Finance

National Participation Growth Fund sells out as financial sector steps up payment ecosystem expansion

South Korea\'s National Participation Growth Fund effectively sold out on its first day of sales, with more than 87 percent of supply taken up and some online allotments closing in 10 minutes. Financial authorities are reviewing options to bring forward next year\'s supply or add more, with additional sales in the second half also discussed. Markets also saw spillover effects, while financial institutions and fintech firms moved to expand payment ecosystems and data-driven services.

Crypto

Institutional money flows in, but price does not: XRP flashes 50 percent drop warning

XRP spot exchange-traded funds have logged net inflows for nine straight sessions, but technical signals point to a possible sharp drop. XRP has fallen 12 percent over the past five days and broke below a bear pennant on a three-day chart, with a downside target of $0.65, about 52.5 percent below current levels. Analysts also flagged bearish weekly indicators and weakening short-term momentum.