal Details And Economic Stakes</h2>At the core of the discussions is a proposed $350 billion investment fund designed to balance U.S.-Korea trade relations. The fund’s structure, expected to include loans and guarantees in both won and U.S. dollars, is still under negotiation.Progress accelerated after Washington dropped its demand for an upfront equity payment, which Seoul had warned could disrupt currency markets. Kim said South Korea is seeking revised terms, which better reflect both countries aligned interests.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Business At Mar-A-Lago</h2>Negotiations picked up after Hyundai Motor, SK Inc. and Hanwha Group executives joined U.S. President Donald Trump at his&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/south-korea-says-substantial-progress-made-in-us-tariff-talks-ahead-of-apec-summit/ch6CNbiR3oM">Mar-a-Lago club over the weekend</a> for discussions about trade and investment. Insiders said there was a long, informal meeting about trade and investment at Trump’s private club in Palm Beach, Florida, over the weekend.The seven-hour meeting, which was attended by Japanese and Taiwanese business leaders, was a reflection of Trump’s way of wooing Asian business leaders before the APEC summit.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Broader Tensions</h2>South Korean firms have become major investors in U.S. industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and shipbuilding, though ties have been strained by recent labor and visa disputes, including a raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Bearish Mood Grips US Markets On Stocktwits</h2>On Stocktwits, retail sentiment toward U.S. markets was sharply negative, with both the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) showing ‘extremely bearish’ readings amid ‘high’ message activity, while sentiment toward the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) was ‘bearish’ with ‘low’ engagement.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> is up 16%,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> has gained 20%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">EWY</a> has surged 74%, outperforming both U.S. indices.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

National flag of South Korea was adopted in 1948 and is also called Taegukgi.  (Photo credit: Getty Images)

South Korea Officials Race To Seal $350B Tariff Pact With US Before APEC Summit

Seoul’s top policy and industry chiefs will meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Wednesday to iron out final details of the $350 billion investment deal that would cap tariffs on Korean goods at 15%.

Equity

5 Best-Performing ETF Areas of Last Week 

ETFs like BITI, EWY, XSD, AMDW, and CNRG have fared well last week on AI momentum, trade optimism and clean energy revival.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The two sides are negotiating a $350 billion investment fund aimed at capping U.S. tariffs on Korean goods at 15%, with final details still under discussion.</li><li>Korean conglomerate leaders, including those from Hyundai, SK Inc., and Hanwha, met President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, reportedly discussing trade and investment.</li><li>On Stocktwits, sentiment toward South Korea’s EWY ETF was bearish despite its 74% year-to-date surge, outpacing SPY and QQQ.</li></ul>South Korea’s top policy official said the country made “substantial progress” in negotiations with the U.S. on a new trade framework, following a weekend that mixed diplomacy with business and saw leading Korean tycoons join President Donald Trump for a golf event at his Mar-a-Lago resort.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Talks Gain Momentum Ahead Of APEC</h2>Presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom said most major sticking points had been resolved, though a few details still require further work. He added that the likelihood of finalizing a deal at next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit had increased, according to a Bloomberg&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-20/south-korea-says-substantial-progress-made-in-us-tariff-talks">report</a>.At the core of the discussions is a $350 billion investment fund that would help cap U.S. tariffs on Korean goods at 15%. Negotiators are still debating how the fund will be structured, which could reportedly involve loans and guarantees in both won and U.S. dollars.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Business Leaders Meet Trump</h2>The progress came after reports that executives from Hyundai Motor, SK Inc., and Hanwha joined Trump for a golf session at Mar-a-Lago, alongside Japanese and Taiwanese business leaders. The event reportedly lasted more than seven hours, with trade and investment topics likely discussed.Trump, who often uses his Florida estate for informal diplomacy, has hosted numerous global figures there over the years.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Investment And Labor Strains</h2>South Korean companies have become key investors in U.S. industries like electric vehicles, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. But recent labor and visa issues, including the raid and arrest of South Korean workers at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, have strained relations. LG has since started returning workers to U.S. sites.Trump has pushed Seoul to commit funds “upfront,” while South Korea initially sought a currency swap to ease pressure on its reserves. The final package is expected to balance both sides’ priorities through a mix of financial instruments.<h2 class="st-heading-2">South Korea ETF Outperforms, Sentiment Lags</h2>On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘bearish’ for the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) and ‘extremely bearish’ for both the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), with message volume ranging from ‘low’ for the South Korea fund to ‘high’ for the two major U.S. index ETFs.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">EWY</a> has surged 74%, sharply outperforming&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a>, which are up 14% and 19%, respectively.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

