KOSPI

South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index topped 7,000 points for the first time at the opening bell on Wednesday. The surge was driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement pausing operations in the Strait of Hormuz amid efforts to finalize a deal with Iran. The index opened at a record high of 7,093.01.

May 03, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

South Korean stocks opened at a fresh record high on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to free ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, amid Washington and Tehran exchanging peace talk proposals. The benchmark KOSPI surged 2.79% to 6,782.93 at the open. Eased Middle East tensions drove the rally.

South Korean stocks ended a three-day winning streak on April 17 due to profit-taking, as investors awaited developments on a possible second round of U.S.-Iran peace talks. The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.55% to 6,191.92, while the won weakened to 1,483.5 against the dollar. This came amid positive signals from U.S. President Donald Trump on weekend negotiations.

April 16, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Seoul shares soared more than 2 percent on April 15 to close above 6,000 for the first time since the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted in late February. The Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar. Hopes for U.S.-Iran peace talks and Wall Street gains drove the rally.

The Korean won opened at 1,519.9 per U.S. dollar in Seoul on Tuesday, hitting its weakest level in 17 years. Fears of global oil supply disruptions grew due to the escalating Middle East conflict. The KOSPI index also opened nearly 3 percent lower.

March 27, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

The South Korean won weakened to 1,508.9 against the U.S. dollar by 3:30 p.m. Seoul time on March 27, down 1.9 won from the prior session and extending losses for a third day amid stalled U.S.-Iran talks over the Middle East crisis. The KOSPI fell further 0.4 percent to 5,438.87 as oil prices surged with the Strait of Hormuz closed.