The won-dollar exchange rate against the U.S. dollar closed weekly at 1,411.8 won at 3:30 p.m. on the 14th. That was down 1.2 won (0.08%) from the prior session's weekly close.
The rate opened at 1,417 won, fluctuated, and returned to 1,417 won around 8:21 a.m. It then widened its decline to 1,408 won around 11:57 a.m. However, it rose again to finish the weekly transaction. On a weekly closing basis, it marked 1,410 won for seven consecutive sessions from the 7th.
Contrary to market expectations that the rate would climb to the high 1,410-won range, it fell. Although the negotiation period under the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding for a cease-fire ended without results, it is seen as more affected by corporations selling dollars they held.
A net inflow of foreign capital into the domestic stock market is also seen to have played a role. When foreigners exchange dollars they hold into won to buy domestic stocks, dollar supply rises and the rate can fall. Foreign investors made a net purchase of 86.5 billion won on the main board that day. From the 11th through the day, they recorded net buying for five consecutive sessions, with a cumulative total of 9.49 trillion won.
However, Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon, which keep tensions high in the Middle East, remain a variable. As of the 15th, 11 people were killed and 19 were injured in Israel's attacks.