Overview
- The KOSPI climbed 1.9% to 3,994.93 on Dec. 2 after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed Washington cut auto tariffs on South Korean imports to 15% effective Nov. 1.
- Seoul shares advanced again on Dec. 3 to close at 4,036.3, helped by a faster‑than‑estimated Q3 GDP reading that improved risk appetite.
- Semiconductor and auto leaders drove the Dec. 2 rally, with Samsung Electronics up 2.58%, SK hynix up 3.72%, Hyundai Motor up 4.52% and Kia up 4.19%.
- Foreign and institutional investors were net buyers on Dec. 2, purchasing about 121.5 billion won and 39.3 billion won in stocks, respectively, while individuals were net sellers.
- The won firmed slightly to 1,468.4 per dollar on Dec. 2 and local bond yields edged lower, as prior volatility tied to Bitcoin weakness and a stronger yen faded with renewed policy certainty.