KOSDAQ

Bank of Korea Appoints New Governor

The Bank of Korea appointed Hyun Song Shin as its new governor on Tuesday, who took over the top financial role from Rhee Chang-yong, according to a Bank of Korea press release.Hyun will lead the central bank's monetary policy and board over the next four years. He will ​chair his first policy meeting on May 28.In his inaugural address, Hyun said that the country must strive for "price stability and financial stability through cautious and flexible monetary ​policy operations," amid increased uncertainty, high inflation, and the supply shock caused ​by the Middle East war.Hyun also said that he would focus on the internationalization of the Korean won, as it was crucial to building a monetaryinfrastructure.The central bank will pursue 24-hour foreign exchange market operations and establish offshore won settlement systems. These steps will improve the accessibility and resilience of foreign exchange transactions, making them consistent with international standards. In addition, these efforts will also support won-denominated capital and trade transactions.

South Korean Shares Open Higher on Hopes of Iran Talks

South Korean shares opened sharply higher on Tuesday as signs that Iran may participate in the peace talks with the U.S. emerged.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose 1.34%, or added 83.45 points, to open at 6,302.54. The Kosdaq also gained slightly to begin trading at 1,186.23.Iran is planning to send a delegation to the next stage of discussions with the U.S., according to various media reports, citing unnamed sources.However, tensions remained high after U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue until a deal has been struck with Tehran. The naval blockade, which began a week ago, recently seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korean Shares Open Flat as US-Iran Tensions Continue

South Korean shares opened flat with a positive bias on Monday as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, marginally rose to open at 6,213.92. The Kosdaq also gained slightly to begin trading at 1,167.10.Iran's military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, on Monday accused the U.S. of violating a two-week ceasefire after the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spruance intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel called Touska near the Strait of Hormuz.In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the vessel ignored warnings and was seized by U.S. Marines, adding that the vessel was under US Treasury sanctions over alleged past "illegal activity."

South Korean Shares Snap Three-Day Winning Streak Amid IRGC Threats

South Korean shares snapped a three-day winning streak on Friday to close lower as escalating threats from Tehran overshadowed US President Donald Trump's talk of an imminent peace deal.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi fell 34.13 points, or 0.6%, to end at 6,191.92. The Kosdaq increased by 7.07 points, or 0.6%, to close at 1,170.04.In economic news, the U.S. dollar accounted for 84.2% of export settlement for South Korea in 2025, marking the East Asian country's largest export settlement currency for the year, the Bank of Korea said in a Thursday release.The euro represented 5.9%, the South Korean won took up 3.4%, and the Japanese yen represented 1.9% of the country's export settlement currencies last year, the release said.In corporate news, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KRX:009540) secured an order for four very large gas carriers (VLGCs) from an unnamed Middle Eastern shipping company.The deal is valued at 674.7 billion won. The shipbuilder will deliver the vessels by Nov. 30, 2029, according to a Friday filing with the Korean Exchange.Shares of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering rose nearly 3% at market close.

US Dollar South Korea's Largest Export Settlement Currency in 2025

The U.S. dollar represented 84.2% of settlement currencies for Korean exports in 2025, marking the East Asian country's largest export settlement currency for the year, the Bank of Korea said in a Thursday release.The euro represented 5.9%, the South Korean won took up 3.4%, and the Japanese yen represented 1.9% of the country's export settlement currencies last year, the release said.

South Korean Shares Open Slightly Higher on US-Iran Deal Optimism

South Korean shares opened slightly higher on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. is "very close" to striking a deal with Iran and another meeting could take place between the two countries this weekend.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, marginally rose to open at 6,227.33. The Kosdaq also gained 3.8 points to start trading at 1,166.78.Trump said Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, adding that the ongoing agreement could extend beyond two decades.Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command claimed U.S. forces forced 14 vessels to turn back within 72 hours of the naval blockade of Iranian ports.Trump also announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday. He said that Israel's prime minister and Lebanon's president could have a meeting ⁠in Washington over ⁠the ⁠next week or two.

