KOSPI

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.

S&P Global: Oil Shock Could Undermine Asian Pacific Bonds

About one-seventh of Asian Pacific corporate bonds outstanding could come under pressure if the Persian Gulf war and higher oil prices persist, S&P Global reported Thursday."A prolonged oil shock could undermine the credit quality of 15% of rated Asia-Pacific corporates tested under our downside scenario," advised S&P Global. "That's up from 9% under our base case of a quicker end to war."The Asia-Pacific is more exposed to a Middle-East related energy shock than most other regions, and vulnerable to "disruptions to energy and raw material supplies, demand destruction, margin compression, and working capital volatility," advised S&P Global.Nearly 90% of the crude oil shipped through the Strait of Hormuz is bound for Asia, and Persian Gulf petroleum accounts for about 40% of Asia-Pacific's energy imports, noted the credit-rating agency.In Asia, industries and enterprises that rely on jet fuel, diesel, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) "face the highest shortage risk," reported S&P Global.Business sectors most affected include chemicals, downstream oil and gas, airlines, automobile-manufacturing, engineering and construction, and building materials.In terms of nations, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China "have largely mitigated near-term supply disruption," through use of adequate reserves, but "other countries have had to announce various measures to manage a potential energy supply crunch," said S&P Global.Not only corporates, but some sovereign bonds could be affected if high prices persist.The Philippines sovereign credit-rating was reduced to BBB+ "stable" from "positive" last week, due to exposure to oil shocks, said S&P Global.

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.

South Korean Shares Open Higher Over Potential Second Round of Peace Talks Between US, Iran

South Korean shares opened higher on Tuesday amid discussions between the US and Iran to hold a potential second in-person meeting before the agreed US-Iran ceasefire expires next week.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose 151.38 points or 2.6% to open at 5,960. The Kosdaq also increased 20.77 points or 1.88% to start trading at 1,120.61.Discussions for the talk come after the US carried out a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which started at 10 a.m. ET on Monday. US President Donald Trump threatened Iranian ships that come near the blockade. Trump also said that other countries were offering to help with the blockade of Iranian ports, but he did not mention which countries.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that "provocative" US actions in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz could threaten global peace. Lavrov said Russia is ready to help resolve the issue from the "unprovoked American-Israeli aggression against Iran."In other news, Marco Rubio will join direct Israel-Lebanon talks on Tuesday at the US State Department, alongside Michel Issa and Michael Needham, with delegations led by ambassadors Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh.

