Korea Macro Daily(Beta Mode)
Won Nears 1,500 on Oil Shock
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 5,549.85 | +1.14% |
| KOSDAQ | 1,138.29 | -1.27% |
| USD/KRW | 1,489.31 | +1.27% |
| Samsung | 183,500.00 | -2.34% |
| SK Hynix | 910,000.00 | -2.15% |
| Brent Crude | 100.72 | -2.35% |
| Gold | 5,013.70 | -0.77% |
| Bitcoin | 74,282.22 | +2.05% |
| Korea Short-term Rate | 2.54% | +0.40% |
| Korea Long-term Rate | 3.61% | +3.64% |
Prior Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| No events available | |||
Korea Short-term Rates | Type: macro_line | Short-term Rate (%): 2.541 (2026-02-01) | Range: 0.48–3.639 | Trend(6pt): 0.48,1.745,3.538,3.321,2.53,2.541
Today's Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday (2026-03-17) | |||
| Headline Unemployment Rate | 3 | - | 19:00 |
- Korean won approaches 1,500 per dollar amid Middle East tensions and oil surge, reaching crisis-era highs.
- KOSPI climbs 1.14% despite tech weakness, while USD/KRW rises 1.27% to 1,489.31.
- M2 money supply grows by 27.7 trillion won, indicating liquidity expansion amid inflation measures.
Yesterday's Recap
South Korean markets displayed mixed results amid currency fluctuations and global commodity influences. The KOSPI index advanced 1.14% to 5,549.85, supported by strength in non-tech areas that countered semiconductor losses. Conversely, the KOSDAQ declined 1.27% to 1,138.29, mirroring wider tech sector pressures.
USD/KRW increased 1.27% to 1,489.31, nearing 1,500 as oil price spikes from Middle East conflicts depreciated the won to levels last seen in 1998. Samsung Electronics fell 2.34% to 183,500.00 won, and SK Hynix dropped 2.15% to 910,000.00 won, affected by global chip demand worries. Korea's short-term rate rose 0.40% to 2.54%, while the long-term rate climbed 3.64% to 3.61%, reflecting market expectations of continued monetary firmness.
No significant data releases took place, but reports of M2 increasing 27.7 trillion won pointed to growing liquidity.
The Day Ahead
Focus shifts to tomorrow's headline unemployment rate announcement at 19:00 ET, with the prior reading at 3% and no consensus forecast provided. This medium-impact indicator may shape views on labor market strength amid export challenges and currency strains. Markets could respond if the rate surpasses expectations, possibly impacting Bank of Korea policy outlooks.
No events are set for today, directing attention to persistent won movements and global oil updates. Traders should watch for potential statements from Korean officials as the won edges toward key levels. Overall sentiment may depend on developments in Middle East tensions affecting energy costs.
Other Economic Notes
South Korea's gasoline price cap is anticipated to keep CPI inflation around 2%, offering stability against external disruptions. The financial watchdog's imposition of a six-month partial suspension and 36.8 billion won fine on Bithumb highlights stricter oversight in the cryptocurrency space, which might reduce speculative activities. January's fiscal surplus of 11.3 trillion won demonstrates careful fiscal management amid the 'three highs' of elevated interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates.
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