South Korean stocks slip as oil prices, Middle East tensions cloud sentiment
South Korean shares declined as elevated oil prices and uncertainty surrounding Middle East energy supplies dampened investor sentiment. The KOSPI index fell 0.21%, while the won weakened and bond yields rose.
The downturn came despite strong export data, with September shipments surging 83.5% year-on-year, bolstered by robust semiconductor exports and strong demand from artificial intelligence-related sectors. However, foreign investors remained net sellers despite the positive trade figures.
