Why did Seoul stocks fall on Wednesday as U.S. Treasury yields rose?

Rising Treasury yields made investors worry about higher borrowing costs, which dampened sentiment in Seoul. The article says the faster-than-expected pace of the rise kept weighing on stocks, even though the market had already anticipated further gains in the 10-year yield.

How weak was the KOSPI and who was selling the most?

The KOSPI fell 32.77 points, or 0.48 percent, to 6,838.04, marking a third straight losing session. Foreigners were the biggest sellers at a net 2.05 trillion won, followed by institutions at 767.97 billion won.

How did major stocks and the won move during the session?

Samsung Electronics fell 1.47 percent to 268,500 won, while SK hynix edged up 0.62 percent to 1.78 million won. KB Financial Group and Shinhan Financial Group also declined, and the won weakened to 1,352.8 per dollar, up 1.2 won from the previous close.

Seoul stocks fall for 3rd day as Treasury yields rise

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Summary

Seoul stocks fell for a third straight session Wednesday as rising U.S. Treasury yields and a weaker won hurt sentiment. The KOSPI dropped 32.77 points, or 0.48 percent, to 6,838.04. Trading was light, with foreigners and institutions net sellers while individuals bought. Bond prices rose as government yields fell.

Key Facts

The KOSPI closed at 6,838.04, down 32.77 points, or 0.48 percent, after a third consecutive day of losses.
Trade volume reached 264.24 million shares worth 18.81 trillion won, with decliners outnumbering advancers 511 to 351.
Foreign investors sold a net 2.05 trillion won and institutions sold 767.97 billion won, while individuals bought 1.17 trillion won.
Samsung Electronics fell 1.47 percent to 268,500 won, while SK hynix rose 0.62 percent to 1.78 million won.
The won was quoted at 1,352.8 per dollar at 3:30 p.m., and three-year Treasurys fell 6.5 basis points to 4.011.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 30, 2026 9:28 am KST
Updated Sep 30, 2026 5:06 pm KST

The closing price of the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) is displayed on a screen in Hana Bank's dealing room in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Korean shares retreated Wednesday as rising U.S. Treasury yields raised concerns over higher borrowing costs and dampened investor sentiment. The Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 32.77 points, or 0.48 percent, to end at 6,838.04, marking its third consecutive session of losses.

Overnight, U.S. stocks ended slightly lower despite a decline in oil prices, as persistently high Treasury yields kept investors cautious.

Global bond yields have risen to multi-year highs amid concerns that elevated energy prices could keep inflationary pressures high and lead to further interest rate hikes.

The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury topped 5.6 percent, its highest level in 24 years, while the benchmark 10-year yield remained above 5.2 percent, its highest level since 2007.

Trade volume was light at 264.24 million shares worth 18.81 trillion won ($13.89 billion), with decliners outnumbering advancers 511 to 351.

Foreigners and institutions sold a net 2.05 trillion won and 767.97 billion, respectively, while individuals bought a net 1.17 trillion won.

"While the market has largely anticipated further increases in the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, the faster-than-expected pace of the rise has continued to weigh on stocks," Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said.

Market heavyweights were mixed.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 1.47 percent to 268,500 won, while chip giant SK hynix edged up 0.62 percent to 1.78 million won.

Financial shares were in negative territory.

KB Financial Group sank 2.71 percent to 168,800 won, while Shinhan Financial Group went down 3.98 percent to 106,100 won.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,352.8 won against the U.S. dollar as of 3:30 p.m., up 1.2 won from the previous stock trading session's close.

Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed higher. The yield on three-year Treasurys fell 6.5 basis points to 4.011, and the return on the benchmark five-year government bonds shed 7.3 basis points to 4.203.

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