Korea Macro Daily(Beta Mode)
Won Firms, Yields Ease as Foreign Outflows Persist
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 7,003.74 | +0.46% |
| KOSDAQ | 893.29 | -0.11% |
| USD/KRW | 1,337.34 | -0.39% |
| Samsung | 272,000.00 | -1.45% |
| SK Hynix | 1,773,000.00 | -3.69% |
| Brent Crude | 101.17 | +0.85% |
| Gold | 4,191.50 | +0.83% |
| Bitcoin | 85,567.90 | -0.25% |
| Korea 3Y Govt Yield | 3.94% | -7 bp |
| Korea 10Y Govt Yield | 4.37% | -7 bp |
Prior Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| No events available | |||
KOSPI vs USD/KRW | Type: market_hloc | KOSPI: 7004 (2026-10-02) | Range: 5594–8051 | Trend(5pt): 8051,6024,6471,7052,7004 | USD/KRW: 1337 (2026-10-06) | Range: 1337–1531 | Trend(6pt): 1531,1464,1414,1339,1361,1337
Today's Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| No events available | |||
- KOSPI rose 0.46% to 7,003.74 while KOSDAQ slipped 0.11%, as the won strengthened 0.39% against the dollar to 1,337.34.
- Korean government bond yields fell 7 bp across the curve, with the 3-year at 3.94% and the 10-year at 4.37%.
- BoK pushed back on IMF current-account proposals while former Governor Rhee criticized the 52-hour workweek's productivity drag.
Yesterday's Recap
Korean equities diverged on Monday, with the KOSPI adding 0.46% to close at 7,003.74 while the KOSDAQ slipped 0.11% to 893.29, as semiconductor heavyweights lagged the broader market. Samsung Electronics fell 1.45% to 272,000 won and SK Hynix dropped 3.69% to 1,773,000 won, weighing on the tech-heavy index even as the headline market advanced. The won firmed 0.39% against the dollar to 1,337.34, supported by strong export momentum and policy signals, with Commerzbank flagging both as pillars of KRW stability.
Fixed-income markets rallied in tandem: the 3-year yield eased 7 bp to 3.94% and the 10-year fell 7 bp to 4.37%, reflecting a bid for duration despite equity strength. The equity rally masked persistent foreign selling, with overseas investors dumping roughly 20 trillion won of Korean stocks over the past month, a flow dynamic that bears watching for sustainability. Brent crude climbed 0.85% to $101.17 and gold rose 0.83% to $4,191.50, while bitcoin eased 0.25% to $85,567.90.
No major Korean macro prints were scheduled for the session, leaving price action driven by flows and policy commentary.
The Day Ahead
The calendar is light on scheduled Korean data releases for Tuesday, with no headline CPI, GDP, or trade figures due, leaving markets to trade on flows and policy rhetoric. Attention will center on follow-through from the finance minister's pledge to tame inflation while boosting growth, a dual mandate that frames the fiscal stance into year-end. Currency watchers will track whether the won's firming trend extends, particularly given Commerzbank's constructive view anchored on export performance.
Equity investors will monitor whether foreign outflows abate after the 20 trillion won monthly dump, or whether domestic institutions continue absorbing supply. Structural headlines, including the debate over the 52-hour workweek and its productivity implications, may shape sentiment in labor-intensive sectors. With no data catalysts, the KOSPI's ability to hold the 7,000 level amid chip weakness will be the key technical test.
Other Economic Notes
The World Bank raised its Asia-Pacific growth forecast to 4.5%, while highlighting that semiconductors now account for 43% of the KOSPI's composition, a concentration that amplifies both the index's upside and its vulnerability to chip cycles. ↓ p.2
