South Korean stocks opened lower on Monday ahead of the US Federal Reserve's rate-setting meeting. The KOSPI index fell 0.2 percent to 4,091.74 in early trading. Investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach, anticipating a 0.25 percentage point cut by the Fed.
On Monday, December 8, 2025, Seoul's stock market opened weakly ahead of the US Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. The two-day FOMC gathering begins Tuesday US time, with analysts widely expecting a 0.25 percentage point rate cut. In the first 15 minutes of trading, the benchmark KOSPI index dropped 8.31 points, or 0.2 percent, to 4,091.74.
Technology stocks showed mixed performance. Market leader Samsung Electronics remained unchanged from the prior session, while SK hynix fell 1.1 percent. LG Energy Solution rose 1.88 percent. In the auto sector, Hyundai Motor declined 1.59 percent, but its affiliate Kia gained 0.73 percent. Hanwha Aerospace surged 2.91 percent.
By 11:20 a.m., the KOSPI narrowed losses to 1.54 points, or 0.04 percent, down at 4,098.51. Samsung Electronics then climbed 0.92 percent, SK hynix dipped 0.55 percent, and LG Energy Solution jumped 4.58 percent following its new supply agreement with Mercedes-Benz. Financial shares weakened, with KB Financial down 3.02 percent and Shinhan Financial off 3.37 percent. Investors remained cautious ahead of the Fed decision and upcoming earnings from US tech firms like Oracle and Broadcom.
The local currency traded at 1,470.7 won per US dollar as of 9:15 a.m., down 1.9 won from the previous close, and further eased to 1,469.4 won by 11:20 a.m., a 0.6 won decline. This reflects broader global uncertainties impacting Korean markets.
