Seoul shares closed higher Monday as US inflation data was in line with market expectations raising hopes that the Federal Reserve may start cutting rates in June at the earliest. The Korean won fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 1.23 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 2,747.86. Trade volume was slim at 391.77 million shares worth 9.9 trillion won ($7.3 billion), with gainers outpacing losers 573 to 295. Institutions and foreigners bought a combine

South Korea's exports moved up for the sixth consecutive month in March on the back of the robust performance of chips, data showed Monday. Outbound shipments gained 3.1 percent on-year to $56.5 billion last month, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Imports decreased 12.3 percent on-year to $52.2 billion last month, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.28 billion. South Korea has been maintaining a trade surplus for 10 consecutive months. By sector,

Seoul shares opened higher Monday as the US Federal Reserve is expected to await more evidence that inflation is under control before cutting rates this year. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 8.11 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,754.74 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Fresh inflation data released Friday was in line with the US central bank's expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said it would not be appropriate to cut rates until officials are sure inflation is on track

As Mirae Asset thrives in India, more Korean brokerages eye opportunities, amid lingering regulatory setbacks

South Korea's consumer prices increase is estimated to stay above 3 percent for the second month in March on energy price and foreign exchange variables, market reports showed Sunday. The country's March inflation outlooks estimated by eight securities firms, including NH Investment & Securities, Kyobo Securities, Meritz Securities and DB Financial Investment, averaged at 3.2 percent. In January, inflation fell below 3 percent for the first time since July 2023, when the figure cam

Foreigners net purchased over 15 trillion won worth of local shares in the first three months of the year, breaching the 15 trillion-won mark for the first time in history, data showed Saturday. Foreign investors scooped up a net 15.77 trillion won ($11.7 billion) worth of shares in the first quarter, the highest quarterly figure since the country's main stock exchange KRX began compiling such data in 1998. The previous record was 14.79 trillion won tallied in the third quarter of 2009, acc

South Korean stocks finished nearly unchanged Friday as investors took a wait-and-see stance ahead of a key US inflation report that would set the tone for the Federal Reserve's rate-setting decision. The local currency fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 0.81 point, or 0.03 percent, to close at 2,746.63. Trade volume was moderate at 485.5 million shares worth 11 trillion won ($8.17 billion), with losers beating winners 603 to 270. Foreign inves

South Korea's industrial output rose for the fourth consecutive month in February on the back of increasing semiconductor production, but retail sales fell amid high inflation, data showed Friday. Industrial output increased 1.3 percent on-month last month, following a 0.4 percent rise the previous month, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea. Industrial production has been on a constant increase since December. Last month's growth came as the output in the overall mining

South Korean stocks opened almost unchanged Friday ahead of a key inflation report from the United States. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 0.13 point to 2,745.95 in the first 15 minutes of trading. US stocks finished mixed Thursday, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.12 percent and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.12 percent. US core personal consumption expenditures price index data, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, is slated for Friday. In Seoul, market

South Korean stocks ended slightly lower Thursday ahead of the release of a key US inflation report due later this week and on remarks by a Fed official that more data are necessary to cut rates. The local currency gained against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 9.29 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 2,745.82. Trade volume was moderate at 412.5 million shares worth 11.7 trillion won ($8.69 billion), with losers beating winners 561 to 290. Institutions remain

Lee Bok-hyun, head of South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service, pledged Thursday to promote "sound and fair finance," aiming to enhance the country's allure as an investment destination for foreign investors. Lee addressed officials from global financial firms and foreign diplomats during the annual "FSS Speaks" forum held in Seoul under the theme "toward sound and fair finance." "In striving for this objective, we aim to cultivate market practices

Global index provider FTSE Russell puts Korea's inclusion on hold again, but on a positive note

South Korean stocks opened a tad lower Thursday despite gains on Wall Street. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 1.98 points, or 0.07 percent, to 2,753.13 in the first 15 minutes of trading. US stocks finished higher to end their three-day losing streak on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.2 percent, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.5 percent. In Seoul, large-cap shares led the bearish start. Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution dropped 1.1 percent, and

Korean institutional investors are pumping money into the Indian market to avail opportunities from the fastest-growing major economy’s robust domestic demand and infrastructure projects. With estimates suggesting the economy could expand by 7 to 8 percent this year and the Indian government's policies designed to revive the manufacturing industry, including the "Make In India" program, the country has emerged as an investment destination for foreign investors. As large inve

South Korean stocks finished nearly flat Wednesday ahead of the releases of key US inflation data as investors cashed in recent gains. The local currency fell sharply against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 1.98 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,755.11. Trade volume was moderate at 482.5 million shares worth 11.3 trillion won ($8.38 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 499 to 367. Individuals and institutions led the slight decline, dumping a net