Korean Economy

The loan delinquency rate at domestic banks has approached 0.7%, while the delinquency rate on loans to small and medium-sized enterprises has exceeded 1%.

Original headline: 은행 연체율 0.7% 육박…중소기업 대출 연체율 1% 돌파

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SK hynix has stopped considering a US listing for its subsidiary Solidigm. Given recent capital market conditions and its share price, the company judged it needed to reconsider whether listing now is the best choice for itself and its existing shareholders.

Original headline: SK하이닉스, 솔리다임 美 상장 검토 중단…"기존 주주 이익 고려"

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On Oct. 23 the KOSPI fell more than 3%, threatening the 5,300 level, in the wake of a plunge in US AI-related stocks. Large-cap chip stocks fell across the board as concerns about AI investment grew again on Meta's worsening cash flow.

Original headline: [개장시황] 코스피, 美 AI주 급락 여파에 3%대 하락…5300선 위협

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On the 22nd, the KOSPI opened at 5,670.11, down 65.55 points (1.14%) from the previous trading day.

Original headline: [스팟] 코스피 65.55포인트(1.14%) 내린 5670.11 출발

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As strong earnings from U.S. tech companies lifted Wall Street, Bitcoin also rose into the $84,000 range on the morning of the 22nd.

Original headline: [아주경제 코이너스 브리핑] 美 실적 훈풍에 비트코인 상승…8만4000달러대

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The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board kept the base rate at 3.00% on the 22nd, slowing the pace after consecutive 0.25-percentage-point hikes in July and August. With inflation concerns growing due to higher oil prices from the Middle East war and the semiconductor boom, the tightening stance is expected to continue for some time.

Original headline: [속보] 한은, 기준금리 연 3.00% 동결…연속 인상 후 숨 고르기

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At a press conference after the base rate hold on the 22nd, Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song said inflation appears likely to remain above target for a considerable period, and that monetary policy will respond until there is confidence that inflation is converging stably toward the target.

Original headline: [속보] 신현송 "물가, 상당기간 목표 상회…안정적 수렴 확신 들 때까지 대응"

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At the National Assembly Political Affairs Committee's comprehensive audit of the Financial Services Commission and Financial Supervisory Service on the 22nd, disputes over single-stock leveraged ETFs flared up again. At issue are whether the review process for introducing the products was adequate, and who is responsible for investor protection measures and the policy decision.

Original headline: 단일종목 레버리지 ETF 책임론…금융당국 종합감사서 '재격돌'

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On the 22nd, the KOSPI closed at 5,533.77, down 201.89 points (3.52%), and the KOSDAQ closed at 764.10, down 28.66 points (3.62%). Institutions were net sellers of 683.4 billion won and foreigners of 399.1 billion won, while individuals were net buyers of 1.0364 trillion won.

Original headline: [마감시황] 코스피·코스닥 3%대 동반 하락…외국인 매도에 약세

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On the 22nd, the won-dollar exchange rate on the Seoul foreign exchange market ended daytime trading at 1,324.2 won, down 1.0 won from the previous trading day.

Original headline: 원/달러 환율, 1.0원 내린 1324.2원

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On the 21st, the KOSPI shook off the previous day's plunge and closed at 5,735.66, up 182.92 points (3.29%), reclaiming the 5,700 level in a single day. As U.S. AI company earnings beat expectations and eased semiconductor concerns, Samsung Electronics rose 5.67% and SK hynix 5.81%, while foreigners turned to net buying of about 665 billion won. The index surged as high as the 5,816 level intraday, triggering a buy-side sidecar for the first time in two months, and the KOSDAQ ended up 1.38% at 792.76.

Original headline: 코스피, 182.92P 오른 5735.66 마감(3.29%↑)

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On the 21st, the won-dollar exchange rate closed daytime trading at 1,325.2 won, down 2.9 won from the previous day, setting a new yearly low for the fourth consecutive trading day. It is the lowest closing level in about two years, since October 2, 2024 (1,319.3 won). Dollar selling by semiconductor exporters drove the decline, while settlement demand from importers and purchases by residents investing in overseas stocks limited further falls.

Original headline: 원/달러 환율 1325.2원…4거래일 연속 연저점 경신

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At its regular meeting on the 21st, the Financial Services Commission gave final approval to the change of the largest shareholder of Daewon Savings Bank to loan comparison platform Finda. It was described as the first case of a fintech company acquiring a savings bank.

Original headline: '핀다뱅크' 나온다…금융위, 핀다-대원저축은행 인수 최종 승인

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At its regular meeting on the 21st, the Financial Services Commission newly designated four innovative financial services and accepted one regulatory improvement request, bringing the cumulative number of designations to 1,168. They include deposit-based non-face-to-face credit card issuance services from Shinhan Card, Woori Card and others.

Original headline: "비대면 신용카드 발급 더 쉬워진다"...금융위, 혁신금융서비스 4건 신규 지정

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The Financial Services Commission approved an amendment to the Regulations on Supervision of Credit Information Business, making the criteria for fines for violations of the Credit Information Act more granular. Minor violations will now be subject to 1-30% of the statutory maximum, effective from the 23rd.

Original headline: 신용정보법 과징금 세분화…금융위, 23일부터 시행

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On the morning of the 21st, Bitcoin traded around $82,000, up about 1.6% in a day, and around 110 million won on Upbit, with a kimchi premium of 0.36%. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw net inflows of $526.7 million on the 19th (local time), the largest since September 22, but inflows fell sharply to $23.16 million on the 20th, and October's cumulative flows remain net outflows. The Fear & Greed Index stood at 52, 'neutral.'

Original headline: 비트코인, 美 현물 ETF 자금 유입에 반등…8만2000달러선 [크립토브리핑]

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According to FnGuide, the combined third-quarter net profit attributable to controlling shareholders of the four major financial holding companies—KB, Shinhan, Hana and Woori—is forecast at 5.626 trillion won, up about 2.6% from a year earlier. KB Financial is expected to post 1.8434 trillion won, Shinhan 1.6027 trillion won and Hana 1.2115 trillion won, while Woori Financial is projected to decline to 968.4 billion won. Earnings will be announced by Hana and Woori on the 23rd, Shinhan on the 27th and KB on the 29th, with the key point being whether net interest margins (NIM) fall due to rising deposit rates.

