South Korea\'s financial sector has entered the first-quarter earnings season, with non-interest income and non-bank units driving diverging results among major financial holding companies. KB Financial Group, Shinhan Financial Group and Hana Financial Group posted record results, while Woori Financial Group recorded a decline. Strong stock markets lifted securities firms\' earnings, and new savings and investment products were launched. The industry is also accelerating a shift toward AI and digital finance, alongside calls for stronger controls and risk management.

Silver has risen more strongly than gold so far this month, tilting leadership in the precious metals market toward silver. Data cited by BeInCrypto show silver up 15.47 percent against gold’s 6 percent. Indicators including the gold-silver ratio, options positioning and chart patterns are seen favoring silver. Gold still has support from central bank holdings and buying, which is seen limiting downside rather than driving further gains.