South Korean Won Holds Gains

2026-08-11 04:51 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The South Korean won traded around 1,416 per dollar, remaining near an over ten-month high touched last week, supported by persistent dollar-selling flows.

The currency continued to benefit from the conversion of SK hynix's ADR proceeds into won, which has been a key factor behind its sharp appreciation in recent weeks.

Additionally, chip exports surged 155.4% year-on-year in the first 10 days of August to $9.95 billion, reinforcing the won's underlying support from Korea's strong semiconductor-driven external position and robust global AI demand.

Separately, expectations for further Bank of Korea rate hikes are strengthening the currency's fundamental outlook, after BOK Deputy Governor Ryoo Sangdai said stronger growth and persistent core inflation could warrant further tightening.

Meanwhile, expectations for a September Federal Reserve rate hike have increased, supporting the dollar and creating an external headwind for the won ahead of key US inflation data.



News Stream
South Korean Won Holds Gains
The South Korean won traded around 1,416 per dollar, remaining near an over ten-month high touched last week, supported by persistent dollar-selling flows. The currency continued to benefit from the conversion of SK hynix's ADR proceeds into won, which has been a key factor behind its sharp appreciation in recent weeks. Additionally, chip exports surged 155.4% year-on-year in the first 10 days of August to $9.95 billion, reinforcing the won's underlying support from Korea's strong semiconductor-driven external position and robust global AI demand. Separately, expectations for further Bank of Korea rate hikes are strengthening the currency's fundamental outlook, after BOK Deputy Governor Ryoo Sangdai said stronger growth and persistent core inflation could warrant further tightening. Meanwhile, expectations for a September Federal Reserve rate hike have increased, supporting the dollar and creating an external headwind for the won ahead of key US inflation data.
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South Korean Won Eases From Over 10-Month High
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