Original headline: 힘 빠진 4대 금융지주株···'금통위·3Q 실적'에 반등 달렸다

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A report on the 21st said that companies unable to cover even their interest expenses with operating profit amount to 4 in 10, putting the share of marginal companies at a record high. It is cited as an indicator heightening concerns over corporate debt distress during a period of rising interest rates.

Original headline: 기업 10곳 중 4곳은 이자도 못 낸다..한계기업 역대 최고

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According to Korea Federation of Banks data, the average spread on new amortizing mortgage loans at the five major banks in August was 3.15% per year. Of the rise in rates, the base rate accounted for only 0.26 percentage points, while changes in bank-set spreads and preferential adjustment rates accounted for about 1.07 percentage points, or roughly 80% of the total.

Original headline: 5대 은행 주담대 금리 급등…우대 축소에 부담 가중

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A day ahead of the Monetary Policy Board meeting on the 22nd, the 3-year government bond yield fell 1.8bp to 3.822% per year, and the 10-year closed at 4.160%. The market was in wait-and-see mode with expectations of a hold prevailing, and foreigners were net buyers of 3,635 contracts of 3-year government bond futures.

Original headline: 금통위 앞두고 국고채 금리 대체로 하락…3년물 연 3.822%

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On the 21st, LS Marine Solution reported third-quarter consolidated sales of 73.6 billion won and operating profit of 6.9 billion won. Sales fell from a year earlier, but operating profit more than tripled.

Original headline: 매출 줄었는데 영업익 3배…LS마린솔루션 '반전 실적'

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According to the Korea Customs Service, exports for October 1-20 reached $61.6 billion, up 105.4% from a year earlier, a record for the period. Semiconductor exports surged 222.5% to $27.5 billion, accounting for 44.7% of total exports. The trade balance showed a surplus of $14.5 billion.

Original headline: 반도체 수출 3배 뛰었다…10월 1~20일 수출 616억달러 '역대 최대'

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According to data obtained by Rep. Park Sung-hoon of the National Assembly Political Affairs Committee from the Financial Supervisory Service, regular employees at the five major banks fell by 4,080 from the end of 2022 to the end of July 2026, while non-regular employees increased by 1,048. Total staff declined by 3,032. At Hana Bank, regular employees fell by 389 while non-regular employees rose by 661.

Original headline: 5대 은행, 4년간 3000명 이탈…정규직↓비정규직↑[2026 국감]

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Samsung Biologics' third-quarter sales came to 1.4903 trillion won. The company raised its annual sales growth forecast to 20%.

Original headline: 삼성바이오로직스 3분기 매출 1조4903억…연간 성장 전망치 20%↑

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On the 20th, the KOSPI closed at 5,552.74, down 215.27 points (3.73%), amid joint selling by foreigners and institutions, and the KOSDAQ also fell 3.33% to 781.97, breaking below the 800 level. Individuals were net buyers of about 900 billion won, but net selling of about 530 billion won by foreigners and about 1 trillion won by institutions dragged the index down. Doubts over the profitability of AI infrastructure investment, credit concerns related to CoreWeave and worries about Chinese memory makers catching up weighed on chip stocks, with SK hynix falling 4.23% and Samsung Electronics 2.98%.

Original headline: 코스피, 215.27P 내린 5552.74 마감(3.73%↓)

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On the 20th, the won-dollar exchange rate closed daytime trading at 1,328.1 won, down 2.2 won, setting a new lowest close for the year. It opened at 1,330.3 won and fell as low as 1,325.4 won intraday. Analysts said that despite the KOSPI's plunge and foreigners' net selling of stocks, dollar selling (nego) by exporters pushed the rate down.

Original headline: 원·달러 환율, 올해 최저 종가…2.2원 내린 1328.1원 마감 [김혜란의 FX]

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In a Korea Financial Investment Association survey, 93% of bond market professionals expected the Bank of Korea to hold the base rate (3.00% per year) at the Monetary Policy Board meeting on the 22nd, 7% expected a hike, and none expected a cut. The view is that the BOK will take time to assess the effects of its consecutive 0.25-percentage-point hikes in July and August. Brokerages anticipate a 'hawkish hold' that leaves open the possibility of another hike in November.

Original headline: 채권시장 93% "10월 금통위 기준금리 동결 전망"

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Household loan balances at the five major banks—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori and NH NongHyup—stood at 783.5983 trillion won as of October 15, up 2.7643 trillion won from the end of September. Mortgage loans rose by 893.4 billion won and credit loans by 1.4819 trillion won, with both categories increasing. Household lending, which had declined in September for the first time in six months, returned to growth in October along with rising Seoul home prices.

Original headline: 치솟은 집값에 가계대출 다시 '꿈틀'…5대 은행 보름새 2.8조↑

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K Bank's 6-month variable rate on apartment-backed loans reached 4.55-9.24% per year, the highest since the product's launch. This reflects the rise in COFIX, and the upper end of variable rates at major commercial banks has also climbed to the mid-6% range.

Original headline: 주담대 어디까지 오르나...케이뱅크 주담대 금리 최고 9% 돌파

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On the 19th, the KOSPI opened sharply lower at 5,488.41, down 3.17%, but turned higher on institutional buying and closed at 5,768.01, up 99.96 points (1.76%). The KOSDAQ also rose 14.11 points (1.78%) to 808.89, recovering the 800 level. Institutions were net buyers of over 570 billion won, individuals were net sellers of more than 1 trillion won, and pharmaceutical and secondary battery sectors were strong.

Original headline: 코스피, 99.96P 오른 5768.01 마감(1.76%↑)

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On the 19th, the won-dollar exchange rate closed daytime trading on the Seoul foreign exchange market at 1,330.3 won, down 1.1 won from the previous day, the lowest in over two years. Hana Bank's posted base rate also opened lower at 1,336.40 won. The won also continued to strengthen against major currencies such as the yen and euro.

Original headline: 원·달러 환율, 1330.3원 마감…2년여 만의 최저치

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According to data from the Korea Exchange and Yonhap Infomax, the KOSPI fell 17.11% from October 1 to 16, the largest decline among major global indices this month. Indonesia's IDX (-14.59%), the Shenzhen Composite (-7.4%) and the KOSDAQ (-7.14%) followed. The plunge in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which account for nearly half of market capitalization, concerns over the profitability of AI investment, and the unwinding of leveraged positions were cited as causes.

