Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Pegatron Corp. $4938.TW, a key supplier to Apple Inc. $AAPL and Dell Technologies Inc. $DELL, is nearing a final decision on a strategic expansion into the United States. At its annual shareholder meeting on Friday, CEO Kuan-Chi Cheng confirmed that the company is in the final evaluation phase of building a manufacturing facility in the U.S., with a formal announcement expected within weeks.

Gold prices retreated on Tuesday, falling nearly 1% from a four-week high as the U.S. dollar (USD) gained strength and traders exercised caution ahead of a potential phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The renewed geopolitical focus, alongside currency dynamics, pressured the precious metal, traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset during periods of uncertainty.

South Korea’s manufacturing sector faced further contraction in May 2025, reflecting sustained pressure from declining domestic demand and intensifying trade friction with the United States. According to the latest data from S&P Global, the country’s Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) edged slightly higher to 47.7 from April’s 47.5 but remained below the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction.