Demand for multi-venue competition grows in South Korea to prevent ‘blind trading’ during U.S. overnight session

CHICAGO and SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bruce Markets, which operates the overnight U.S. equities trading venue Bruce ATS, today announced that Meritz Securities, a leading Korean investment bank and broker-dealer, has connected to Bruce ATS’ market data feed for overnight U.S. equities. The integration provides Meritz Securities with greater visibility into quote and trade activity on Bruce ATS throughout the 8:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. ET overnight U.S. session, broadening customers’ view of U.S. equity prices during the Korean business day.

The milestone comes as South Korean traders fight ‘blind trading’ and reassert their role as one of the most important sources of overnight U.S. equity demand:

Korean brokerages resumed daytime access to U.S. stocks in November 2025 following a 15-month suspension, with stronger safeguards and a multi-venue framework.Bruce Markets analysis found that total overnight notional activity nearly doubled between the November reopening and March 2026.Since November 2025, several venue-specific symbol restrictions have reinforced the importance of multi-venue competition. Multiple trading venues help Korean retail traders access pricing data and avoid ‘blind trading’ – a need underscored in September when one venue halted trading in five symbols that collectively averaged 15+ million daily shares in August.

“Healthy markets are built on competition, transparency and choice. Bruce’s share of reported overnight volume nearly doubled in Q2 because market participants increasingly recognize the value of having more than one credible source of liquidity and data,” said Jason Wallach, CEO of Bruce Markets. “Meritz Securities’ connection brings a more complete view of the overnight session in U.S. equities to one of its most important investor bases. That visibility is essential if Korean firms are going to prevent blind trading and deliver the high-quality experience customers deserve.”

Meritz Securities’ connection to Bruce ATS market data reflects accelerating growth in overnight U.S. equities. Across the three leading overnight ATSs, Q2 trading reached 11.14 billion shares and $391.2 billion in notional value – increases of 34% and 59% from Q1, respectively – according to the Bruce Q2 Overnight Market Review.

Bruce ATS accelerated significantly in Q2, with executed volume up 144% to 1.16 billion shares and executed notional up 105% to $49.03 billion. The momentum has continued into September, with Bruce’s share of reported overnight notional climbing from 14.13% to a record 20.77%, and its share of monthly overnight volume rising from 11.66% to 16.4%.

“Meritz Securities is pleased to expand Korean investors’ access to the U.S. overnight equity market through Bruce ATS,” Meritz Securities said in a statement. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing clients with broader market access and a stable, reliable trading experience across extended trading hours.”

As Korean demand for U.S. equities continues to expand, a competitive, multi-venue ecosystem ensures market resilience and gives brokers, traders and liquidity providers multiple pathways to see and reach liquidity across a wider range of market conditions.

About Bruce Markets
Bruce Markets operates Bruce ATS™, a U.S. equities alternative trading system enabling overnight trading from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM ET. Underpinned by exchange-grade technology and market rules, led by industry veterans and backed by leading firms from across the trading ecosystem, Bruce provides a high-performance, resilient venue that bridges the U.S. after-hours and pre-market sessions. By providing a credible source of after-hours liquidity for brokers and investors and leading the evolution of always-available markets, Bruce brings needed competition to the ecosystem and is redefining after-hours trading worldwide. To learn more, visit www.brucemarkets.com.

About Meritz Securities
Meritz Securities Co., Ltd. is a South Korean financial services firm and member of Meritz Financial Group. The company provides securities brokerage, investment banking, sales and trading, and other financial services to retail, institutional and corporate clients. Meritz continues to expand its retail and global investing capabilities through technology-led platforms that bring together trading, information, analysis and investor communities. To learn more, visit home.imeritz.com.

Media Contacts
Forefront Communications for Bruce Markets
bruce@forefrontcomms.com 

Meritz Securities
prd@meritz.co.kr 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meritz-securities-connects-to-bruce-markets-data-feed-for-us-equities-improving-market-data-for-korean-traders-302876583.html

SOURCE Bruce Markets

Gen Precision expands the GTK-OSI1 for production-line inspection of FAUs with up to 80 channels and custom structures, delivering 3σ ≤ 0.1 μm repeatability.

TAOYUAN, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gen Precision is expanding its inspection capabilities for co-packaged optics (CPO) applications as manufacturers seek higher-precision, more flexible inspection of fiber array units (FAUs) and related components. The company now supports FAU configurations with up to 80 channels and custom components with specialized structures, while helping customers deploy these inspection capabilities on production lines to accelerate product qualification and production ramp-up for next-generation optical communications products.

“Passive optical components have traditionally followed standard 1×M or M×N array formats, but AI infrastructure is driving higher-density and increasingly customized designs,” said Jacky Chang, Executive Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chairman at Gen Precision. “Inspection must evolve with these products. By adapting our inspection methods to different designs and validating them with actual customer samples, we help customers advance new optical products with greater confidence.”