South Korean Shares Close Higher for Third Day on Possible US-Iran Deal; HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Closes 4%

South Korean shares closed higher for a third straight day on Thursday, with the primary index Kospi ending the trading session over 6,200 points as optimism grew around a possible US-Iran deal.Stocks also tracked overnight gains on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran war was "very close to over" in an interview that aired on Wednesday.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose 134.66 points, or 2.2%, to end at 6,226.05. The Kosdaq also increased by 10.54 points, or 0.9%, to close at 1,162.97.In corporate news, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KRX:009540) secured an order for two LPG carriers from an unnamed European shipowner.The deal is valued at 346.6 billion won. The shipbuilder will deliver the vessels by April 30, 2029, according to a Thursday filing with the Korean Exchange.Shares of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering rose nearly 2% at market close.In other news, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (KRX:329180) won an order for pure car and truck carriers from a European shipping company, according to a Thursday filing with the Korean Exchange.The deal is valued at 398.5 billion won. The shipbuilder will deliver the vessels by March 31, 2029.Shares of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 4% at market close.

South Korean Shares Open Higher on US-Iran Deal Optimism

South Korean shares opened higher on Thursday, tracking overnight gains in U.S. stocks as optimism around the possibility of a US-Iran deal rose.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose 58.09 points or 0.95% to open at 6,149.49. The Kosdaq also gained 10.57 points or 0.91% to start trading at 1,163.Reuters reported that Brent crude declined 44 cents (0.5%) to $94.49 a barrel, while U.S. WTI crude shed 70 cents (0.8%) to $90.59 a barrel on hopes of easing U.S.-Iran tensions.U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iran war is "very close to over" in an interview that aired on Wednesday, despite the leader of Iran's joint military command threatening to bring trade to a standstill in the Gulf region if the U.S. kept blocking Iranian ports.In addition, Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei warned that any U.S. invasion would lead Iran to capturing American troops as hostages and strike U.S. naval vessels enforcing the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Market Chatter: South Korean AI Chip Firm DeepX Eyes 2026 IPO, May List in the US

South Korean on-device AI chip company DeepX is planning an initial public offering (IPO) after concluding its ongoing funding round ​in the ​first ⁠half of 2026, Reuters reported Wednesday.DeepX plans to appoint banks for its IPO, and may also seek a US listing after its domestic listing, according to Reuters.DeepX makes semiconductor chips that run AI tasks on devices, and has partnered with companies such as Hyundai Motor (KRX:005380) and Baidu (HKG:9888), the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

IMF Lowers 2026 Growth Outlook for Most Asian Economies Amid Middle East War

The International Monetary Fund has lowered its growth estimates for most Asian economies for 2026, according to a recent release.The organization revised down its growth outlook for emerging Asian economies to 4.9% from a previous prospect of 5% in January, which was before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.Growth for the group will continue to decline to 4.8% in 2027, the IMF said.The organization projects China's economy growing 4.4% this year and 4% next year, while India will post growth of 6.5% for the next two years.Cumulative growth among Southeast Asia's five biggest economies, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, will fall to 3.7% in 2026 from 4.9%, although this will recover to 4.7% next year, the organization said.Individually, Vietnam will post the strongest growth of 7.1%, although this is still lower than the 8% growth last year.The rest of the economies in the group will also see lower growth, with Indonesia at 5%, Malaysia at 4.7%, the Philippines at 4.1%, and Thailand at 1.5%.Among advanced economies in Asia-Pacific, Korea's growth will rise to 1.9% from 1% last year, while that of Australia will remain flat at 2%.Japan's growth will slow down to 0.7% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027 from 1.2% last year, according to the IMF.Taiwan will see lower expansion of 5.2% from 8.7% in 2025, while Singapore's growth will come to 3.5%, down from 5% last year.Hong Kong will also observe lower growth of 2.4%, compared to 3.5% in 2025.The IMF forecasts global economic growth to weaken to 3.1% this year from 3.4% last year, accounting for the impacts of the continued conflict in the Middle East.

