South Korea shares rise as Fed rate hike eases uncertainty

LG Energy Solution

17/09/2026 05:05

KOSPI rises, foreigners net sellers
Korean won weakens against dollar
South Korea benchmark bond yield falls
SEOUL, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Round-up of South Korean financial markets: ** South Korean shares rose on Thursday even as the U.S. raised interest rates for the first time since 2023 as Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's resolve to tackle inflation eased some uncertainties. 
The won weakened, while the benchmark bond yield fell. ** The benchmark KOSPI .KS11 was up 28.08 points, or 0.42%, at 6,746.05 as of 03:46 GMT.  ** Chipmaker Samsung Electronics 005930.KS rose 0.20%, while peer SK Hynix 000660.KS lost 0.40%.
** The Fed raised rates on Wednesday and flagged more hikes in the coming months, joining a unanimous decision that effectively acknowledges the Trump administration's inability so far to control inflation that ​policymakers worry could worsen. ** Among other index heavyweights, battery maker LG Energy Solution 373220.KS slid 0.27%, while Hyundai Motor 005380.KS and sister automaker Kia Corp 000270.KS were unchanged and down 0.50%, respectively. ** Steelmaker POSCO Holdings 005490.KS added 0.15%, while drugmaker Samsung BioLogics 207940.KS fell 1.14%. ** Of the total 912 traded issues, 459 shares advanced, while 404 declined. ** Foreigners were net sellers of shares worth 1,243.6 billion won. ** The won was quoted at 1,380.0 per dollar on the onshore settlement platform KRW=KFTC, 0.22% lower than its previous close at 1,377.0. ** The KOSPI has risen 60.08% so far this year. ** The won has strengthened 4.3% against the dollar so far this year. ** In money and debt markets, December futures on three-year treasury bonds KTBc1 lost 0.11 point to 102.08. ** The most liquid three-year Korean treasury bond yield KR3YT=RR rose by 4.9 basis points to 4.087%, while the benchmark 10-year yield KR10YT=RR fell by 1.1 basis points to 4.542%.

 (Reporting by Cynthia Kim; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
 ((Cynthia.Kim@thomsonreuters.com; 822 3704 5655; Reuters Messaging: cynthia.kim.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))