Korea Macro Daily(Beta Mode)
Won-Based Exports Hit Record, Stocks Rally
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 6,091.39 | +2.07% |
| KOSDAQ | 1,152.43 | +2.72% |
| USD/KRW | 1,479.02 | +0.65% |
| Samsung | 217,000.00 | +2.84% |
| SK Hynix | 1,150,000.00 | +1.23% |
| Brent Crude | 97.99 | +3.22% |
| Gold | 4,811.00 | +0.23% |
| Bitcoin | 75,183.52 | +0.51% |
| Korea Short-term Rate | 2.53% | -0.55% |
| Korea Long-term Rate | 3.73% | +3.21% |
Prior Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline Unemployment Rate | 2.90 | - | 2.70 |
Korea Exports Value | Type: macro_line | Exports (KRW): 32.23 (2026-01-01) | Range: -15.96–44.27 | Trend(5pt): 44.27,7.629,-3.822,3.017,32.23
Today's Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| No events available | |||
- South Korea's won-based export settlements reached a record high in 2025, enhancing currency stability amid global trade shifts.
- Unemployment rate fell to 2.7%, signaling labor market strength, while KOSPI and KOSDAQ posted strong gains.
- BoK governor nominee highlights inflation risks and won volatility, with central bank interventions defending the currency.
Yesterday's Recap
South Korea's headline unemployment rate dropped to 2.7% from 2.9%, indicating robust job growth amid export recovery. KOSPI climbed 2.07% to 6,091.39, fueled by semiconductor optimism and foreign inflows. KOSDAQ surged 2.72% to 1,152.43, with tech small-caps leading the charge.
USD/KRW rose 0.65% to 1,479.02, reflecting mild won weakening despite record export settlements in local currency. Samsung shares advanced 2.84% to 217,000, while SK Hynix gained 1.23% to 1,150,000, both benefiting from global chip demand. Korea's short-term rate eased 0.55% to 2.53%, but long-term rates jumped 3.21% to 3.73%, signaling inflation concerns.
Overall, markets reacted positively to won export highs and leverage buying on hopes of Middle East de-escalation.
The Day Ahead
Today's calendar is quiet with no major data releases or events scheduled for South Korea. Investors will monitor any unscheduled BoK comments on currency interventions following recent volatility. Tomorrow also lacks key announcements, shifting focus to ongoing global oil dynamics impacting Korean imports.
Attention may turn to semiconductor sector updates from firms like Samsung amid trade settlement trends. Broader market sentiment could hinge on USD/KRW movements and any spillover from Asian equities. Expect low volatility unless external shocks arise from geopolitical news.
Other Economic Notes
Record won-based export payments in 2025 underscore South Korea's push to reduce dollar dependence, enhancing trade resilience against currency fluctuations. Emergency USD 3 billion support from Export-Import Bank and Korea Development Bank to Korea National Oil Corporation highlights efforts to secure energy supplies amid non-Hormuz route diversification. Stress buffer capital rules may impose up to 30 trillion won burden on banks, potentially tightening lending and affecting export-driven growth.
