The won-dollar exchange rate against the U.S. dollar was 1,475.2 won at 9 a.m. on the 24th. It was up 8.4 won (0.57%) from the previous transaction week's closing price.
There is an outlook that the exchange rate could rise into the 1,480-won range on the day. As the U.S.-Iran clash has escalated into a full-scale war pattern, international oil prices have risen and investor sentiment toward risk assets has contracted.
On the 23rd (local time) in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.97% from the previous session. The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 fell 1.21%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2.15%. Brent crude, the benchmark for international oil prices, topped $100 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) broke through $90.
The United States is expanding the war by deploying additional special operations forces, fighter jets and medical staff to the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a media interview that he is considering "a much larger, large-scale attack than before."
If this happens, foreign investors may become net sellers of domestic stocks. When foreigners sell domestic stocks and exchange them for dollars, the exchange rate tends to rise. Foreigners were net buyers of 2.135 trillion won in the stock market the previous day.