So far this year, EWY has surged 74%, sharply outperforming SPY and QQQ, which are up 14% and 19%, respectively. / Photo credit: Getty Images

South Korea Says ‘Substantial Progress’ Made In US Tariff Talks Ahead Of APEC Summit

The two sides are negotiating a $350 billion investment fund aimed at capping U.S. tariffs on Korean goods at 15%, with final details still under discussion.

South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said Friday he had pressed U.S. officials for progress in talks and called for a swift resolution of visa problems affecting Korean workers.&nbsp;His comments came after more than 300 South Korean employees were detained earlier this month at a Hyundai Motor battery plant under construction in Georgia.&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/south-koreans-return-home-after-hyundai-plant-raid-shackled-workers-greeted-with-tears/chw8K68RdwN">The workers were later released</a> and returned home.Yeo said both sides acknowledge the gravity of the matter but refused to disclose details of the talks, describing it as a sensitive issue. “These are matters that go directly to the national interest,” he told reporters at Incheon, according to a Bloomberg&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-19/us-korea-talks-remain-unresolved-over-auto-tariff-visa-issues">report</a>.&nbsp;The talks also cover auto tariffs and the $350 billion investment package pledged under the trade deal signed in July. The accord, reaffirmed at last month’s White House summit, set a 15% tariff on Korean goods, but implementation details remain unsettled.&nbsp;U.S. President Donald Trump has not signed the order lowering duties on Korean vehicles, leaving Korean automakers at a disadvantage as Japan has already secured tariff cuts under its own deal with Washington.On Monday, ahead of his Washington meetings with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and members of Congress,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/another-key-south-korean-trade-official-to-visit-us-after-hyundai-plant-detention-row/chwv662RdxS">Yeo said</a>, “We’re working hard to achieve an outcome that is reasonable and meets our national interests.” His trip followed Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan’s meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.The finance ministry said Sunday it was in talks with Washington to minimize the investment package’s impact on the onshore currency market, but declined to confirm whether this included a foreign exchange swap line.&nbsp;Yeo also confirmed that South Korea does not intend to further open its agricultural market, another sticking point in the negotiations, and said outreach to U.S. lawmakers will continue.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘bullish’ with ‘high’ message volume for both the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust and the Invesco QQQ Trust, while sentiment on the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF was ‘neutral’ with ‘normal’ activity.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> is up 13.7% and&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> has gained 16.8%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">EWY</a> has surged 58.7%, sharply outperforming both U.S. benchmarks.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A South Korean women holds a South Korean and U.S. flag during the celebration of The March First Independence Movement Anniversary on March 1, 2005 in Seoul, South Korea. 

South Korea Presses US On Visa Dispute After Hyundai Plant Detentions As $350B Trade Deal, Auto Tariffs Stall

The July accord set a 15% tariff on Korean goods, but Washington has yet to finalize implementation, leaving Korean automakers disadvantaged compared to Japan.

South Korea’s top trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, is visiting the U.S. on Monday in a bid to finalize the trade agreement the two countries struck in July."We're working hard to achieve an outcome that is reasonable and meets our national interests," Yeo said to reporters, according to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/south-koreas-top-trade-envoy-heading-us-amid-stalled-trade-talks-2025-09-15/">Reuters News report</a>. Yeo’s visit follows Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan’s meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, which did not yield any progress.The primary issue of contention is the structure of the $350 billion package the Asian powerhouse pledged to invest in the U.S. South Korean officials have flagged that Seoul cannot agree to similar terms agreed in a U.S.-Japan trade deal due to foreign exchange market implications.According to the report, the finance ministry said on Sunday that it was in talks with Washington to minimize any impact on the onshore currency market from the investment package. However, it reportedly declined to confirm if these included a foreign exchange swap line.Retail sentiment on Stocktwits about <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">iShares MSCI South Korea ETF</a> (EWY) was in the ‘bullish’ territory at the time of writing.Yeo also reportedly confirmed that South Korea did not intend to open up the agricultural market further, which has been a sticking point.His visit comes on the heels of a <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/south-koreans-return-home-after-hyundai-plant-raid-shackled-workers-greeted-with-tears/chw8K68RdwN">controversial detention </a>of hundreds of South Korean nationals at a Hyundai Motor battery plant. While Seoul struck an agreement to release the workers, the images of South Koreans in chains incited public anger, with the local media describing the facilities as worse than prison.On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump defended the need for foreign workers by saying that foreign businesses should be allowed to bring in their employees to train Americans for complex industries.The EWY ETF has risen over 52% this year, compared with 11.6% gains of the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-starmer-to-sign-u-s-uk-nuclear-deal-to-expedite-small-reactor-deployments/chwvxMTRdxQ">Trump, Starmer to Sign US-UK Nuclear Deal To Expedite Small Reactor Deployments</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Another Key South Korean Trade Official To Visit US After Hyundai Plant Detention Row