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On the 19th, the heads of KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, Hana and NH NongHyup banks appeared as witnesses at the National Assembly Political Affairs Committee's audit of the Financial Supervisory Service for the first time in four years and apologized for a series of hacking incidents. Shinhan Bank came under intense criticism because it took 15 hours and 26 minutes to detect the hack, information of 25,729 customers was leaked, and there were allegations that access logs were deleted. FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin said he would hold management accountable for internal controls and conduct inspections equivalent to a full survey of attack surfaces across the entire financial sector, and also pledged to submit an FSS reform plan in November.

Original headline: 해킹 사태에 고개 숙인 5대 은행장…금감원 "CEO 책임도 묻겠다"(종합)

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At the Political Affairs Committee audit, the legal basis for total household loan volume regulation became a point of contention. FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin replied that there appears to be no direct regulatory provision, while the Financial Services Commission said it is not regulation because banks set volume targets voluntarily. With household loans posting a net decrease of 2.2 trillion won in September for the first time this year, authorities raised the year-end volume target and excluded group loans for newly built move-in complexes from the cap.

Original headline: [2026 국감] 이찬진 "가계대출 총량규제, 직접적 규제 조항 없다"

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The Financial Services Commission said on the 19th that 688,000 people applied in the second round of Youth Future Savings enrollment held October 7-16, bringing cumulative applicants including the first round to 2.819 million, excluding duplicates. By type, there were 558,000 general income earners, 108,000 SME employees and 21,000 small business owners, with those aged 25-29 accounting for the largest share at 33.9%. Screening runs until November 13, and accounts will be opened November 16-27 via the participating institutions' apps.

Original headline: 청년미래적금 2차 신청에 68.8만명 몰려…누적 281.9만명

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In response to instability in the jeonse and monthly rent market, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hyung-il said he would consider additional capital gains tax reductions when rental apartments are sold to the public sector. The government's position is that overall real estate taxation will be reviewed during National Assembly discussions in November. Marking one year since the October 15 measures, Seoul apartment prices were found to have risen more than 10% since right after the measures, fueling continued debate over the effectiveness of the regulations.

Original headline: 전월세 불안에 '양도세 카드'...이형일 "임대아파트 공공 매각 땐 추가 감면 검토"

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Foreign investors have net sold more than 17 trillion won in the KOSPI so far in October, with about 80% of the selling concentrated in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. On the 19th, foreigners turned to net buying, and the KOSPI closed up 1.76% at 5,768.01 and the KOSDAQ up 1.78% at 808.89. However, foreigners' cumulative net selling for the month still exceeds 17 trillion won.

Original headline: 외국인, 10월 코스피서 17조원 팔았다…'삼전닉스' 80% 집중

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On the 19th, the 3-year government bond yield in the Seoul bond market closed at 3.877% per year, up 2.3bp from the previous trading day, and the 10-year rose 2.3bp to 4.205%. This is seen as the combined result of a pullback from last week's yield decline and a wait-and-see stance ahead of the Monetary Policy Board meeting on the 22nd. Foreigners were net buyers of 7,021 contracts of 3-year government bond futures and 10,243 contracts of 10-year government bond futures.

Original headline: 한국은행 금리 결정 앞두고 국고채 금리 반등…3년물 연 3.877% 마감

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At the Political Affairs Committee's audit of the Financial Supervisory Service on the 19th, the introduction process of single-stock leveraged ETFs and supervisory responsibility emerged as key issues. When an opposition lawmaker asked senior FSS officials to indicate by show of hands whether they supported introducing the products, the ruling party objected and a clash ensued. Questions were raised about the listing review period, which was shorter than for ordinary ETFs, and whether the FSS responded adequately despite having obtained a risk report.

Original headline: "단일ETF 찬성, 손 들어보라" 野 질의 與 반발…금감원 국감서 충돌

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On the 19th, Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon and Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong signed a 'comprehensive support for vulnerable seniors' MOU with the life and non-life insurance associations, the Korea Foundation for Vulnerable Elderly Support and the Comprehensive Support Center for Seniors Living Alone. Using 9.6 billion won from the insurance industry's win-win fund, a total of 10.5 billion won will provide about 650,000 vulnerable seniors with support for fall-accident treatment costs and free dementia liability insurance, among other things. Detailed plans will be drawn up in the fourth quarter, and the program will run for two years from next year through 2028.

Original headline: '상생보험 96억원 투입'...취약계층 노인 65만명에 낙상사고 및 배상 보험 등 지원

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At the Political Affairs Committee's FSS audit on the 19th, it was pointed out that on-chain virtual asset fraud happens in an instant while supervisory authorities' responses cannot keep up. FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin replied, "It is difficult to keep up with the speed," acknowledging the limits of their response capabilities. The same day's audit also addressed bank hacking incidents and the controversy over the review of single-stock ETFs.

Original headline: "코인사기 순식간에 이뤄진다" 지적에…이찬진 "속도 따라가기 어려워"[2026국감]

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The KOSPI volatility index (VKOSPI) again approached 50, heightening market anxiety. From October 8 to 15, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ plunged 18.4% and 15.3% respectively, and brokerages set a wide expected range of 5,100-6,100 for this week. According to Yuanta Securities' analysis, of 12 past cases in which the index fell more than 10% over seven trading days, 83% rebounded a week later, but when it fell more than 15%, the share that was higher a month later was only 20%.

Original headline: '변동성지수' 다시 50선 턱밑…코스피, 어디까지 밀리나

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The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained that following the September 7 supply expansion, August 13 fast-track supply and October 15 stabilization measures, leading supply indicators have improved and the market is showing signs of stabilizing downward. Sale prices in Gangnam and Seocho districts have fallen for 10 consecutive weeks, Seoul's rate of increase has slowed since July, and sale listings have increased about 30% from the start of the year. The government's position is that it will closely monitor the market and minimize sources of instability.

Original headline: "집값 오늘이 꼭지다?"…매물 30% 쌓이자 정부 "과열 진정"

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According to SK Securities, last week (12th-16th) the KOSPI fell 14.5% and the KOSDAQ 10.9%, a relatively smaller decline for the KOSDAQ. This is interpreted as foreigners taking profits on large-cap chip stocks and then bargain-buying semiconductor materials, parts and equipment stocks that had fallen sharply. On the 19th, the KOSDAQ closed up 1.78% at 808.89.

