The South Korean won strengthened further against the U.S. dollar after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at resuming peace talks with Iran. It closed at 1,474.2 per dollar on April 15, up 7 won and marking a second consecutive session of gains.
SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean won closed at 1,474.2 per U.S. dollar on Wednesday, up 7 won from the previous session, buoyed by hopes for resumed U.S.-Iran peace talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday U.S. time that talks with Iran could resume "over the next two days" in Pakistan, according to foreign media reports. The first round of talks in Islamabad over the weekend failed to reach agreement, after which Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire next week.
The conflict began in late February following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and has escalated into a broader regional war, driving up global oil prices. This has heightened won volatility amid concerns over inflation and economic slowdown, as South Korea relies heavily on energy imports and faces increased dollar demand for crude.
The dollar index rose 0.03 percent to 98.15. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) advanced 2.07 percent to 6,091.39. The won had hit a one-month high on Tuesday amid similar optimism.