South Korea is reportedly in talks with the U.S. to minimize any impact on the onshore currency market from its $350 billion investment package.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said a U.S. immigration raid that detained more than 300 Korean workers at a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia has unsettled investors and could weigh on future direct investment.&nbsp;“They simply needed skilled technicians to install the equipment to build the plant because there aren’t workers available in the U.S.,” Lee said Thursday, saying the incident left him “baffled,” Bloomberg&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-11/south-korea-s-lee-warns-us-immigration-raid-may-hit-investment?srnd=homepage-americas">reported</a>.Meanwhile,<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-warns-hyundai-follow-us-immigration-laws-after-300-south-korean-workers-detained/chwW0I2RdqM"> President Donald Trump urged foreign companies to respect U.S. immigration rules</a> while reaffirming that America welcomes investment. Writing on Truth Social, he stated that the U.S. will “make it quickly and legally possible” to bring in technical talent, but emphasized that firms must adhere to U.S. law and prioritize hiring and training American workers.The raid, which is the largest ever at a single site, saw 475 workers detained, including 316 South Koreans.&nbsp;South Korea’s presidential office said it has reached an agreement with Washington to release its citizens, with a charter flight planned once administrative steps are completed.Images of shackled workers circulated widely in South Korea, fueling public anger and casting a shadow over Lee’s presidency just 100 days in. Local media described the detention facilities as “worse than prisons.”&nbsp;The episode comes less than two weeks after Lee met Trump at the White House, where Korean conglomerates pledged hundreds of billions in U.S. investment, including Hyundai’s commitment of $26 billion through 2028.&nbsp;Hyundai stated that none of its direct employees were detained, while LG confirmed that 47 of its workers were held and has suspended U.S. business travel.Lee also linked the raid to wider trade tensions, noting a July deal that kept a 15% levy on most Korean imports and lingering disputes over Seoul’s $350 billion U.S. investment pledge.&nbsp;“What’s on the surface may look rough, excessive, unreasonable, even irrational,” he said. “But the final conclusion will come out in a reasonable way, and we must make sure it does.”On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘neutral’ for the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) amid ‘high’ message volume and for the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) with ‘low’ volume, while it was ‘bearish’ for the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) amid ‘normal’ volume.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPY</a> is up 12%,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">QQQ</a> has gained 14%, while&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">EWY</a> has surged 51%, outperforming both U.S. ETFsFor updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

 Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks during a press conference at the presidential office on June 04, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea.  

South Korea’s President ‘Baffled’ After 300 Workers Detained In US Raid, Warns Fallout Could Hit Future Investment

