Financial Markets

The Ibovespa fell more than 1% on Monday, May 11, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and domestic inflation data.

May 11, 2026 Reported by AI

South Korean stocks opened at a fresh record high on Monday, boosted by semiconductor gains even as concerns mounted over a potential breakdown in the US-Iran peace deal.

Seoul shares closed higher by 1.4 percent on optimism over upcoming U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations following a two-week Middle East truce. The KOSPI ended at 5,858.87, extending weekly gains to nearly 9 percent despite lingering geopolitical concerns. Investor sentiment improved amid positive regional developments.

April 09, 2026 Reported by AI

South Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said on Thursday that volatility in financial and foreign exchange markets has "somewhat eased" following a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a suspension of strikes on Iran, which led South Korean stocks to surge nearly 7 percent on Wednesday and the Korean won to strengthen sharply against the U.S. dollar. The government pledged to remain vigilant in maintaining macroeconomic stability.

The Korean won fell to a nearly two-month low against the U.S. dollar on Friday amid persistent volatility in financial markets due to the Middle East crisis. At 3:30 p.m., the won was quoted at 1,476.4 per dollar, down 8.3 won from the previous session and marking its weakest level since January 20. The Bank of Korea stated it is closely monitoring developments and preparing responses as volatility could continue depending on the situation.

March 03, 2026 Reported by AI

Following US-Israeli strikes on Iran—detailed in prior coverage—that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and escalated Middle East tensions with oil and gold surges, Indonesian businesses are implementing short-term risk mitigations amid rising costs, while Bank Indonesia monitors inflation risks.