📈 July 9, 2025 (Wed) – “Tariff Delay, Short-Selling Crackdown, and Export Momentum” 🌍

Global uncertainty eased after the U.S. tariff deadline was extended, while Korea’s markets stabilized on hopes for stronger exports and regulatory reforms.

---

📊 Korean Market Close

• KOSPI: 3,133.74 (+0.60%)
• KOSDAQ: 790.36 (+0.78%)
• USD/KRW: ₩1,374.90 (+0.12%)

KOSPI and KOSDAQ rose steadily, reflecting relief over delayed U.S. tariffs and improved investor sentiment around domestic tech and exporters.

---

📰 Key News & Developments

1. 🇺🇸 U.S. Tariff Deadline Postponed

• The July 9 U.S. tariff implementation date was delayed to August 1, providing near-term relief across export-sensitive sectors.
• This delay supported a slight pullback in the dollar and stabilized the won near ₩1,374.

2. 🚫 Korea to Tighten Short-Selling Rules

• Korean regulators (FSC, FSS, and KRX) announced stricter penalties for illegal short-selling, including a “one-strike-out” rule for repeated violations.
• Foreign financial institutions are already facing fines and sanctions under this crackdown.

3. 📈 Export Recovery Sentiment Builds

• Export momentum in semiconductors, EVs, and batteries remained strong, bolstered by optimism that the tariff delay would extend global demand.
• The Ministry of Trade noted that export conditions are likely to remain favorable in H2 2025.

4. 💵 Dollar Strength Continues, Yields Steady

• The U.S. dollar index held steady, and 10-year Treasury yields hovered around 4.4%.
• Though the strong dollar trend persists, tariff uncertainty relief eased upward pressure.

5. 🌐 Global Risk Sentiment Eases

• Asian and emerging market currencies regained strength after the tariff delay, supporting flows into risk assets across the region.

---

🔮 Outlook & Key Events

DateEventImpact

Aug 1	Final U.S. tariff deadline	Key risk re-evaluation
Jul 10	Bank of Korea rate decision	Potential hold, focus on debt management
Jul 11	Samsung, Hyundai, SK Hynix earnings	Sector momentum signal
Mid-July	U.S. AI & semi export regulations	Implications for Korean chipmakers
Ongoing	FX & trade flows	Monitor KRW, JPY, CNY trends

 

---

💡 Conclusion & Strategy

📌 Overall Assessment

• The tariff deadline extension eased immediate macro uncertainty.
• Korea’s regulatory tightening signals stronger market discipline.
• Export expectations remain favorable, supporting tech and manufacturing momentum.

✅ Recommended Strategies

1. Strengthen exposure to export leaders
   • Focus on semiconductors, autos, and batteries
2. Select stocks benefiting from regulatory reforms
   • Identify companies gaining from short-selling constraints
3. Leverage policy-sensitive sectors
   • Consider real estate, infrastructure, and banks if rates hold
4. Play currency stability
   • Use dips in the won to accumulate domestic assets
5. Prepare for earnings events
   • Trade around earnings reports from key conglomerates

---

📝 Final Thoughts

July 9 delivered both macro and regulatory relief for Korean markets.
However, major events still lie ahead, including earnings, monetary decisions, and global policy updates. Investors should stay agile and diversify their positioning to manage short-term shocks while capturing longer-term growth.

Wishing you successful investing through a crucial earnings season! 🙌