On the 18th, the won-dollar exchange rate started slightly higher at 1,420 won. Amid the continued weakness of the dollar, the market shows a wait-and-see stance, resulting in limited fluctuations in the exchange rate.
On that day, the won-dollar exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market started at 1,420 won, up 1.1 won from the previous trading day's weekly transaction closing price (based on 3:30 p.m.). The exchange rate then showed a declining trend, recording 1,419.10 won as of 9:23 a.m.
U.S. President Donald Trump noted that there has been significant progress in negotiations with Japan as the market remains cautious without new announcements regarding tariff policies. He also mentioned that negotiations with China would be conducted promptly following those with the European Union (EU).
The dollar remains weak. According to Investing.com, the dollar index, which shows the dollar's value against the currencies of the six major countries, recorded 99.34 as of 9:42 a.m. Meanwhile, the dollar-yen (yen per dollar) is in the 142 yen range, while the euro-dollar (dollar per euro) shows strength at $1.1378.
The market projected that the exchange rate would fluctuate around the mid-1,410 won range that day. Wi Jae-hyun, an economist at NH Futures, said, "There is an absence of overall direction in the foreign exchange market recently," adding that "the possibility of limited global fund movement regarding all risk assets, excluding gold, is likely to dominate."
Min Kyung-won, a researcher at Woori Bank, stated, "Today's exchange rate will attempt limited upward movements centered around the late 1,410 won range," adding that "the upward pressure from foreign net selling on the domestic stock market and inflows of undervalued purchases both domestically and abroad will likely prevail."