Gen Precision has completed inspection and validation projects for multiple customers, including non-standard custom designs, and has shipped its first batch of automated inspection systems.

GTK-OSI1 Expands FAU Inspection to Specialized Structures

Gen Precision has expanded the capability of the GTK-OSI1 Automated Passive Optical Component Inspection Machine beyond standard FAU-related component inspection, adding support for custom components and production-line deployment. By combining AOI-based precision measurement, automation control, AI-powered visual recognition, and software development capabilities, Gen Precision can adapt the system to different component designs.

The GTK-OSI1 delivers measurement repeatability of 3σ ≤ 0.1 μm for Fiber Arrays (FA), V-Grooves, and MT/MMC ferrules. Based on customer sample validation, measurement scripts and fixtures can be customized for deployment in automated production-line workflows. Once specifications are confirmed, Gen Precision can complete system customization and delivery within 6 to 8 months.

From Component Inspection to CPO Performance Validation

Gen Precision will further extend its optical communications automation capabilities into post-packaging performance testing. In collaboration with Lintes Technology, Gen Precision will develop a CPO test system to validate the performance of packaged products integrating an Optical Engine and FAU. Drawing on its expertise in precision machining, metrology, and automation, the initiative will extend Gen Precision’s capabilities beyond component-level dimensional inspection to include post-packaging performance validation, supporting customers across a broader range of optical product development stages.

About Gen Precision

Established in 1992 and headquartered in Taoyuan, Taiwan, Gen Precision offers fully integrated in-house capabilities in nanoscale precision mold manufacturing, automation system development, and injection molding.

Backed by an ISO 9001–certified quality management system, we deliver key components and integrated automation solutions for semiconductor, optical communications, healthcare, and electronics industries. With long-term global partnerships and customized support, we help customers optimize operations, improve yield, and create lasting value at scale.

Learn more at gentk.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cpo-design-evolution-drives-gen-precisions-expansion-of-custom-fau-inspection-for-production-lines-302876259.html

SOURCE Gen Precision

28-Year-Old McMillen from Montana Defeats Marwan Rahiki, Remains Undefeated, and Earns Third $100,000 BonusBrandon Moreno from Tijuana, Mexico, Claims Split Decision Win over Joseph Morales in Flyweight Co-Main EventAlexa Grasso from Guadalajara, Mexico, Defeats Manon Fiorot via Unanimous Decision in Women’s Flyweight Bout

GLENDALE, Ariz., Sept. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The rise continues! Monster Energy congratulates MMA athlete Tommy McMillen on defeating Marwan Rahiki at the Noche UFC event in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday night. In the main card fight contested in the featherweight division, the 28-year-old from Great Falls, Montana, claimed a unanimous decision victory in a three-round battle that earned Fight of the Night honors and a $100,000 bonus.

In the night’s co-main event, 32-year-old Brandon Moreno from Tijuana, Mexico, defeated Joseph Morales via split decision in their flyweight division bout. Rounding out a successful showing for the team, 33-year-old Alexa Grasso from Guadalajara, Mexico, defeated Manon Fiorot by unanimous decision in the women’s flyweight division.

Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado was contested in front of a live crowd of 16,928 spectators inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The special annual event celebrated Mexican Independence Day and honored Mexican fighters’ contributions to combat sports. Featuring a total of six bouts on the Main Card and seven Prelims matchups, Noche UFC was broadcast live on Paramount+.

In Saturday night’s featherweight fight, Monster Energy’s McMillen (12-0) stepped into the Octagon on an undefeated record after most recently stopping Alberto Montes via third-round TKO at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City on July 18. The fast-rising featherweight star set the UFC record for most significant strikes landed in a three-round fight (252) in that performance and pocketed the $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus; could he extend the undefeated run?

His opponent, Rahiki (9-1), also came to Noche UFC undefeated with an eye-catching resume built on a 100-percent finish rate through eight knockouts and one submission. The 24-year-old had scored back-to-back UFC finishes over Harry Hardwick and Ollie Schmid since joining the promotion earlier this year.

The showdown started with both first-year UFC talents exchanging punches in the opening round, with McMillen pressing the action and landing the bigger individual shots. But the fight took a dramatic turn in Round 2 when Rahiki cracked the Arizona native with a massive punch that sent McMillen to the canvas, fighting to survive the onslaught. Refusing to fold, McMillen weathered the storm and made it out of the second round alive with everything riding on the final five-minute frame.

In the third round, McMillen took over the fight. Scoring a knockdown of his own against Rahiki, McMillen threatened with a submission and overwhelmed his opponent with a relentless pace that had the entire Desert Diamond Arena crowd on their feet. When all was said and done, the three judges gave the fight to McMillen (29-28, 29-28, 29-27) as the winner via unanimous decision.

