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  • Economy

    Which Korean stocks offer highest dividend yields this year?

    High-dividend stocks are drawing renewed attention as Korea enters the year-end payout season with the KOSPI confined to a narrow range, analysts said Sunday. According to financial data provider FnGuide, Korea District Heating Corp. is expected to offer the highest dividend yield this year among listed companies covered by at least three brokerages. The company is projected to pay 6,520 won ($4.69) per share this year, up 363 won from 6,157 won a year earlier, translating into an estimated dividend yield of 8.69 percent. Dividend yield is calculated by dividing the dividend per share by the share price. AJ Networks, a rental service group, ranked next, with an estimated dividend of 343 won per share and a dividend yield of 8.33 percent. Brokerage stocks also featured prominently, buoyed by a strong first-half market rally and a sharp improvement in earnings. NH Investment & Securities is expected to pay a dividend of 2,031 won per share, up 731 won from a year earlier, giving a dividend yield of 7.99 percent. Samsung Securities is forecast to raise its dividend by 2,867 won to 6,867 won p

    2 MIN READBy Lee Yeon-woo
    Which Korean stocks offer highest dividend yields this year?
  • Economy

    Seoul stocks open higher on chip gains

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Seoul stocks open higher on chip gains
  • Economy

    Exports up 78% in first 20 days of Sept. on robust chip shipments

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Exports up 78% in first 20 days of Sept. on robust chip shipments
  • Economy

    Korean bond rates most sensitive to changing US yields in emerging Asian markets

    2 MIN READBy Park Han-sol
    Korean bond rates most sensitive to changing US yields in emerging Asian markets
  • Economy

    Samsung, SK hynix near end of buybacks, leaving KOSPI without clear buyer

    2 MIN READBy Lee Yeon-woo
    Samsung, SK hynix near end of buybacks, leaving KOSPI without clear buyer
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Policy

Gov't freezes fuel price caps amid Mideast tensions

The Korean government on Friday kept its price ceilings for fuel products unchanged for the second consecutive period amid elevated oil prices and prolonged tensions in the Middle East, the industry ministry said. Maximum prices for regular gasoline, diesel and kerosene supplied by local refiners to gas stations will remain unchanged at 1,784 won ($1.30), 1,773 won and 1,380 won per liter, respectively, for the next four weeks beginning Saturday, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The government has maintained the current price ceilings for the past eight weeks, since June 27, after lowering the cap to their current levels on June 26. "International oil prices fell to around $70 per barrel in early August, but Brent crude rose to $90 on Aug. 20 amid a prolonged stalemate in the Middle East, leading to the latest extension of the price caps," a ministry official told Yonhap News Agency. The government introduced fuel price caps in mid-March to stabilize domestic fuel prices amid supply chain disruptions stemming from the war between the United States and Iran in the

Aug 21, 2026By Yonhap
Gov't freezes fuel price caps amid Mideast tensions
Economy

KOSPI closes higher as chip stocks offset US Treasury yield rise

KOSPI edged higher Friday as gains in chipmakers, fueled by expectations for stronger shareholder returns, offset concerns over rising U.S. Treasury yields. The benchmark index closed at 6,912.95, up 0.88 percent, or 60.37 points, from the previous session. The index opened 1.35 percent lower but reversed course to close higher as semiconductor stocks led the rebound. Foreign investors and retail investors sold a net 170.7 billion won ($123 million) and 1.17 trillion won, respectively, while institutional investors bought a net 248.7 billion won. SK hynix rose 2.31 percent to 1.73 million won, while Samsung Electronics climbed 3.87 percent to 281,500 won, as expectations for stronger shareholder returns boosted demand for the chipmakers. SK hynix announced a 40 trillion won share buyback and cancellation program on Wednesday. The company also strengthened its shareholder return policy, pledging to return at least 50 percent of cumulative free cash flow to shareholders. Samsung Electronics is also reportedly planning to approve a shareholder return program worth more than 100 trillion won,

Aug 21, 2026By Lee Hyo-jin
KOSPI closes higher as chip stocks offset US Treasury yield rise
Economy

