President Donald Trump announced plans to hike tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, up from the current 15%. He cited the South Korean legislature’s failure to ratify a trade deal finalized in late 2025 as the primary reason for the increase. The move targets key sectors including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and lumber.
Despite the news, South Korean equities remained resilient. The benchmark Kospi index rebounded from early losses to hit new record highs, largely supported by intense dip buying. Key highlights from the market reaction include:
Investors appear to be looking past the protectionist rhetoric, focusing instead on strong domestic earnings. However, the 10% rate hike remains a significant hurdle for the economy if finalized.
Markets shifted toward risk-on sentiment as easing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy pressured the U.S. dollar. EUR/USD climbed toward 1.18, reaching multi-month highs, while sterling also advanced to a seven-week peak.
US-Iran Talks End Without BreakthroughDiplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without an agreement after more than 21 hours of discussions in Pakistan, marking another setback in efforts to ease pressure surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and regional role.
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Oil Shock and Inflation Reprice Global Markets (13 – 17 April)Global sentiment shifted this week as markets balanced high-stakes diplomacy in Islamabad with a severe energy supply squeeze. While talks between US and Iranian officials provided a fragile glimmer of hope, the US-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by a breakdown in weekend negotiations, sent Brent crude surging 8% to approximately $103/barrel.
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