Asia Week Ahead: GDP Growth; Trade Data; and Inflation Prints

For the week ahead in Asia, markets will be focused on a slate of monthly data that will help investors assess how the Middle East conflict is feeding into economic conditions across the region.The week opens Monday with New Zealand's services sector survey and India's March inflation print, as well as a scheduled speech by the Bank of Japan's governor that could offer clues on the timing of a possible rate hike.Attention then shifts Tuesday to China's trade figures and a monetary policy decision in Singapore, alongside business and consumer confidence readings from Australia and industrial production data from Japan.Midweek brings trade and labor market data from India and South Korea, while Thursday is headlined by China's first-quarter GDP report and a broad batch of activity indicators.Friday rounds off the week with Malaysia's preliminary first-quarter GDP and inflation data, as well as Singapore's March trade numbers, including non-oil exports.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 13The week kicked off with a report indicating New Zealand's services sector shrank for the third consecutive month as the conflict in the Middle East impacted consumer confidence.The BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index for March came in at 46.0, down 1.6 points from February and 6.6 points lower than the long-term average of 52.8."So poor was the PSI reading that our combined PMI/PSI indicator is suggesting the economy could soon be contracting," said Stephen Toplis, BNZ's head of research.Outside of New Zealand, markets will be on the look out for India's March inflation print.A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated that the pace of price increase may have quickened during the month to around 3.5% year on year from the 3.2% recorded in February.The March print will give observers the first real look on how the Indian economy is faring after war broke out in the Middle East.While overall inflation is expected to rise, core inflation--which excludes the impact of some items--is likely to clock in at below 4%, giving the Reserve Bank of India room to shy away from a hawkish stance near term, economists at DBS said, the Wall Street Journal reported.Meanwhile, markets will also be closely following a scheduled speech by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on the possible timing of a rate hike. The central bank is reportedly considering a rate hike this month to counter price pressures from the Iran war.Elsewhere, Indonesia reported a 6.5% annual rise in retail sales during February, quickening from the 5.7% growth witnessed a month prior.TUESDAY, April 14China's trade figures will capture headlines Tuesday.The world's second-largest economy could report a trade surplus of $112 billion in March, higher than the $91 billion captured in February, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Despite the rising surplus, economists at ING said they expect March export growth to moderate from the figures seen in the first two months of the year.A monetary policy decision and an advance estimate of GDP growth in the first quarter is expected in Singapore.Unlike other economies, Singapore tweaks its currency exchange rate rather than its domestic interest rates to control inflation. While the Monetary Authority of Singapore has not adjusted its policy since April 2025, it is now expected to tighten the valves in response to the Middle East conflict, according to a survey of economists compiled by Bloomberg, CNA Digital reported.Meanwhile, Singapore's economy likely slowed during the first three months of the year due to a pullback in manufacturing activity, the WSJ reported, citing Barclays economists.The city-state's economy expanded 6.9% year-on-year in the final quarter of 2025 and by 5% during the entirety of the year.In January, the city-state had upgraded its 2026 forecast to a range of 2% to 4%, with growth outlook raised to 3%. However, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said in March the government will reassess its GDP forecast following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence in Australia are expected.Consumer confidence was near the bottom of its 18-month range in March, and the April survey was shaping up for a bigger drop as consumers reckoned with the implications of the conflict in the Middle East, the National Australia Bank said in a preview.Meanwhile, the March business confidence report should capture the flow through impacts from the energy crisis and higher borrowing costs in Australia, Westpac said."Widespread supply disruptions and soaring energy costs are likely to be reflected in higher business input and output costs," the firm said in a note.Japan's industrial production stats will also be in focus on Tuesday, while India will release wholesale price inflation data the same day.WEDNESDAY, April 15A slew of macro data from India and South Korea will be in the news Wednesday.India will report its trade figures for March which could show a widening of the trade deficit to $32.75 billion from $27.1 billion in the month prior, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Labor data, due the same day, could show unemployment climbed to 5.1% from 4.9% in February, according to another Trading Economics consensus estimate.South Korea will similarly report March labor data and export and import prices.Unemployment in South Korea has been on a downward trajectory since December when it stood at 3.3%. The most recent reading was of 2.9%.Japan's machinery orders stats are also scheduled for release Wednesday.THURSDAY, April 16Markets will turn their attention to a flurry of data coming in from China, including the closely watched GDP growth rate for the first quarter of the year.Analysts place China's Q1 GDP growth rate at 4.9% year on year, rising from the 4.5% recorded in the closing months of 2025, the WSJ reported. Economists at DBS attributed the expected rise in growth to a jump in overseas demand for Chinese goods, the WSJ added.The GDP release will be accompanied by China's house price index, offering an insight into new home prices across 70 cities that markets use as a benchmark. New prices are expected to stay in negative territory, though any moderation would be viewed positively, economists at ING said.Additional releases will include China's industrial production data, retail sales figures, and unemployment stats."Other than industrial production, which we expect to grow around 5.5% YoY, economic activity data is likely to remain rather soft in March," ING said in a preview.Labor data from Australia is also expected Thursday.The National Australia Bank expects the jobless rate to stay at 4.3%, with employment rising by 25,000. "While the survey period captures the escalation in the Middle East conflict, it is likely too early to see a response to this reflected in the data," NAB said in a note.The Reuters Tankan Index for April, a key gauge of Japanese business confidence, will be due the same day.FRIDAY, April 17The week rounds off with Malaysia's preliminary GDP growth rate figures for the first quarter of the year.Economists at ANZ expect first-quarter growth to ease to 5.3% from the 6.3% recorded in the final quarter of 2025, the WSJ reported. Despite stronger agriculture output, the Malaysian economy saw industrial and retail activity moderate during the opening months of 2026, the report said, citing ANZ.Malaysia's inflation data is also expected Friday, with Trading Economics forecasting the pace of price increase to quicken to 1.8% year on year from the 1.4% recorded in February.Singapore reports March trade data, including non-oil exports, the same day.