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Golden Ten Data reported on March 12 that the South Korean stock market has experienced intense fluctuations recently, to the extent that expectations for future volatility have also diminished. The implied volatility of the Korea KOSPI 200 index, which reflects option prices, surged as the market sold off, but currently appears relatively low compared to recent actual volatility levels. In fact, the difference between implied volatility and actual volatility has dropped to its lowest level since August 2024, indicating that the cost of hedging against future turbulence seems inexpensive. Jun Gyun, a derivatives analyst at Samsung Securities, stated: "In the KOSPI 200 index options market, participants seem to be pricing in the view that, apart from the global negative events already reflected in the first quarter, there are no major risk factors in the second quarter. The market expects the volatility environment in the second quarter to stabilize."

BlockBeats News, March 12, the main development branch of the Bitcoin client Bitcoin Core has merged the Cluster Mempool update (PR #34616), expected to be included in a future Bitcoin Core version 31.0. This upgrade will redesign the way nodes manage the mempool, processing related transactions in groups to improve block packing efficiency and optimize fee calculation for RBF and CPFP transactions. Bitcoin Core 31.0 is expected to be released in the second half of 2026. (CriptoNoticias)

1. Analysis of tanker tracking data shows that despite attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran-related forces, which have sharply reduced oil exports from other Gulf countries, Iranian crude oil continues to be transported through the strait at near-normal speeds. According to TankerTrackers, since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran has exported about 13.7 million barrels of crude oil; Kpler estimates that exports reached 16.5 million barrels in the first 11 days of March.2. Iran’s ability to continue exporting oil without interception stands in stark contrast to the US maritime blockade during military operations in Venezuela. Experts from consulting firms expressed surprise that the US did not initiate similar actions before this conflict. However, analysts warn that if the US seizes tankers linked to Iran, it could trigger more attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.3. Shipping experts point out that as long as Iran-related vessels continue to pass through the area, there is motivation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open; if the US seizes tankers, Iran may go all out to completely block the strait, such as by laying mines. The White House has not yet responded to whether it plans to target Iranian oil exports.4. Satellite images show that several very large crude carriers are still loading oil at Iran’s Kharg Island export hub. Before the attack on February 28, Iran anticipated US-Israeli actions, and exports in February rose to about 2.17 million barrels per day, with a historical high of about 3.79 million barrels per day during the week of February 16. Since the outbreak of war, at least six crude oil tankers have left Iran.