The won–dollar exchange rate closed at 1,469.5 won per U.S. dollar on the 6th, up 0.5 won from the previous day. As of today, the won–dollar rate has finished higher for three straight days.
The won–dollar rate opened at 1,472.2 won on the day, up 3.7 won from the previous day. It rose to as high as 1,478.8 won right after the open. It then gradually pared gains and even fell into the 1,460-won range in the afternoon. Ahead of the close of weekly transactions (9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), it fluctuated repeatedly. In the end, it edged up from the previous day and finished trading in the 1,460-won range.
Foreign investors continued to be net sellers of domestic stocks for a second day. On the day, foreigners sold a combined 3.2558 trillion won worth of shares on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and KOSDAQ. The previous day, they were net sellers of 5.2863 trillion won worth of shares. When foreigners sell domestic stocks like this, demand for the won declines. That acts as a factor pushing the won lower (a rise in the won–dollar rate).
Although the won–dollar rate rose, it did not climb sharply, drawing attention in the securities industry to exporters. Min Kyung-won of Woori Bank said, "Most exporters are actively selling their dollars above 1,450 won, restraining the rise in the exchange rate," adding, "With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, that is likely to act as an incentive for exporters to sell at the high."