Growing number of foreigners tap NPS loophole for lifetime pensions

A growing number of foreign residents in Korea who have contributed to the National Pension Service (NPS) for only short periods are using a loophole in the retroactive payment system to secure old-age pension benefits, with Chinese nationals accounting for a significant share of such cases, insiders at the state pension operator said Friday. The cases are fueling scrutiny of the scheme, which was originally intended to expand pension coverage for people with interrupted careers, and prompting calls for reform. Under current measures, individuals must have at least 10 years, or 120 months, of contributions to qualify for a monthly old-age pension. The back-payment system allows people who were exempt from paying pension premiums for certain periods to pay those missed premiums later in a lump sum. The payments are then added to their contribution records. The system was introduced in 1999 to help people maintain their pension rights after career interruptions caused by unemployment, marriage, childbirth and other circumstances. Up to 119 months of missed contributions can be paid retroac

Aug 21, 2026By Lee Hyo-jin
Growing number of foreigners tap NPS loophole for lifetime pensions
Policy

Gov't to channel semiconductor tax windfall into Future Fund

The government is set to establish the “Future Fund,” channeling additional and excess tax revenue generated by the semiconductor boom into long-term investments aimed at strengthening the economy, officials said Friday. The fund, estimated to reach at least 100 trillion won ($72.3 billion), will target four priority areas — supporting young people, developing new growth engines, promoting regional development and nurturing education and talent. The move will also overhaul the way the government allocates funding to education offices and local governments. Both local education grants and local government grants have traditionally been tied to national tax revenue. Under the new framework, however, money will first be set aside for the Future Fund, with both grants calculated under revised formulas. “The fund is intended to support strategic investments aimed at boosting Korea’s potential growth rate while helping stabilize public finances against fluctuations in tax revenue,” Budget Minister Park Hong-geun said during a press briefing attended by Education Minister Choi Kyo-

Aug 21, 2026By Jun Ji-hye
Gov't to channel semiconductor tax windfall into Future Fund
Economy

New BOK senior deputy gov. calls for prudent, flexible monetary policy

The new senior deputy governor of the Bank of Korea (BOK) said Friday that monetary policy should be implemented in a prudent and flexible manner as expectations grow for a rate hike at next week's policy meeting amid accelerating inflation. "While raising interest rates can have certain policy benefits, there may also be side effects," Senior Deputy Gov. Kwon Min-soo told reporters after his inauguration ceremony. "I believe this is a time when we must make policy decisions in a balanced and cautious manner, while remaining flexible when necessary," he said. "When deciding interest rates, we must take into account both growth trends and inflation, as well as financial stability." Kwon, who began his four-year term as senior deputy governor Friday, serves as an ex officio member of the Monetary Policy Board and will participate as a board member starting with next Thursday's rate-setting meeting. His comments came after the board raised the benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage point to 2.75 percent at its last meeting in July. As the central bank has repeatedly stressed its commitment to cur

Aug 21, 2026By Yonhap
New BOK senior deputy gov. calls for prudent, flexible monetary policy
Economy

Korea to monitor impact of rising bond yields around globe

Korea will closely monitor its government bond market amid rising long-term yields in major economies and heightened economic uncertainties, the finance minister said Friday. "Amid increased fiscal spending and uncertainties stemming from the Middle East, long-term government bond yields in major economies, including the United States, Japan and those in Europe, are rising to their highest levels in decades," Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said during a meeting with financial officials. The meeting was also attended by Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon, Financial Supervisory Service Gov. Lee Chan-jin, and Bank of Korea Deputy Governor Park Jong-woo. "The government will closely monitor issuance and trading conditions in the government bond market," Koo said, adding that Seoul will make efforts to minimize borrowing costs for businesses and households. Koo, meanwhile, also noted that the Korean won traded at the 1,300 won level against the greenback this week for the first time in 11 months after weakening to the 1,550 won level in early July, amid the country's record c

Aug 21, 2026By Yonhap
Korea to monitor impact of rising bond yields around globe
Economy

