As expectations for the end of the Russia-Ukraine war grow, the won-dollar exchange rate has fallen to the 1,430 won range for the first time in a month.
According to the foreign exchange market in Seoul on the 19th, the weekly transaction closing price (as of 3:30 p.m.) was recorded at 1,438.5 won, down 5.2 won from the previous trading day (1,443.7 won). This is the first time the exchange rate closing price has dropped to the 1,430 won range since the 24th of last month (1,431.3 won).
The exchange rate opened at 1,442.0 won, down 1.7 won, and then steadily fell. Around 12:39 p.m., it recorded 1,439.6 won, dropping to the 1,430 won range, and continued to decline thereafter, decreasing to the 1,438 won range.
On the 18th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump noted the possibility of a summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month, which seems to have increased expectations for the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Risk appetite has risen, and the dollar has turned weaker.
According to Investing.com, the dollar index, which indicates the value of the dollar against six major currencies, recorded 106.99 as of 5:25 p.m. It has decreased significantly compared to earlier this month when it was above 109. Asian currencies are strong. The dollar-yen exchange rate is 151 yen, and the dollar-yuan exchange rate is at 7.27 yuan, both of which have dropped compared to a week ago (154 yen and 7.30 yuan, respectively).
In the domestic stock market, foreigners led the decline in the exchange rate by continuing their buying spree. On this day, foreigners net purchased stocks worth 392.7 billion won in the securities market. As a result, the KOSPI index closed at 2,671.52, up 44.71 points (1.7%) from the previous session.
The won-yen exchange rate was traded at 948.85 won per 100 yen as of 3:30 p.m. It decreased by 0.98 won from the previous day's reference price of 949.83 won.