South Korean Imports Soar in March on Iran War Cost Pressures

South Korea's import prices jumped 16.1% month on month in March, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released on Wednesday.The surge is the biggest on a month-on-month basis in nearly three decades due to cost pressures stemming from the war in Iran, Bloomberg reported separately the same day.On a yearly basis, imports jumped 18.4%, led by raw materials exports, which surged 40% year over year.Export prices increased 16.3% on a monthly basis, according to the central bank. The rise shows broad inflationary pressure across trade flows, according to the news outlet.The increases in both indicators also reflect a rise in crude costs coupled with a weaker won, according to Bloomberg.Exports surged 28.7% year over year, led by a 28.7% yearly increase in manufacturing goods, the central bank said in its release."The outlook for consumer inflation will likely be influenced by a combination of factors, including how the conflict in the Middle East unfolds, and the effectiveness of the government's price stabilization measures," Bloomberg quoted BOK Price Statistics Chief Lee Moon-hee as saying.South Korea's growth outlook is seen to rise 1.9% in 2026, while inflation is seen to accelerate to 2.5% this year from a previous forecast of 1.8%, according to the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook.The forecast follows the central bank's siren on an increase in price pressures, with inflation exceeding a 2.2% forecast for 2026, Bloomberg said, citing Governor Rhee Chang Yong.The net barter terms of trade index gained 22.8% year over year in US dollar terms.

South Korea's Kospi Closes Near 6,100 Points on Renewed Hopes of US-Iran Talks, Possible End to Middle East Confict

South Korean shares closed sharply higher on Wednesday on hopes of renewed Washington-Tehran talks after initial negotiations failed in Islamabad last week.Investor optimism picked up after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said fresh peace talks could take place over the "next two days." However, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that there was "no information" about further talks with the US.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose 123.64 points, or 2.07%, to end at 6,091.39. The Kosdaq also increased by 30.55 points, or 2.7%, to close at 1,152.43.In economic news, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in South Korea in March edged down to 2.7% from 2.9% in February, data from Statistics Korea indicated Wednesday.On an annual basis, the unemployment rate fell to 3.0% from 3.4%.In other economic news, South Korea's export prices rose 28.7% year-over-year in March, while import prices gained 18.4%, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released on Wednesday.On a month-on-month basis, the export price index and the import price index increased 16.3% and 16.1%, respectively.The net barter terms of trade index gained 22.8% on-year during the month.In corporate news, Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) launched new TV models for this year, which are equipped with key AI features.The 2026 lineup includes TVs such as the Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED, Mini LED, and UHD, alongside lifestyle TVs (The Frame Pro, The Frame), portable "Moving Style" screens, Music Studio 5/7 Wi-Fi speakers, and Q Series all-in-one soundbars.The TV lineup incorporates AI service platforms, including Bixby, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot.Shares of the company rose more than 2% at market close.

South Korean Shares Open Higher on Potential US-Iran Talks, Israel-Lebanon's Direct Negotiations

South Korean shares opened sharply higher on Wednesday on hopes of renewed Washington-Tehran talks after initial negotiations failed in Islamabad last week. Investor optimism picked up after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said fresh peace talks could take place over the "next two days."The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose 173.85 points or 2.91% to open at 6,141.60. The Kosdaq also increased 18.74 points or 1.67% to start trading at 1,140.62.In addition, Israel and Lebanon resumed direct discussions for the first time in over three decades on Tuesday in Washington. The exchange was said to be positive, although key differences are yet to be resolved.Lebanon's Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, said details of the next talks will be shared in due course. Moawad described the first meeting as constructive and highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis from the ongoing conflict.

South Korea's Jobless Rate Edges Down in March

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in South Korea in March edged down to 2.7% from 2.9% in February, data from Statistics Korea indicated Wednesday.On an annual basis, the unemployment rate fell to 3.0% from 3.4%.The number of unemployed people fell by 35,000 to 884,000 in March from 918,000 a year earlier.The number of employed people increased by 206,000 to hit 28.8 million last month from 28.6 million in the year-ago period.

