Korea Macro Daily(Beta Mode)
KOSPI Rallies on Iran Ceasefire Hopes
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 5,642.21 | +1.59% |
| KOSDAQ | 1,159.55 | +3.40% |
| USD/KRW | 1,502.78 | +1.17% |
| Samsung | 191,500.00 | +0.95% |
| SK Hynix | 1,001,000.00 | +1.52% |
| Brent Crude | 98.05 | -6.16% |
| Gold | 4,503.30 | +2.36% |
| Bitcoin | 71,025.33 | +0.72% |
| 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 | - | 107 |
Korea Short-Term Interest Rate | Type: macro_line | Short 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday (2026-03-26) | |||
| Business Confidence Index | 72 | - | 13:00 |
- Korean stocks surged on easing Iran tensions, with KOSPI up 1.59% and KOSDAQ jumping 3.40%.
- Consumer confidence fell to 107.0, indicating weakening domestic sentiment.
- Won weakened as USD/KRW rose 1.17%, amid global volatility.
Yesterday's Recap
South Korea's Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 107.0 in March from 112.1 previously, underscoring softening household sentiment due to rising costs. KOSPI advanced 1.59% to 5,642.21, supported by tech leaders like Samsung Electronics (+0.95% to 191,500) and SK Hynix (+1.52% to 1,001,000), fueled by optimism over potential Iran ceasefire. KOSDAQ rose 3.40% to 1,159.55, boosted by export-linked smaller firms.
USD/KRW increased 1.17% to 1,502.78, reflecting won depreciation as investors favored dollars amid Brent crude's 6.16% decline to 98.05. Korea's short-term rate rose 0.40% to 2.54%, and long-term rates climbed 3.64% to 3.61%, suggesting inflation expectations. Gold gained 2.36% to 4,503.30 as a safe haven, while Bitcoin edged up 0.72% to 71,025.33.
Markets responded positively to reports of Trump delaying Iran strikes, though the won faced pressure from oil volatility. Sidecar curbs increased amid KOSPI fluctuations.
The Day Ahead
The Business Confidence Index is due tomorrow at 13:00 ET, with the previous reading at 72, providing clues on corporate outlook amid export hurdles. No key releases today, giving markets time to process the confidence dip and international news. Attention on potential BoK remarks regarding the data, which may affect rate expectations.
Geopolitical developments on Iran could influence equities and the won. Semiconductor sector in focus, with SK Hynix pursuing US listing for AI expansion. Volatility possible if the index disappoints, weighing on KOSPI.
Other Economic Notes
South Korea's export-reliant economy contends with Middle East disruptions, prompting Prime Minister Kim Min-seok to enhance contingency measures for oil shocks. Investments such as GM's $600 million in GM Korea and Exim Bank's 300 billion won support for LG Electronics aim to strengthen manufacturing amid trade shifts. Banana exporters are redirecting to Japan and South Korea to counter Middle East losses, aiding agricultural diversification.
IBK Industrial Bank of Korea plans a digital banking overhaul after 17 years, modernizing financial infrastructure.
