The won-dollar exchange rate against the U.S. dollar was 1,359.8 won at 9 a.m. on the 3rd. That was down 8.9 won (0.65%) from the prior transaction day's weekly close. As of 9 a.m., it was the first time the rate was in the 1,350-won range since July 3, 2025 (1,355 won).
The rate was expected to fall from the previous day. Continued strength in semiconductor exports could keep major exporters selling dollars. When corporations sell dollars they hold, the won strengthens and the rate falls.
The slowdown in the rise of international oil prices and Government Bonds yields after the renewed U.S.-Iran airstrikes was also cited as a factor strengthening the won.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, a benchmark for global rates, rose intraday to 4.821% on the 2nd (local time), the highest since November 2023. But it later fell to 4.793%. Brent crude futures, the international oil price benchmark, rose 1.04% from the previous session to $95.63 per barrel.
New York stocks also ended higher. The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index rose 0.46%, and the Nasdaq composite index rose 0.45%.