FX.co ★ KOSPI Edges Lower on Fed, Trade Uncertainty

In a turbulent trading session on Thursday, the benchmark KOSPI dipped slightly to hover around 3,471. This decline was influenced by investor caution following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks about the valuation concerns in the stock market. Market participants are still assessing the potential effects on US interest rates and the broader global equity landscape. Adding to the instability, the US announced a reduction of auto tariffs on European Union imports to 15%, while Korean autos remain subject to a 25% tariff, increasing policy risks for South Korea's automotive industry and sparking worries about export competitiveness. Additionally, comments from US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, indicating upcoming trade agreements with Southeast Asian nations, have heightened concerns about South Korea's potential competitive disadvantage. Among notable stock movements, Hyundai Motor fell by 0.69%, SK Hynix by 0.28%, and KB Financial Group by 0.17%. In contrast, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose by 4.79%, and Samsung Electronics saw a 0.47% increase.