Original headline: 코스피보다 덜 빠진 코스닥…외국인, 반도체 소부장株 담았다

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At the National Assembly Political Affairs Committee audit on the 19th, FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin said consultations with the Financial Services Commission on the FSS reform plan are nearly complete and there are no significant disagreements. He added that the reform plan is expected to be submitted in November. The heads of the five major banks appeared as witnesses at the audit that day, and this week the FSC is scheduled to designate innovative financial services on the 21st and the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board to decide on the base rate on the 22nd.

Original headline: 이찬진 "금감원 혁신안, 금융위 협의 막바지 11월 제출"

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As of 9:06 p.m. on the 19th, during New York trading hours, the dollar-won exchange rate was trading at 1,330.60 won, down 0.80 won from the previous session. After closing the daytime regular session at 1,330.3 won, the lowest in over two years, the won's strength in the low 1,330 won range continued in night trading.

Original headline: 달러-원, 뉴욕장서 1,330원 초반대 거래

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At the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee audit on the 19th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon replied that experts generally predict home prices are more likely to keep rising than to fall through the end of the year or early next year. He diagnosed that a shortage of jeonse supply and rising jeonse and monthly rents are stimulating purchase demand in outlying areas, and asked the government for cooperation on redevelopment and reconstruction supply.

Original headline: 오세훈 "전세난에 매수 가담…내년 초까지 집값 우상향 가능성" [국감 2026]

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On the 19th (local time), early in the New York session, the Nasdaq rose 0.96% to around 26,390 and the S&P 500 rose 0.45% to around 7,693, while the Dow fell 0.21%, a mixed picture. Chip stocks that had plunged last week led the rebound, with the 3x leveraged semiconductor ETF SOXL rising more than 9%, the SK hynix ADR gaining over 4%, and Micron, Nvidia, AMD and Intel all rising. Analysts said falling international oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields supported investor sentiment toward tech stocks.

Original headline: 미국증시, 반도체 급락 뒤 반격…SOXL 9% 급등·SK하이닉스 4% 상승

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KB Real Estate statistics as of October 19 showed that the average jeonse price for apartments in Seoul's Gangbuk area is about to exceed 600 million won. With record-high jeonse contracts continuing in Seongbuk-gu and elsewhere, rising jeonse prices are spreading to outlying areas amid a decline in jeonse listings.

Original headline: 강북 아파트 전세 6억 돌파 눈앞..성북·노원구 등 신고가 계약

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Ahead of the October 22 Monetary Policy Board meeting, all 10 brokerage experts expected the base rate (3.00% per year) to be held. While they see it as a pause to assess the effects of the consecutive July-August hikes, most forecast one additional hike each in November and the first quarter of next year, bringing the terminal rate to 3.5%. For borrowers, this means high interest rates could persist beyond 2027.

Original headline: 10명 전원 "이달 동결"…11월부터 두 번 더 올려 3.5% 전망 [금통위 폴]

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The average exchange rate for the first 12 trading days of October was 1,342.6 won per dollar, the lowest since September 2024, and it fell as low as 1,328.9 won on Friday evening. The monthly average exchange rate fell for four consecutive months, from 1,528 won in June to 1,488.9 won in July, 1,404.4 won in August and 1,358.8 won in September. Dollar selling by semiconductor exporters, a daily average trade surplus of $2.5 billion and the base rate hike to 3% supported the won's strength, and experts expect the low-to-mid 1,300 won range through the end of the year.

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According to Bank of Korea data, bank household loan balances in September stood at 1,198.9 trillion won, up 600 billion won, rising for the sixth consecutive month, but the increase was much smaller than in August (3.5 trillion won). Mortgage loans rose by 2.9 trillion won, but other loans including credit loans fell by 2.3 trillion won, indicating cooling demand for debt-financed investment. According to the Financial Services Commission, household loans across the entire financial sector posted a net decrease of 2.2 trillion won in September, the first decline since December 2025.

Original headline: 은행 가계대출 6개월 연속 증가⋯'빚투' 기타대출 감소에 증가폭 주춤

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According to the Bank of Korea, the average won-dollar exchange rate in September was 1,359 won, down 3.4% from the previous month, causing the export price index to fall for the second consecutive month. In contrast, Dubai crude surged 28.1%, pushing import prices up 1.7%. This shows that while exchange rate stability holds down import prices, the Middle East-driven oil price rise remains a source of consumer price pressure.

Original headline: 환율 하락에 수출물가 두 달째↓…유가 급등에 수입물가는 상승

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On the 16th, the KOSPI closed at 5,668.05, up 113.83 points (2.05%), ending a seven-day losing streak. It rose as high as 5,809.94 intraday, and foreigners ended eight consecutive trading days of net selling that began on the 2nd, net buying about 340-360 billion won. Individuals and institutions sold 509.5 billion won and 682.7 billion won respectively, and the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,331.4 won, down 13.2 won.

Original headline: 외국인 8거래일 만에 사자…코스피, 2% 상승해 5600선 마감

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Following the shock from U.S. inflation data, expectations have grown that the Fed will keep rates high for longer, tilting the October FOMC toward a hawkish hold. In the rate futures market, the 3.75-4.00% range was priced with the highest probability. Domestically, the prevailing view is that the Bank of Korea will hold the base rate at its Monetary Policy Board meeting on the 22nd and then raise it further in November.

Original headline: 美 물가 쇼크에 고금리 전망…10월 금리는 '매파적 동결' 무게

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On October 15, the KOSPI plunged 7.57% to close at 5,554.22, and the KOSDAQ also fell 7.65%, triggering circuit breakers in both markets. Foreigners net sold more than 3.6 trillion won, and the U.S. inflation shock and controversy over the profitability of AI investment hammered chip stocks. The Financial Services Commission held an emergency review meeting chaired by Chairman Lee Eog-weon and prepared to activate its emergency response plan, and with the market down nearly 40% from its June peak, losses for debt-financed investors mounted.

Original headline: 코스피, 7%대 하락 마감…서킷브레이커 발동

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All heads of the five major commercial banks were called as witnesses for the October 19 audit of the Financial Supervisory Service, where financial sector hacking incidents are expected to be the top issue. No witnesses related to single-stock leveraged ETFs were called, and the process will conclude with the comprehensive financial audit on the 22nd. Bank security incidents are directly tied to the protection of customer assets and personal information.