The wild back-and-forth battle earned Fight of the Night honors and a $100,000 bonus for McMillen, his third consecutive UFC $100,000 bonus, bringing his total bonus haul to $300,000 in his rookie year.

“I had the time of my life in there,” said Monster Energy’s McMillen after winning at Noche UFC in Glendale, adding: “I love digging deep. Those are the kinds of fights I want. I don’t want to fight bums — easy fights. I like taking on killers with 100 percent finish rates and going in there and testing myself because the next time you see me, I’ll be even better than the kid you saw tonight.”

With the victory, “Tommy Gun” improved to 12-0 in his professional career and 3-0 inside the UFC Octagon. He immediately called for a fourth fight later this year in Las Vegas, promising fans another $100,000 bonus performance. “I’m just on a different level, and I’m writing the script right now,” said McMillen, adding: “I’m playing a video game, and everyone is in my world. Everyone said he was going to knock me out. You can’t knock me out. You have to kill me. Bring a gun next time.”

In Saturday night’s co-main event, Monster Energy’s Moreno (24-10-2) came to Noche UFC looking to snap a two-fight losing skid and reassert himself as a top contender in the flyweight division. The former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion and the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history returned to competition with plenty to prove after consecutive losses to close out 2025 and open 2026.

Moreno’s opponent, Morales (14-3), stepped into the Octagon riding momentum from his 2025 victory on The Ultimate Fighter Season 33, which earned him a return to the UFC roster. The 32-year-old American came to Glendale looking to score a signature career win against a former champion, but Moreno wanted the last word.

The flyweight showdown unfolded with little grappling through the first two rounds. Both fighters stood and traded punches, with Moreno pressing forward to initiate as Morales landed clean blows of his own. In the third and final round, Moreno turned up the pressure, out-scoring Morales on the feet and closing out the fight with a well-timed takedown that saw him ride out the final 90 seconds in top position.

When all was said and done, two of the three judges gave Moreno all three rounds for the split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27) win in his first-ever Noche UFC appearance. Back in the winner’s circle!

Also on the Main Card, Monster Energy’s Grasso (18-5-1) came to Noche UFC ready to make her case for another shot at the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship title. Fighting on home soil in Arizona, the 33-year-old former UFC champion arrived off a stunning KO win over Maycee Barber in March 2026.

Her opponent, Fiorot (13-3), stepped into the Octagon as one of the most dominant women’s flyweight contenders on the roster. The 36-year-old French striker came to Glendale off a 74-second knockout of Jasmine Jasudavicius and was widely considered next in line for a title shot with a win. But Grasso had other plans!

Grasso came out of the gate with electrifying pressure, pushing forward with sharp boxing combinations that stung the French striker and nearly ended the fight with a knockdown late in Round 1. Although Fiorot found her rhythm in the second round and even opened a cut on Grasso’s brow, the Mexican fighter maintained her aggressive pace to land more strikes and earn all three judges’ scorecards.

On the strength of a striking clinic on home soil, Grasso secured the unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) victory at Noche UFC. This marks Grasso’s second consecutive victory of 2026 and positions her back in the title picture. After the win, Grasso told the crowd: “I’ll get that belt back one day.”

Download Photo Assets here.

Monster Energy’s elite UFC athletes include Alex Pereira, Belal Muhammad, Dricus Du Plessis, Merab Dvalishvili, Valentina Shevchenko, Weili Zhang, Marlon Vera, Justin Gaethje, Brandon Moreno, Johnny Walker, Sean Strickland, Dan Ige, Diego Lopes, Daniel Zellhuber, Derrick Lewis, Alexa Grasso, Raul Rosas Jr., Tatsuro Taira, Shara Magomedov, Maycee Barber, Aaron Pico, Jasmine Jasudavicius, Kayla Harrison, Malcolm Wellmaker, Mansur Abdul-Malik, Manuel Torres, Joshua Van, Reinier de Ridder, Alessandro Costa, Esteban Ribovics, Youssef Zalal, Jiri Prochazka, Manel Kape, Payton Talbott, Jalin Turner, Mackenzie Dern, Mikey Musumeci, and Tommy McMillen.

For more on Monster Energy’s MMA athletes, visit www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. For interview or photo requests, contact Kim Dresser.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock-and-roll lifestyle, Monster Energy believes in authenticity and the core of what its athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy, including all of its drinks, at www.monsterenergy.com.

CONTACT: Kim Dresser C: (949) 300-5546 E: kim.dresser@indiepragency.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monster-energy-athletes-claim-three-victories-at-noche-ufc-302877027.html

SOURCE Monster Energy