The episode comes less than two weeks after Lee met Trump in Washington, where Korean firms pledged hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. investments.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, with autos and semiconductors among the sectors most exposed to new U.S. tariffs.The Trump administration’s new trade deal imposed a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea, a key supplier of cars, semiconductors, smartphones and machinery.&nbsp;Automobiles made up 10% of South Korea’s exports last year, while chips accounted for 21%, with exports totaling more than 40% of the economy, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-25/five-things-to-watch-in-south-korea-s-lee-first-trump-meeting">reported</a>.Lee will be joined by executives from Hyundai Motor, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and LG Energy Solution.&nbsp;South Korean media reported that firms could announce up to $150 billion in new U.S. investments, adding to existing projects such as Samsung’s Texas chip plant and Hyundai’s $21 billion investment in vehicle and steel facilities.The July 31 trade deal also created a $350 billion South Korean fund for U.S. projects. Trump said he would direct the investments, and 90% of the profits would return to the U.S., while Seoul stated that most of the fund would be in the form of loan guarantees, with less than 5% in equity.&nbsp;Of the total, $150 billion is earmarked for shipyards, and Lee will visit one in Philadelphia.Agriculture is another flashpoint. Trump said South Korea would be “completely open” to U.S. farm goods, though Seoul excluded rice and beef as politically sensitive. Concessions on agriculture may be weighed against lower tariffs for autos and semiconductors.Defense spending will also be discussed. Trump has pressed allies to pay more, calling South Korea a “money machine.” The country hosts 28,500 U.S. troops and plans to allocate 2.32% of its GDP to defense this year.North Korea will be on the agenda as well. Trump met Kim Jong Un three times in his first term without curbing Pyongyang’s nuclear program, and Kim last week vowed a “rapid expansion” of his arsenal as U.S.-ROK military drills began. Analysts say engagement is unlikely unless drills are suspended and denuclearization dropped as a policy goal.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘bullish’ for the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY)</a> with ‘normal’ message volume, ‘neutral’ for the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)</a> with ‘high’ volume, and ‘bullish’ for the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY)</a> with ‘high’ volume.SPY is up 10.8% year-to-date, QQQ has gained 12.2%, while EWY has surged 44.5%, outperforming both.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and his wife depart from Haneda Airport. (Photo by David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Hyundai, Samsung Join Lee-Trump Summit As Autos And Chips Face Tariff Crossfire

South Korean firms could announce $150 billion in new U.S. projects, adding to Hyundai’s $21 billion and Samsung’s Texas chip plant, with a $350 billion fund and farm trade also in play.

South Korea’s exports grew for most of August, despite the heavy tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which has upended global trade.According to a Bloomberg News report, citing customs data, the value of shipments gained 7.6% in the first 20 days of this month, compared with a 5.8% rise for the whole month of July. Despite imports rising slightly by 0.4%, the Asian country posted a trade surplus of $833 million.By sector, semiconductor exports, Korea’s top product, rose about 30%, while auto exports gained 22%, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-21/korea-s-early-exports-show-resilience-despite-us-tariffs-toll?srnd=homepage-asia">report</a> added. Unadjusted exports to the U.S. slipped 2.7% while exports to China rose 2.7%.Retail sentiment on Stocktwits about the <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">iShares MSCI South Korea ETF</a> (EWY) was in the ‘bearish’ territory at the time of writing.South Korea is heavily reliant on trade, with exports making up 40% of the country’s economy. Last month, the country struck a last-minute deal with the U.S. to get a 15% tariff rate, compared to the 25% proposed by the Trump administration initially.However, the reduced rates will take a while to come into effect. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday that written documentation on the trade deals with Japan and South Korea is “weeks away.”The country’s exports have held their ground this year due to frontloading of shipments. South Korean firms such as Samsung Electronics have also benefited from the exemption granted to smartphones and other consumer electronics goods by the Trump administration.However, other sectoral tariffs, such as autos and steel, continued to weigh in on exports. During the first 20 days of August, steel exports slipped 4.5% while petroleum product shipments were down by 4%.The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has risen 39% this year, while the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust is up 8.3% this year.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/gavin-newsom-mocks-bed-bath-and-beyond-as-bankrupt-company-after-retailer-opts-to-skip-store-openings-in-california/chsSi7WRdL3">Gavin Newsom Mocks Bed Bath &amp; Beyond As ‘Bankrupt’ Company After Retailer Opts To Skip Store Openings In California</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Shipping containers stacked in the container terminal at Busan Port on November 05, 2021 in Busan, South Korea. 

South Korean Exports Hold Ground Despite Steep US Tariffs 

According to a Bloomberg News report, citing customs data, the value of shipments rose 7.6% in the first 20 days of August.

