The KOSPI Index in South Korea declined by 1.9%, closing at 2,482.57. This marks the third consecutive trading session of losses, primarily led by declines in semiconductor, steel, and airline stocks. The persistent weakness of the Korean won against the US dollar has dampened investor sentiment and reduced demand for local equities. Foreign and institutional investors continued to be net sellers.
Major index component Samsung Electronics (SSNLF, Financial) saw its shares drop by 3.6%, while memory chip manufacturer SK Hynix fell by 3.5%. Steel manufacturer Posco Holdings witnessed a 2.1% decline, and low-cost airline Jin Air's stock dropped 5.9%. In Seoul's onshore trading, the USD/KRW exchange rate increased by 0.6%, reaching a two-year high at 1,403.50 won.