Korea to impose antidumping tariffs on Thai seamless copper pipes

Korea's finance ministry said Friday it will impose antidumping tariffs on seamless copper pipes imported from Thailand after its investigation found the imports had caused damage to the domestic industry. The Ministry of Finance and Economy said it decided to impose antidumping duties ranging from 4.93 percent to 8.41 percent on Thai seamless copper pipes, following an investigation launched at the request of the Korea Trade Commission in June. The tariffs will take effect Sept. 11. Seamless copper pipes are commonly used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and heating and cooling systems due to their high corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. The relevant domestic market was estimated at about 600 billion won ($432 million) as of 2024, with Thai products accounting for 8 percent, according to the ministry. "The measure will help improve business conditions for the domestic industry, which has been facing challenges due to dumped imports, and establish a fair competitive environment," the ministry said.

Aug 21, 2026By Yonhap
Korea to impose antidumping tariffs on Thai seamless copper pipes
Economy

Seoul stocks tad higher late Friday morning on chip gains

Seoul shares traded slightly higher late Friday morning as gains in major chipmakers on hopes for shareholder returns offset lingering concerns over renewed increases in U.S. Treasury yields. After opening 1.35 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) recovered its earlier losses, rising 42.61 points, or 0.61 percent, to 6,894.69 as of 11:20 a.m. U.S. Treasury yields resumed their upward trend Thursday (U.S. time), reversing much of the previous day's decline following the U.S. Treasury's announcement of an expanded bond buyback plan. Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 1.32 percent, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.87 percent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index fell 1 percent. In Seoul, major chipmakers supported the broader market on continued expectations for shareholder returns. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 3.04 percent on reports that the chip giant could unveil a new shareholder return package worth up to 110 trillion won ($79.7 billion) later in the day. Its chipmaking rival SK hynix rose 3.61 percent, extending its rally after

Aug 21, 2026By Yonhap
Seoul stocks tad higher late Friday morning on chip gains
Economy

Exports up 56 % in first 20 days of Aug. on robust chip shipments

Korea's exports surged 56 percent from a year earlier over the first 20 days of August, customs data showed Friday, with shipments of semiconductors reaching a fresh high. Outbound shipments reached $55.2 billion in the Aug. 1-20 period, according to data from the Korea Customs Service. It was the highest level for the 20-day period for any August. Imports went up 19 percent on-year to $41.2 billion over the cited period, resulting in a trade surplus of $14 billion. The customs agency noted the daily average exports for the period shot up 61.5 percent from a year earlier to $3.94 billion. By sector, exports of chips nearly tripled to $26 billion, marking the highest amount for the period. Chips accounted for 47.2 percent of total exports, up 22.5 percentage points from a year earlier. Outbound shipments of petroleum products gained 56.4 percent to $4.23 billion, and those of steel rose 9.7 percent to $2.39 billion. Exports of automobiles, on the other hand, slipped 45.1 percent to $1.52 billion. By destination, exports to China more than doubled to $15.26 billion, and those to the United Sta

Aug 21, 2026By Yonhap
Exports up 56 % in first 20 days of Aug. on robust chip shipments
Economy

KOSPI surges 5.9% as chipmakers rally on shareholder returns

The KOSPI surged past 6,800 on Thursday, as SK hynix and Samsung Electronics rallied on expectations for increased shareholder returns and easing U.S. Treasury yields boosted risk appetite. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,852.58, up 5.89 percent from the previous session. The index opened 3.23 percent higher and extended its advance, triggering a buying-side sidecar at 9:57 a.m. It was the 49th sidecar activation on KOSPI this year. Foreign investors bought a net 1.7 trillion won ($1.2 billion) of shares, while institutional and retail investors sold a net 219.5 billion won and 2.3 trillion won, respectively. SK hynix surged 12.73 percent to close at 1,691,000 won, while Samsung Electronics climbed 9.49 percent to 271,000 won, as expectations for stronger shareholder payouts fueled demand for the chipmakers. SK hynix announced a 40 trillion won share buyback and cancellation program after the previous session's close, helping reverse profit-taking pressure that had weighed on the stock following its recent rally. The company also strengthened its shareholder return policy, pledging to al

Aug 20, 2026By Lee Yeon-woo
KOSPI surges 5.9% as chipmakers rally on shareholder returns
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