Original headline: 19일 금감원 국감, 금융권 해킹 사고 최대 현안…22일 금융 종감 [2026 국감]

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On October 13, the KOSPI plunged 5.46% to close at 6,035.35 on net selling of about 2 trillion won by foreigners, and broke below the 6,000 level intraday, triggering a sell-side sidecar for the first time in two months. China's CXMT's server memory announcement, weakness in U.S. chip stocks and higher oil prices due to Middle East tensions combined to push Samsung Electronics and SK hynix sharply lower. It marked the start of a sharp sell-off that took the index down nearly 14% in less than two weeks from the 7,000 level on October 2.

Original headline: [마감시황]코스피 6,035.35 마감…외국인 대거 매도에 5.46% 급락

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At a Cabinet meeting on October 13, President Lee Jae-myung said a hike in Korea's base rate is a foregone conclusion and that high interest rates could become structurally prolonged, adding that the Korea-U.S. interest rate gap should be narrowed. He also proposed having the government use fiscal funds to buy up and settle delinquent loans in the market at around 5% of principal. The unusual remark, in which the president directly mentioned the direction of interest rates, drew attention ahead of the Monetary Policy Board meeting on the 22nd.

Original headline: 李대통령 "장기간 고금리 시대 될 것"…서민금융 대책 주문

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Based on FnGuide consensus, the four major financial holding companies' second-half (Q3 and Q4) net profit is forecast at 8.9741 trillion won, up 16.5% from a year earlier. With Shinhan at 26.9% and KB at 20.3%, the structure is one in which expanded interest income during a rate-hike period is driving up earnings. As bank profits grow, pressure to lower lending rates and calls for win-win finance also increase.

Original headline: 4대 금융, 하반기 순익 9조 육박… KB·신한금융 증가율 20%대

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In its October World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its 2026 growth forecast for South Korea to 3.3%. The assessment is that strong external demand, centered on semiconductors, offset the negative impact of the Middle East war.

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At the National Assembly Political Affairs Committee's audit of the Financial Services Commission on October 8, FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon said most of the stablecoin bill's content is ready and in final consultations, but that the issuer of a won-denominated stablecoin and the licensing framework remain undecided. The audit that day also took up the fluctuating household loan volume regulation and how leveraged ETFs came to be introduced.

Original headline: [2026 국감] 이억원 "스테이블코인법 막바지 협의"…발행 주체는 여전히 미정

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Foreign exchange reserves at the end of September stood at $440.56 billion, down $1.72 billion from the previous month, ending the upward trend that had continued since June after four months. The main causes were a decrease in financial institutions' foreign currency deposits and the asset entrustment to the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corporation (the first remittance for investment in the U.S.), and the Bank of Korea said it would fund U.S. investment from investment returns rather than principal. As an indicator of FX defense capacity, it is directly linked to exchange rate stability.

Original headline: 9월 외환보유액 4405.6억달러…넉 달 만에 감소

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In the Bank of Korea's August weighted average interest rates, the mortgage rate at deposit banks rose for the fourth consecutive month to 4.66%, the highest since November 2022, and the credit loan rate exceeded 6% at 6.33%. This is the combined result of consecutive base rate hikes and wider bank spreads, and with market rates rising further in September, household interest burdens are expected to keep growing.

Original headline: 주담대 금리 '4.66%' 3년 9개월 만에 최고… 신용대출 금리도 6% 돌파

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The government's draft Digital Asset Basic Act, which would institutionalize won-denominated stablecoins, has missed its September target, and National Assembly discussions are expected to be delayed to November. This is because differences over the issuer (bank consortium vs. allowing non-banks) and regulation of exchanges' major shareholders have not narrowed. Concerns were raised that the longer the regulatory vacuum lasts, the greater the reliance on overseas dollar stablecoins.

Original headline: 원화 스테이블코인 법안 9월 넘긴다…국회 논의 11월로 밀리나

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With the dollar strengthening after the Fed's hike, the won-dollar exchange rate, which had been falling since July, rebounded in late September. The highest level of September (the 1,380 won range) was recorded around this day, but the monthly average was 1,359 won, 3.4% lower than the previous month, so it was assessed as a temporary rebound within a downward trend.

Original headline: 달러화 강세, 다시 오르는 환율

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At the September FOMC, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75-4.00%. It was a unanimous hike after five consecutive holds, and in the dot plot 16 of 18 members signaled further hikes within the year, which the market took as more hawkish than expected. As the Korea-U.S. interest rate gap widened again, it became a source of pressure for further Bank of Korea hikes and exchange rate volatility.

Original headline: 2026년 9월 FOMC Comments

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Household loans across the entire financial sector rose 2.6 trillion won in August, a much smaller increase than in July (6.4 trillion won). Mortgage loans rose 4.3 trillion won, but other loans including credit loans fell 1.7 trillion won, turning to a decline for the first time in four months, and the secondary financial sector decreased by 0.8 trillion won. It is a sign that demand for debt-financed investment is cooling after the rate hikes.

Original headline: 2026년 8월 가계대출 동향(잠정) 및 ｢가계부채 점검회의｣ 개최

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On August 27, the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board raised the base rate from 2.75% to 3.00% per year, a second consecutive monthly hike following July. Board member Hwang Gun-il dissented in favor of a hold, and the growth forecast for this year was raised to 3.3% to reflect the semiconductor boom. Since the market had expected a hold, the decision was more hawkish than expected, further increasing upward pressure on mortgage and credit loan rates.

Original headline: 한은 금통위, 기준금리 연 3%로 연속 인상…성장세 속 물가 우려 선제대응(종합)

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At a seminar on August 21, the ruling party said it would make sure to pass the Digital Asset Basic Act, which would institutionalize won-denominated stablecoins, in the second half of the year. With the original target of passage in the first quarter repeatedly postponed, key issues are whether issuance will be bank-centered and limits on the stakes of exchanges' major shareholders. If the law passes, protections for domestic virtual asset investors and the environment for won stablecoin payments will change.

Original headline: 與 "스테이블코인 시장 주도권 잡아야"…하반기 기본법 통과 추진

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According to the Financial Services Commission, household loans across the entire financial sector rose 6.2 trillion won in July, but growth slowed for the second consecutive month as increases in both mortgage and credit loans shrank. On the same day, the Bank of Korea announced that bank household loans rose 5.4 trillion won in July, approaching 20 trillion won over three months. It was the point at which loan growth began to turn down as rate hikes and volume management took effect together.

Original headline: 7월 가계대출 6.2조 ↑…주담대·신용대출 증가폭 줄며 두 달째 둔화

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On news of slowing U.S. inflation, the won-dollar exchange rate fell to the 1,411 won range intraday before closing at 1,418.3 won. On the same day, the KOSPI ended up 2.42% at 6,977.94 on large-scale net buying by foreigners. It was a day that clearly showed overseas influence, with the exchange rate and stock market moving together on a single U.S. indicator.

