FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Fall for 3rd Day

On Friday, the benchmark KOSPI index experienced a decline of 0.2%, settling around 2,486 points, marking its third consecutive session of losses and positioning it for a second weekly downturn. This decline mirrored Wall Street's overnight setbacks, largely attributed to sweeping tariffs introduced by US President Trump, which have unsettled global markets. These measures, which include a 25% tariff on South Korean goods, have significantly affected South Korea's export-heavy economy. In reaction, Acting President Han Duck-soo has called for negotiations with US officials and initiated emergency support measures for businesses to mitigate the impact. Additionally, investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of a crucial Constitutional Court decision later on Friday concerning the potential formal removal of impeached President Yoon. Within the index, chipmakers were prominent losers, with Samsung Electronics falling by 0.9% and SK Hynix by 4.3%. Conversely, battery manufacturers showed gains, with LG Energy Solution advancing 3.5% and Samsung SDI increasing by 2.1%.