Overview
- The benchmark index rose 0.24% on Oct. 21 to 3,823.84, marking a fifth consecutive record as the won weakened to 1,427.75 per dollar.
- The market set a new high the prior session at 3,814.69 after crossing 3,800 for the first time on optimism about easing U.S.–China trade tensions.
- President Donald Trump signaled plans to meet Xi Jinping at the APEC summit and said cumulative China tariffs are not sustainable, supporting sentiment.
- Presidential adviser Kim Yong-beom reported “practical progress” in follow-up Korea–U.S. tariff talks, with institutions buying while foreign and retail investors sold.
- Volatility remains elevated, with early-October average intraday swings at 1.81% and the VKospi jumping to 34.58, the first move above 30 since April.