Original headline: 美 물가 둔화에 달러·원 1411원까지 하락…막판 반등해 1418.3원(종합)

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In its 'comprehensive financial measures for real estate market stabilization' on August 13, the financial authorities doubled this year's household loan volume growth target from 1.5% to 3.0%. The move came after the cumulative increase through July exceeded the annual target of 30 trillion won, blocking lending at bank branches and setting off a 'loan open run.' The aim is to maintain LTV and DSR regulations while managing genuine-demand loans such as relocation costs, interim payments and balance payments separately to prevent a year-end lending cliff.

Original headline: "대출 막히자 결국 손봤다"…가계대출 총량 목표 두 배로 늘려

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On July 31, foreigners net bought more than 7 trillion won in the KOSPI intraday, and the index at one point surged as much as 17%, the largest jump on record. The semiconductor sector led the rally, rising more than 20%. The extreme volatility of repeated plunges followed by surges made for a market that posed great risk to leveraged and debt-financed investors.

Original headline: "외국인 2시간 만에 7조 담았다"...17% 치솟은 코스피 '역대 최대'

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The won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,462.4 won on July 28, extending closes in the 1,400 won range for the tenth day. It reflects a steady decline from the June peak in the 1,550 won range on dollar selling by exporters and improved dollar supply, showing that the high-exchange-rate situation that had continued since autumn 2025 has effectively entered a resolution phase.

Original headline: 차근차근 낮아지는 환율···1462.4원 마감

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The consensus for the second-quarter net profit of the four major financial holding companies—KB, Shinhan, Hana and Woori—came to 5.7778 trillion won, signaling record first-half results exceeding 11 trillion won combined. Interest income was solid due to rising market rates, and brokerage and WM fees increased thanks to the booming stock market. As bank profits grow, pressure regarding the loan-deposit rate spread and the burden of inclusive finance also increases.

Original headline: 4대 금융지주 상반기 순익 11조 돌파 전망…이자·증시 '쌍끌이' 역대 최대

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On July 16, the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board raised the base rate by 0.25 percentage points from 2.50% to 2.75% per year. It was the first hike in three and a half years since January 2023 and marked the end of the easing cycle that began in late 2024, in a unanimous decision. The backdrop was inflation in the 3% range above target, combined with the semiconductor export boom and rising household loans and home prices, and it was a turning point at which interest burdens for variable-rate borrowers began to grow.

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In the wake of weakness in U.S. chip stocks, including a sharp drop in the SK hynix ADR, the KOSPI plunged 5-6% intraday on July 16, giving up the 7,000 level again in just one day. In a market so heavily concentrated in semiconductors that it plunged right after rising more than 6% the previous day, the phase continued in which index volatility directly affected individual investors' gains and losses.

Original headline: 코스피, 美반도체 약세로 5~6%대 급락…또 7,000선 아래로(종합)

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In its second-half work report, the Financial Services Commission presented key tasks including expanding the National Growth Fund, structural innovation of the KOSDAQ, institutionalizing inclusive finance, settling long-term delinquent debts and fully lifting network separation. With the direction being to maintain total household debt management while increasing financial support for small business owners and young people, it outlines the broad framework for the lending environment and policy finance products in the second half.

Original headline: “대체불가 대한민국 대도약을 선도하는 ｢금융 구조개혁｣ 가속화” - 금융위원회 하반기 업무보고

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When the won-dollar exchange rate, which had stayed above 1,500 won for more than two months, fell to the 1,400 won range in July, bargain-buying demand surged and bank dollar deposits rose by about 9 trillion won. It is a sign that the high-exchange-rate phase has begun to turn, characterized by easing burdens on overseas travel, study abroad and import prices, alongside revived investor sentiment toward dollar assets.

Original headline: 원-달러 환율 1400원대 하락에 달러예금 9조 증가

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On June 26, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ closed sharply lower, triggering a sell-side sidecar, and the KOSPI was even hit by a circuit breaker intraday. It was the second circuit breaker this week and the fifth this year, with individuals absorbing the large volumes sold by foreigners and institutions. As volatility peaked right after the index broke through 9,000, the risk of losses for individuals who had invested with borrowed money grew.

Original headline: [증시 인사이트] 코스피 급락에 사이드카·서킷브레이커…멀어지는 9천선

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On June 18, the KOSPI closed at 9,063.84, up 199.60 points (2.25%) from the previous day, topping the 9,000 level for the first time ever. It came 34 days after breaking 8,000, driven by strength in chip stocks such as SK hynix and eased war risk following the U.S.-Iran agreement to end the war, and the KOSPI's market capitalization hit a record 7,413 trillion won. Individuals and institutions took profits, and brokerages put forward forecasts of a '10,000-pi.'

Original headline: '9000'…천장 뚫은 코스피, 탄력받는 '만스피'

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In the minutes of the May 28 Monetary Policy Board meeting released by the Bank of Korea on June 16, one member said it is necessary to consider a rate hike for price stability and that the risk of not acting has grown. Besides the two members who dissented in favor of a hike, two others also turned out to sympathize with a hike to 2.75%, further solidifying expectations of a July hike. For variable-rate mortgage borrowers, it was a signal that higher interest burdens were imminent.

Original headline: '금리동결' 5월 금통위원 "물가안정 위한 금리인상 검토 필요"

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Discussion of the Digital Asset Basic Act, which would provide the legal basis for issuing won-denominated stablecoins, has effectively stalled amid a change in the ruling party's leadership and the reshuffling of National Assembly standing committee chairs. The early-year target of 'passage in the first quarter' fell through, and other financial bills such as a financial holding company governance reform plan and a low-income financial stability fund are also tied up, leaving financial authorities watching the formation of the new standing committees. This means the introduction of protections for virtual asset investors is being delayed.

Original headline: 스테이블코인 법안 언제?…국회에 쏠린 시선

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On the 29th, the last trading day of May, the KOSPI closed at 8,476.15, setting another record closing high. Even though the Bank of Korea had signaled a July hike with a hawkish hold the previous day, expectations for semiconductor earnings underpinned the index. With the index, which started the year around 4,300, nearly doubling in five months, individual investors' valuation gains grew along with concerns about overheating.

