🇺🇸 June 23, 2025 (Mon) – U.S. Stocks Surge on Ceasefire Hopes, Tesla’s Robotaxi, and Fed Optimism 📈
📊 Market Summary
- KOSPI: 3,103.64 (+2.96%) — Breaks above 3,100 for the first time in 3 years and 9 months
- KOSDAQ: 800.93 (+2.06%) — Highest since August last year
- KRW/USD Exchange Rate: 1,360.80 KRW (−0.85%) — Won strengthens amid easing dollar demand
Strong buying from foreigners (436.2 billion KRW) and institutions (259 billion KRW) led the KOSPI rally, even as retail investors took profits. Foreign flows acted as a critical support for market momentum.
📰 Key News & Issues
1. 🌍 Geopolitical Risk Eases — Full Ceasefire Between Iran and Israel
A comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel eased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, improving global investor sentiment and reducing demand for safe-haven assets.
2. 🛍 Consumer Sentiment Hits 4-Year High
The Bank of Korea’s June Consumer Confidence Index (CCSI) rose to 108.7, marking the highest level in four years. Optimism over government policy and economic outlook is supporting household confidence.
3. 💵 Policy Budget Optimism
Expectations around the swift passage of the 30.5 trillion KRW supplementary budget have supported sectors like AI, SMEs, and consumer-related stocks, especially amid the National Assembly’s upcoming fiscal review.
4. 🔋 Tech and Semiconductors Lead the Rally
Major tech stocks surged across the board. Samsung Electronics jumped 3.2%, while SK Hynix soared 4.5%, fueled by global chip demand recovery and AI investment trends.
5. 🏦 FX Market Stabilization
The Finance Ministry reaffirmed close monitoring of FX volatility. The strengthening KRW reflects easing geopolitical risks and expectations of stable foreign capital inflows.
6. 📈 Foreign Inflows Remain Resilient
Foreign investors net-bought Korean stocks for a third straight session, with growing interest in MSCI-upgraded stocks and undervalued cyclicals.
🔮 Outlook & Upcoming Events
- June 25: South Korea’s Export/Import and Industrial Output Data
- June 29: U.S. CPI and Core PCE release
- Early July: National Assembly’s vote on the supplementary budget
- Mid-July: Bank of Korea monetary policy meeting
Investors will be closely watching domestic demand indicators, FX movements, and MSCI-related foreign interest.
💡 Conclusion & Investment Strategy
✅ Summary
KOSPI’s breakout above 3,100 reflects renewed investor confidence driven by consumer sentiment, easing geopolitical risks, and policy momentum.
📌 Strategy
- Tech Momentum: Maintain exposure to semiconductors and AI-related leaders
- Policy-Themed Picks: Focus on budget-supported sectors like finance, SMEs, and consumption
- FX Awareness: Hedge against KRW appreciation where necessary
- Global Linkage: Monitor external triggers such as U.S. inflation and Fed commentary
- MSCI Watchlist: Align with global index inclusions for potential upside
📝 Final Note
June’s final week begins with a strong bullish signal. As sentiment improves and capital flows stabilize, investors are advised to adopt a flexible yet optimistic strategy aligned with both domestic policy cues and global economic data.