▲ The KOSPI index is displayed on a screen at the Hana Bank dealing room in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd.
The won-to-dollar exchange rate has climbed into the 1,540 won range shortly after the market opened, driven by the continued strength of the U.S. dollar.
As of 9:11 a.m. today (the 23rd) in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate was trading at 1,541.4 won, up 4.4 won from the previous day's daytime closing price (as of 3:30 p.m.).
The exchange rate opened at 1,539.4 won, up 2.4 won, and rose to as high as 1,542.0 won shortly after the opening.
Since then, it has been fluctuating in the low 1,540 won range.
This marks the first time in 15 days since the 8th that the exchange rate has surpassed 1,540 won during daytime trading.
The exchange rate has been rising for two consecutive days as the dollar remains strong due to expectations of monetary tightening by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed).
The previous day's daytime closing price for the won-dollar exchange rate was 1,537.0 won, up 10 won, marking the first time in 10 trading days that it exceeded 1,530 won.
Amid the upward trend in U.S. Treasury yields, the dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, has risen to the 101 level.
After reaching 101.073 overnight, it is currently trading slightly lower at 101.023.
While international oil prices are on a downward trend due to progress in ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran, Asian currencies remain weak as the dollar's strength persists.
The Japanese yen is also showing weakness, with the yen-dollar exchange rate remaining high in the 161 yen range for two consecutive days.
As of the same time, it is up 0.04% at 161.555 yen.
The won-yen cross rate is 954.01 won per 100 yen, up 3.19 won from the previous day's 3:30 p.m. closing price.
In the KOSPI market, foreign investors are net selling on a scale of 1 trillion won in early trading.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.