Original headline: [속보] 코스피, 또 사상 최고치… 8476.15로 마감

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At the May 28 Monetary Policy Board meeting, the first since Governor Shin Hyun-song took office, the Bank of Korea held the base rate at 2.50% per year for the eighth consecutive time, but members Jang Yong-sung and Yoo Sang-dae dissented in favor of a 0.25-percentage-point hike. The 2026 growth forecast was raised from 2.0% to 2.6% and the inflation forecast from 2.2% to 2.7%, and Governor Shin said "it is necessary to raise the base rate at an appropriate time." The market accepted a July hike as a foregone conclusion, and households with loans had to prepare for increased interest burdens.

Original headline: 한은, 8차례 연속 기준금리 연 2.50% 동결…"이번에 올릴 수도 있었다" 7월 금리 인상 기정사실로

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On May 15, the KOSPI topped the 8,000 level for the first time ever around 9:19 a.m. and rose as high as 8,046.78 intraday. The record came seven trading days after breaking 7,000, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix accounting for much of the gains on increased demand for memory chips driven by AI capital spending. Brokerages forecast 10,000 points within the year, but concerns about foreign selling and short-term volatility were also raised.

Original headline: 코스피, 8,000도 뚫었다…'꿈의 8천피' 시대 개막(종합)

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On May 11, the KOSPI opened at 7,775.31, up 3.7%, crossed the 7,800 level intraday for the first time and set another record high, while the combined market capitalization of the KOSPI and KOSDAQ exceeded 7,000 trillion won. Semiconductors led the rally, with SK hynix rising more than 10% and Samsung Electronics topping 290,000 won intraday. Hyundai Motor Securities set a year-end target of 9,750, and JP Morgan put forward 10,000 in its bull scenario, as forecasts were raised one after another.

Original headline: 장중 7,800선 돌파‥코스피 또 사상 최고치

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Analysis shows that although the four major financial holding companies posted record first-quarter results, the increase in risk-weighted assets from expanded corporate lending and the high exchange rate are putting pressure on capital ratios and asset soundness. Woori Financial's net profit fell due to higher provisions and costs despite increased interest income, and Hana Financial's NPL coverage ratio fell below 100%, weakening its loss-absorbing capacity. This means the impact of a prolonged high exchange rate and high interest rates on bank soundness has become visible.

Original headline: [DQN] 4대 금융, 최대 실적 이면의 리스크 확대…우리 '수익성'·하나 '손실흡수력' 과제 [금융사 2026 1분기 리그테이블]

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On May 6, the KOSPI opened at 7,093, up 2.25% from the previous trading day, surpassing the 7,000 level for the first time ever. It came just over two months after breaking 6,000; a buy-side sidecar was triggered six minutes after the open, the index soared as high as the 7,300 level intraday, and the market capitalization of listed shares exceeded 6,000 trillion won. In the bull market driven by the semiconductor boom, inflows of individual investor funds accelerated further.

Original headline: 코스피 7,000 돌파...시가총액도 6천조 원 넘겨

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The combined first-quarter 2026 net profit of the four major financial holding companies—KB, Shinhan, Hana and Woori—was 5.3288 trillion won, up 8.1% from a year earlier, a record high. KB Financial posted 1.8924 trillion won, Shinhan 1.6226 trillion won and Hana 1.21 trillion won, with non-interest income such as brokerage affiliate fees from the booming stock market lifting results, while only Woori Financial fell slightly to 603.8 billion won. For households holding financial group shares, expectations of higher dividends grew, while for loan customers, the controversy over interest burdens intensified at the same time.

Original headline: 은행이 끌고 증권이 밀었다…4대 금융, 1분기 순익 5.3조 '역대 최대'(종합)

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At his inauguration ceremony on April 21, new Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song referred to a 'time of great transition' driven by geopolitical tensions and AI, and said he would safeguard both price and financial stability through prudent and flexible monetary policy. He also pledged to strengthen early-warning capabilities using market price signals, expand the won's international role, build digital payment and settlement infrastructure, and carry on predecessor Governor Rhee Chang-yong's structural reform agenda. With a change at the head of interest rate decisions, interest grew in the direction of monetary policy in the second half.

Original headline: 신현송 한은 총재 "대전환의 시기…물가·금융안정 강화해야"

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On April 10, the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board held the base rate at 2.50% per year for the seventh consecutive time. With upward pressure on prices and downward pressure on growth both intensifying due to the Middle East war and the exchange rate above 1,500 won, all seven members voted for a hold. It was Governor Rhee Chang-yong's last Monetary Policy Board meeting, and the market focused on the possibility of a hike in the second half after the new governor takes office.

Original headline: 한은, 기준금리 2.5% 만장일치 동결… 전쟁發 '물가·환율·성장' 딜레마(종합)

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Ahead of the April Monetary Policy Board meeting, Kiwoom Securities and others in the market expected the Bank of Korea to opt for a 'hawkish hold,' keeping rates unchanged while emphasizing inflation risks, and said the rate-cut cycle that began in 2024 has effectively ended. The future direction of rates depends on oil prices and U.S.-Iran negotiations, and the possibility of a hike next year was also mentioned. Households with variable-rate loans entered a phase in which they had to give up hopes for falling rates.

Original headline: [모닝 리포트] 한은 4월 금통위, '매파적 동결' 전망…금리인하 사이클 종료

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The Financial Services Commission, jointly with related ministries, announced the 2026 household debt management plan. It lowered the household loan growth target to 1.5%, below the previous year's actual figure (1.7%), and set a medium- to long-term goal of reducing the household debt-to-GDP ratio to 80% by 2030. From April 17, maturity extensions on mortgage loans to multiple-home owners and rental business operators secured by apartments in the Seoul metropolitan area and regulated areas are in principle not allowed, putting those households under pressure to repay or sell.

Original headline: 부동산 시장과 금융의 절연을 위한 「'26년도 가계부채 관리방안」 발표

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Analysis suggests that the won-dollar exchange rate, which hovered around 1,500 won throughout March, differs in nature from January's high exchange rate. While the surge at the start of the year was mainly due to an imbalance in domestic dollar supply and demand, in March the oil price spike from the Middle East war, dollar strength and record foreign capital outflows combined, prompting warnings that it could spread into a real-economy crisis. It was also pointed out that the government's policy tools are limited, since raising rates could further dampen consumption and investment.