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Washington, D.C., later this month to hold his first in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.According to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/20250812/korea-us-summit-confirmed-to-take-place-on-aug-25">report </a>by the Korea Times, both sides have finalized the schedule for the Korea-U.S. summit, which is set to take place on Aug. 25. Lee will travel to the U.S. on Aug. 24 and depart on Aug. 26.“They are expected to discuss ways to advance the Korea-U.S. alliance into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership in response to the changing international security and economic environment," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung reportedly said.The summit will take place weeks after South Korea managed to seal a trade deal that reduced U.S. tariffs to 15% from 25% imposed by Trump. The Asian country also granted Washington access to $350 billion in U.S.-controlled investments and pledged to purchase $100 billion in American LNG and energy products, as well as further open its markets to U.S. goods.Retail sentiment on Stocktwits about the <a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">iShares MSCI South Korea ETF</a> (EWY) was in the ‘bearish’ territory at the time of writing.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:798/94;" src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/EWY_Aug_11_JPG_18a6b5cab8.webp" alt="EWY’s Sentiment Meter and Message Volume as of 10:29 p.m. ET on Aug. 11, 2025 | Source: Stocktwits" width="798" height="94"><figcaption>EWY’s Sentiment Meter and Message Volume as of 10:29 p.m. ET on Aug. 11, 2025 | Source: Stocktwits</figcaption></figure>Kang reportedly said that the two leaders will discuss measures to strengthen military ties, as well as cooperation for building peace and achieving denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. They will also discuss shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries, and other advanced technologies.A Washington Post report had stated earlier that the Trump administration seeks enhanced operational flexibility for the U.S. Forces Korea to deter an increasingly assertive China, as well as for Seoul to increase its defense spending.Trump had proposed the summit last month following the conclusion of tariff talks. &nbsp;The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has risen 42% this year, while the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust has gained 7.9%.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/exelon-s-bge-says-no-more-outages-expected-after-substation-failure-cuts-power-to-thousands-in-maryland/chrDo31Rdeq">Exelon's BGE Says No More Outages Expected After Substation Failure Cuts Power To Thousands In Maryland</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

President Donald Trump conducts a news conference in the White House briefing room on Monday, August 11, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Trump To Meet South Korean President This Month With Focus On Defense Spending, North Korea

The summit will take place weeks after South Korea managed to seal a trade deal that reduced U.S. tariffs to 15% from 25% imposed by Trump.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam agreed Monday to accelerate cooperation and nearly double annual trade to $150 billion by 2030, part of a broader push to counter the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs.At a joint press event in Seoul, Lee referred to Vietnam as “a very important neighboring country” in both trade and security, while Lam stated that expanding military ties could help strengthen regional stability, according to Bloomberg.Vietnam is South Korea's biggest investment target and its third-largest trading partner. As of May, there are 94 billion dollars of registered projects in Vietnam. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $81.5 billion last year, an increase of 7.3% over 2023.Both nations recently reached separate trade deals with the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s tariff plan.&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/trump-secures-full-and-complete-trade-deal-with-south-korea/chohs8MR5Cn">secured a 15% levy</a> after avoiding a potential 25% rate from August and agreed to measures, including&nbsp;granting Washington access to $350 billion in U.S.-controlled investments, purchasing $100 billion in American LNG and energy products, and further opening its markets to U.S. goods.&nbsp; Vietnam’s deal set a 20% tariff on its exports&nbsp;to the U.S.Lee said the deal removes the uncertainty of exports and levels the playing field,&nbsp;allowing South Korean companies to compete on an equal footing with major countries. He said the partnership will concentrate on shipbuilding, semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology, and energy.Lee and Lam also agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, defense and infrastructure during talks on Monday.&nbsp;South Korean companies are expected to participate in Vietnam's major infrastructure projects, including the development of new cities, high-speed rail systems, and nuclear power plants. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said the visit would also open up more opportunities for cooperation on semiconductors and artificial intelligence.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment was ‘bearish’ for the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) and ‘bullish’ for the VanEck Vietnam ETF (VNM), with both seeing ‘normal’ and ‘low’ message volume, respectively.So far this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/VNM">VNM</a> is up 49.7%, outperforming&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/EWY">EWY’s</a> 44.4% gain.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (R) attends with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam (L) during a joint statement at the presidential office. (Photo by Song Kyung-Seok - Pool/Getty Images)

South Korea, Vietnam Plot $150 Billion Trade Boost To Counter Trump Tariff Heat

Leaders from both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including critical minerals, defense, infrastructure, and advanced technology.

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