FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Close Lower

The benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.58% to close at 6,955 on Tuesday, giving back an over one-month closing high from the previous session as renewed inflation concerns and mounting expectations of further Federal Reserve rate hikes pressured sentiment. Brent crude rose above $97 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and mounting worries over potential supply disruptions. Iran warned of risks to shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, even as it moved toward a deal with Oman to manage maritime traffic in the area.

Major decliners included Samsung Electronics (-0.19%), Hyundai Motor (-2.04%), LG Energy Solution (-3.86%), KB Financial Group (-0.97%), and Kia Corporation (-2.34%). Retail investors were net sellers of 3.05 trillion won, more than offsetting combined net purchases of 1.29 trillion won by foreign and institutional investors. Market participants now look ahead to Friday’s US inflation report for clearer guidance on the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory. At the same time, renewed optimism over AI-related investment and robust memory-chip demand continued to support semiconductor shares.