Future Finance Research Institute

Industry News

Seoul shares open higher ahead of key US economic data

South Korean stocks opened slightly higher Tuesday as investors are awaiting the release of major US economic data due later this week. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) rose 5.8 points, or 0.22 percent, to 2,624.10 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Overnight, major US indexes finished mixed, with the S&P 500 almost unchanged, the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.4 percent, and the tech...

Seoul shares up for 3rd day ahead of key US data

South Korean stocks ended slightly higher Tuesday as investors remained cautious ahead of the releases of major US data later this week to gauge the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction. The local currency gained ground against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) added 3.2 points, or 0.12 percent, to 2,621.50. Trade volume was a little slim at 372.2 million shares worth 8.8 trillion won ($6.4 billion), with losers outnumbering winners 561 to 322. Fo

FSC chief stresses need to enhance corporate values for strong economy

The chief of the financial regulator called on local companies to actively join the government-initiated corporate value-up program Monday, stressing the need to build a stock market that is "stronger" and can "recuperate faster." Kim Byoung-hwan, head of the Financial Services Commission, made the call in a meeting with the heads of eight local businesses that have made public disclosures about t...

Seoul shares open higher on eased US recession woes

South Korean stocks opened higher Monday on eased woes over a US recession after last week's rout. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 26.81 points, or 1.04 percent, to 2,615.24 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Major US indexes finished higher Friday following a rout as recession woes diminished thanks to better-than-expected unemployment data. Investors' eyes are now on the US consumer...

[Herald Interview] Why Korean investors can benefit from US equity exposure

With the US stock market representing more than half of the world’s total equity market capitalization, adopting a US perspective for investment decisions can be helpful for Korean investors, Hamish Preston, head of US Equity Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said in a recent interview held online with The Korea Herald. Over the years, Korean investors have been showing an increased appetite in US-listed stocks. Their holdings of US equity stood at $88.23 billion in end-July, displayin

Seoul shares spike over 1% on eased US recession woes

South Korean stocks closed more than 1 percent higher Monday, recovering from last week's rout as concerns over a US economic recession eased. The local currency lost ground against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index gained 29.87 points, or 1.15 percent, to 2,618.30, rising for the second consecutive day. Trade volume was slim at 286.2 million shares worth 7.4 trillion won ($5.4 billion), with winners far outnumbering losers 674 to 202. Foreigners and institution

Seoul shares open higher on eased recession woes

South Korean stocks got off to a strong start Friday tracking overnight gains on Wall Street on eased recession woes. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 36.85 points, or 1.44 percent, to 2,593.58 in the first 15 minutes of trading. In the United States, stock indices finished higher as better-than-expected unemployment data buoyed investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.76 perce...

Seoul shares end over 1% higher on calmed recession woes

South Korean stocks finished more than 1 percent higher Friday as investor sentiment was boosted by better-than-expected recent US jobless data, soothing recent recession fears that had rocked global financial markets. The local currency gained against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index added 31.7 points, or 1.24 percent, to close at 2,588.43. Trade volume was moderate at 464.3 million shares worth 9.5 trillion won ($6.96 billion), with gainers largely outnumbering de

Seoul shares end two-day rise after global sell-off

South Korean stocks ended a two-day rebound after the global crash as investor sentiment was dampened by lingering US recession woes and the sluggish performance of big tech firms. The local currency slightly fell against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index dropped 11.68 points, or 0.45 percent, to close at 2,556.73. Trade volume was moderate at 477.7 million shares worth 11.2 trillion won ...

W630b Korean trades canceled amid huge global sell-off

Approximately 630 billion won ($457.3 million) in trades by South Korean investors were canceled following a recent suspension in after-hours trading in the US largely due to a surge in order volume, Korean authorities said Thursday. According to the Financial Supervisory Service, the cancellations affected around 90,000 accounts at 19 local securities firms that offer daytime trading of US stocks to Korean investors...