Original headline: "같은 1500원, 다른 위기"…1월과 질적으로 달라진 환율 비상

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On March 16, the won-dollar exchange rate exceeded 1,500 won in daytime trading. It is the highest level in 17 years since the global financial crisis in March 2009, after having already broken 1,500 won in night trading on March 4 and 13. The causes were the oil price spike due to the Iran war and dollar strength, and household burdens grew due to rising import prices and higher costs of overseas consumption.

Original headline: '환율 1500원' 주간 장도 뚫렸다…금융위기 이후 17년만

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As the military conflict between the U.S. and Israel and Iran dragged on and oil prices surged, the won-dollar exchange rate closed in on 1,500 won, and the won weakened by a larger margin than other major currencies. This is due to high dependence on energy imports combined with foreign stock selling, and Korea Investment & Securities saw a base scenario of the mid-1,400 won range to 1,550 won, and above 1,550 won possible if the war is prolonged. It is a phase in which rising fuel and import prices translate directly into higher household price burdens.

Original headline: "환율 1550원 이상 갈 수 있다"...기름값에 더 휘둘리는 '원화'

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Ahead of the February 26 Monetary Policy Board meeting, the market regarded a sixth consecutive hold of the base rate at 2.50% as a foregone conclusion. Attention focused on whether the Bank of Korea would leave room for further cuts, how much it would raise its 2026 growth forecast from 1.8%, and how it would present the 2027 growth and inflation path. For households hoping for lower lending rates, the signal that the easing cycle was coming to an end was important.

Original headline: 기준금리 동결 전망 속 2월 금통위에서 눈여겨 볼 점은

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On February 26, the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board unanimously held the base rate at 2.50% per year. It was the sixth consecutive hold, and on the same day the 2026 growth forecast was raised from 1.8% to 2.0%, with inflation running above the 2% target cited as the reason for the hold. Expectations for further declines in mortgage and credit loan rates weakened accordingly.

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On February 25, the KOSPI closed at 6,083.86, up 114.22 points (1.91%) from the previous session, ending trading above the 6,000 level for the first time ever. The record came just over a month after breaking 5,000, market capitalization also exceeded 5,000 trillion won for the first time, and the year-to-date gain reached 44%. As individual investor funds flowed rapidly into the stock market, warnings of overheating were also issued.

Original headline: [포토] 코스피 6000선 돌파 마감…꿈의 6천피 시대

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Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon said bank household loan growth in 2026 will be managed below the existing 1.8%. Inclusive finance such as loans to low-credit borrowers will be partially excluded from the management target so that the supply of funds to ordinary people does not shrink, and he also presented plans to increase home pension payments, reform financial sector governance in March and launch a public-participation National Growth Fund in June. With reduced loan limits signaled, the remarks directly affected households planning to buy homes.

Original headline: 이억원 "2026년 가계부채 관리 한층 강화…증가율 1.8%보다 낮게 관리"

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On January 27, the KOSPI closed at 5,084.85, ending above the 5,000 level for the first time ever. Following the intraday breakthrough on the 22nd, it confirmed the 5,000 era on a closing basis as well, and brokerages saw the possibility of a technical correction after the short-term surge, while viewing 'future growth engine' industries beyond semiconductors as key to sustaining the rally. It marked the point at which the wealth effect for households with large stock holdings began in earnest.

Original headline: 코스피 5000 돌파···1월 효과 초월할 관건 '미래 먹거리'

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On January 22, the KOSPI crossed the 5,000 level intraday for the first time in the history of the Korean stock market. It is assessed as the result of a chip-led rally, government stock market stimulus measures and the 'January effect' of early-year strength, but cautious views were also raised over narrow market breadth, the weak won and the AI bubble debate. It became a catalyst for a surge in individual investors' participation in the stock market.

Original headline: [머니+] 꿈의 '코스피 5000' 마침내 달성…전망은 기대반 우려반

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The government reported to the presidential office a schedule to pass the enactment bill for the Digital Asset Basic Act concerning won-denominated stablecoins within the first quarter (March) and to pursue amendments to related laws in the second half. With issues such as the method of phased bank participation still unresolved, the actual pace of legislation was uncertain, and the bill's passage was later pushed back to the second half. It was a timetable that would determine the direction of virtual asset investor protection and won-based digital payment infrastructure.

Original headline: 스테이블코인법, 3월까지 처리한다…경제부총리, 靑 보고

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Analysis suggests that with the won-dollar exchange rate returning to the 1,450 won range at the start of the year, the market is even considering the possibility of 1,500 won. The cause is a structural imbalance in won-dollar supply and demand, including expanded deficit-covering bond issuance and capital outflows; banks are calculating pressure on capital ratios, refiners and airlines cost burdens, and shipbuilders and automakers the benefits. For households, it translates into higher costs for imported consumer goods and overseas payments.

Original headline: 2026 화두는 다시 '환율'...1500원까지 각오한 시장, '계산기' 두드리는 플레이어들

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The Digital Asset Basic Act (phase-two virtual asset legislation), which would provide the legal basis for issuing won-denominated stablecoins, is reportedly to be introduced in the National Assembly in January. With the Financial Services Commission, which has left open the possibility of allowing non-bank operators, and the Bank of Korea, which insists on bank-majority consortia, divided over the issuer, banks and big tech companies have entered a race to get ahead. For ordinary investors, the concern is whether institutional safeguards for won-based digital asset transactions will be put in place.

Original headline: 디지털자산기본법 이달 국회 발의…새해 스테이블코인 주도권 전쟁 본격화

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On January 2, the first trading day of 2026, the KOSPI closed at 4,309.63, up 95.46 points (2.27%) from the previous trading day, setting a new record high. Expectations for corporate earnings centered on semiconductors lifted the index from the start of the year, marking the starting point of a rally that went on to break the 5,000 and 6,000 levels. It had the effect of swelling the valuation of assets held by households with stock, fund and pension accounts from the beginning of the year.

Original headline: 코스피, 2026년 첫 거래일부터 사상 최고치 경신

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In a Chosun Biz survey of 20 macroeconomic experts, 17 forecast an average won-dollar exchange rate of 1,400-1,450 won for 2026. The diagnosis is that the record-high exchange rate, which averaged 1,422 won in 2025, will continue this year due to expanded overseas investment by individuals, companies and the National Pension Service. For households, it means the burden of import prices and overseas travel and study costs will remain high.

Original headline: [2026 환율 대전망] 거시경제 전문가 85% "올해 원·달러 환율 1400~1450원"

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