Korea Macro Daily(Beta Mode)
KOSPI Rebounds on Iran Relief
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 5,553.92 | +2.74% |
| KOSDAQ | 1,121.44 | +2.24% |
| USD/KRW | 1,496.69 | -0.50% |
| Samsung | 190,000.00 | +1.99% |
| SK Hynix | 983,000.00 | +5.36% |
| Brent Crude | 100.23 | +0.29% |
| Gold | 4,476.40 | +1.64% |
| Bitcoin | 70,138.85 | -1.09% |
| Korea Short-term Rate | 2.54% | +0.40% |
| Korea Long-term Rate | 3.61% | +3.64% |
Prior Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Index | 112.10 | - | - |
Korea Long-term Rates | Type: macro_line | Long Rate (%): 3.612 (2026-02-01) | Range: 1.905–4.272 | Trend(6pt): 2.041,3.64,3.86,3.07,3.366,3.612
Today's Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday (2026-03-26) | |||
| Business Confidence Index | 72 | - | 13:00 |
- Korean stocks surged amid eased geopolitical tensions, with KOSPI up 2.74% and KOSDAQ gaining 2.24%.
- Won strengthened 0.50% versus USD, supported by resilient exports despite Mideast risks.
- Semiconductor leaders drove gains, as Samsung rose 1.99% and SK Hynix jumped 5.36%.
Yesterday's Recap
Korean markets rebounded sharply from recent volatility triggered by Mideast tensions, with the KOSPI closing at 5,553.92 after a 2.74% gain, fueled by tech sector optimism. The KOSDAQ advanced 2.24% to 1,121.44, reflecting broad risk-on sentiment amid reports of delayed U.S. actions against Iran.
USD/KRW fell 0.50% to 1,496.69, as the won recovered from a 17-year low, bolstered by strong early March export data showing resilience in semiconductors and autos. Samsung Electronics shares climbed 1.99% to 190,000.00, while SK Hynix surged 5.36% to 983,000.00 on positive demand outlooks. Korea's short-term rate edged up 0.40% to 2.54%, and long-term rate rose 3.64% to 3.61%, pricing in inflation risks from oil.
Consumer Confidence Index was released with previous at 112.1, though actual figures remain unavailable, contributing to cautious optimism. Foreign inflows supported equities, offsetting prior outflows amid Iran crisis persistence.
The Day Ahead
Attention turns to upcoming data releases, with no major events scheduled for today, March 24, 2026. On March 26, the Business Confidence Index is due at 13:00 ET, with prior reading at 72 and no consensus yet, potentially signaling corporate sentiment amid export strength. This medium-impact indicator could influence KOSPI if it reflects ongoing resilience in manufacturing.
Markets will monitor any spillover from global events, though Korea-specific catalysts remain light. Traders eye won dynamics, as any surprise in confidence could sway USD/KRW by 20-30 pips.
Other Economic Notes
South Korea's export growth showed resilience in early March, maintaining momentum despite surging energy prices from Mideast conflicts, driven by semiconductors and shipbuilding. Foreign bank branches reported a 1.68 trillion won net profit, down 5.8% year-on-year, highlighting challenges in the financial sector amid weakening won pressures. Broader themes include balancing inflation risks from oil with growth support, as policymakers navigate nomination of a new central bank chief.