South Korea's Export, Import Prices Jump in March

South Korea's export prices rose 28.7% year-over-year in March, while import prices gained 18.4%, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released on Wednesday.On a month-on-month basis, the export price index and the import price index increased 16.3% and 16.1%, respectively, the data showed.The net barter terms of trade index gained 22.8% on-year during the month.

South Korea's Unemployment Rate Eases to 3.0% in March

South Korean Shares End Near 6,000 Points on Hopes of Renewed US-Iran Talks

South Korean shares closed just shy of 6,000-point mark on Tuesday, as investors appeared optimistic about renewed US-Iran talks following the failed talks in Islamabad.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose 159.13 points, or 2.7%, to end at 5,967.75. The Kosdaq also increased by 22.04 points, or 2%, to close at 1,121.88.US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran wants to make a deal, but ​he will not ​allow Tehran to ​possess a nuclear weapon. He said that nuclear-related disagreements had stalled the peace talks, adding that a blockade of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz by the US Navy had begun on Monday.Meanwhile, Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei warned that Tehran will return to war if its conditions are not met. Rezaei said that either Iran's rights, including control over the Strait of Hormuz, are acknowledged, or the country will go back to war with the US.In economic news, South Korea's information and communication technology (ICT) exports surged 112% to $43.51 billion in March from a year earlier, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a Tuesday release.Imports increased 32.2% to $16.15 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $27.36 billion.In corporate news, LS Eco Energy (KRX:229640) posted first-quarter net income attributable to shareholders of 12.7 billion won, up 13% from 11.3 billion won a year earlier, according to a Tuesday filing with the Korea Exchange.Sales of the power and communication cables manufacturer were up 30% year over year to 296.4 billion won from 228.3 billion won.Shares of LS Eco Energy rose 2% at market close.

Middle East Escalation Could Cost Asia Up to $299 Billion, UNDP Warns

The ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could inflict economic losses of up to $299 billion across Asia and the Pacific, as higher fuel, freight and input costs ripple through regional economies, UNDP's latest assessment report release Tuesday showed.The report said the shock is weakening household purchasing power, increasing food insecurity, straining public budgets and undermining livelihoods, particularly in countries heavily reliant on imported energy and food, as well as those exposed to Gulf trade routes, labor markets and remittance flows.It estimated that under a 28-day disruption scenario, regional output losses could range between $97 billion and $299 billion, equivalent to 0.3% to 0.8% of GDP, with South Asia facing the most pronounced impact.Around 8.8 million people across 14 countries could fall into poverty, including more than 5 million in Iran, where the poverty rate may rise from 36% to 41.5%, according to the simulations.The report, prepared as of April 9, draws on inputs from 22 UNDP country offices covering 36 countries, alongside modelling and external data. It noted that outcomes will depend heavily on the duration and intensity of the conflict, with risks rising further if disruptions persist.

South Korea's ICT Exports Surge 112% in March

South Korea's information and communication technology (ICT) exports surged 112% to $43.51 billion in March from a year earlier, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a Tuesday release.Imports increased 32.2% to $16.15 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $27.36 billion, the release said.Exports extended a 14-month growth streak last month, exceeding $40 billion for the first time and accounting for 50.5% of total national outbound shipments. Semiconductor, mobile phone, and computer exports led the strong gains, while those of display and telecommunications equipment declined.By region, shipments to the U.S., China (including Hong Kong), the EU, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, and Japan increased, with imports also rising across most major categories, the release said.

South Korean Won Gains Against US Dollar Amid Renewed Hopes of US-Iran Talks

The South Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday amid expectations of a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran before the agreed US-Iran ceasefire expires next week.The won opened at 1,478.8 per dollar, gaining 10.5 won from the previous close, according to a Monday Yonhap News report.The talks are expected to take place after the U.S. imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports from 10 a.m. ET Monday, with US President Donald Trump warning Iranian vessels against approaching the blockade and saying other countries may assist in the same, but failed to mention which countries.