South Korean Won Hit 8-Month Low

2026-02-16 02:31 By Mariene Camarillo 1 min. read

The South Korean won edged down to around 1,444 per dollar, extending losses to an eight-month low on persistent capital outflows.

In the first half of the year, the won has depreciated by over 8% against the US, largely due to foreign investors reducing their exposure to South Korean equities.

Overseas investors sold about $180 million of local stocks in the latest session, extending their net outflows to a third consecutive day.

In a recent development, the National Pension Service indicated it would adopt a more flexible approach to currency hedging as part of broader efforts to dampen excessive volatility.

Market participants are closely watching whether the fund will actively sell dollars, and whether exporters’ year-end dollar conversions could provide some support for the won.

Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong also expressed concern, warning that the current exchange-rate level could negatively affect both inflation and economic growth.



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