1. The AI and semiconductor boom is dividing the strength of Asian currencies Widening currency gap: While the South Korean won (up over 4% since the end of July) and the Taiwan dollar are being bought as they ride the wave of AI and semiconductor demand, currencies like the Philippine peso (down over 2%), which are less likely to benefit, are falling, creating a clear divide. Impact of rising crude oil prices: Whether the increase in import costs due to rising crude oil prices (WTI near-month futures briefly hit the...