FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Return to 17-Month Low

The KOSPI index decreased by 0.8%, settling at 2,316 points on Wednesday. This marks its lowest level in seventeen months, as ongoing concerns about comprehensive U.S. tariffs continued to dampen investor confidence. In response, South Korea announced emergency support initiatives for its automotive industry to mitigate the effects of U.S. President Trump's tariffs. These measures include financial backing for car manufacturers, tax cuts, and subsidies aimed at boosting domestic consumption. Furthermore, the government committed to enhancing discussions with the U.S to alleviate trade tensions. Economically, South Korea experienced a rise in its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, reaching 2.9% in March 2025, compared to 2.7% in February. Among individual stocks, declines were recorded in SK Hynix (-1.7%), Celltrion (-2.6%), Hanwha Aerospace (-2.7%), and Shinhan Financial Group (-2.6%).