South Korean Won Weakens as Foreign Investors Extend Equity Selling Streak

Today Markets Analysis

The South Korean won weakened to approximately 1,344 per US dollar on Tuesday, surrendering some of the previous session’s gains as continued foreign equity outflows weighed on demand for the domestic currency.

Foreign investors sold a net KRW 693 billion (approximately $514 million) worth of South Korean equities on Monday, marking their seventh consecutive session of net selling. The sustained capital outflows have increased pressure on the won, reflecting continued caution among international investors towards domestic financial markets.

Additional downward pressure came from currency conversions by South Korean semiconductor exporters, with companies reportedly increasing dollar sales after the exchange rate climbed into the 1,360-won range during the previous session.

Currency Market Snapshot

Foreign Equity Outflows Weigh on the Won

Foreign investor activity remains a significant influence on the South Korean currency.

The latest net selling of KRW 693 billion in domestic equities extends a seven-session withdrawal streak, reducing demand for the won as international investors convert local currency holdings back into foreign currencies.

Persistent equity outflows can create additional pressure on the exchange rate, particularly when investors redirect capital towards US assets or other international markets.

The continuation of this trend suggests that foreign investor confidence remains an important variable for the won’s near-term performance.

Semiconductor Exporters Provide Some Currency Support

Dollar conversions by domestic semiconductor exporters have helped limit the won’s weakness.

Companies reportedly increased dollar selling after the exchange rate moved into the 1,360-won range during the previous session.

When exporters convert their foreign currency earnings into won, demand for the domestic currency increases, potentially providing support to the exchange rate.

This activity highlights the influence of South Korea’s export sector on currency movements, particularly given the importance of semiconductor manufacturers to the country’s international trade position.

Improving Global Risk Appetite Limits Losses

Despite persistent foreign equity outflows, improving global market sentiment helped restrict the won’s decline.

An overnight rally on Wall Street and a sharp fall in oil prices supported broader risk appetite, reducing some demand for defensive assets.

Hopes for renewed US-Iran cease-fire negotiations also helped ease geopolitical concerns, contributing to a more favourable environment for risk-sensitive currencies.

Lower oil prices are particularly relevant for South Korea, which relies heavily on imported energy. A sustained decline in energy costs could improve the country’s import bill and reduce pressure on its external trade balance.

Bullish Sentiment

1. Exporter dollar conversions: Increased dollar selling by semiconductor exporters generates demand for the won.
2. Improving global risk appetite: Stronger US equity markets can encourage renewed investment in risk-sensitive Asian currencies.
3. Lower oil prices: Reduced energy import costs could improve South Korea’s external trade position.
4. Geopolitical de-escalation: Prospects for renewed US-Iran negotiations could reduce uncertainty and support regional market sentiment.

Bearish Sentiment

1. Persistent foreign equity selling: Seven consecutive sessions of net selling indicate continued international capital outflows.
2. Currency conversion pressures: Foreign investors converting equity proceeds into dollars can increase demand for the US currency.
3. Dollar strength: Continued preference for US assets could limit the won’s recovery.
4. Market uncertainty: Ongoing geopolitical and financial market developments could encourage further defensive positioning.

South Korean Won Forecast: What Traders Are Watching

The won’s near-term direction will depend on the balance between foreign capital flows, exporter currency conversions and broader movements in the US dollar.

The 1,344-per-dollar level provides an important reference point following Tuesday’s weakening, while the previous move towards 1,360 highlights the potential for renewed volatility if foreign equity selling accelerates.

Traders will be monitoring whether international investors begin returning to South Korean equities or extend their selling streak.

Developments in the semiconductor sector will also remain important, particularly as exporter dollar conversions can influence short-term currency demand.

Market Outlook for the Coming Sessions

The South Korean won faces a mixed near-term outlook, with persistent foreign equity outflows providing downward pressure while improving global risk appetite and exporter dollar sales offer some support.

A continuation of foreign selling could leave the currency vulnerable to further depreciation, particularly if the US dollar strengthens against major Asian currencies.

However, lower oil prices and reduced geopolitical tensions could improve the external environment for South Korea and help limit further losses.

For the coming sessions, investors will be watching foreign portfolio flows, semiconductor exporter conversions, movements in global equity markets and developments in US-Iran negotiations.

The immediate outlook remains cautious, with capital flows likely to remain a key determinant of the won’s direction.

Currency Hedger provides international payment solutions, multi-currency accounts and foreign exchange risk management services to businesses managing exposure to currency fluctuations.

Explore international currency solutions at Currency Hedger or open an account.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Foreign exchange trading involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all investors.

Register a Revolut Business Account