The Korean won edged higher in its inaugural 24-hour trading day, signaling potential for increased global participation and smoother price discovery in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
The Korean won opened slightly higher on the first day of 24-hour trading, buoyed by expectations of increased liquidity and offshore demand; initial price action suggested a positive bias as the new structure took effect, sending USD/KRW lower.
Extended hours could smooth volatility by allowing continuous price discovery, but the first day showed only a minor uptick in the won, with global factors like US yields still dominant.
Technically, USD/KRW may find near-term support around 1,300 if the won’s strength persists, though the Bank of Korea’s policy stance and US dollar moves remain crucial.
The initial positive sentiment requires validation from rising trading volumes; until then, the pair may remain range-bound with a slight bias lower.
The South Korean won appreciated modestly against the US dollar during its first session of extended 24-hour trading, reflecting enhanced liquidity and foreign investor participation. The new trading hours aim to align with global markets and could lead to higher turnover as offshore demand picks up. Analysts note that the initial uptick may be sentiment-driven, with structural demand shifts yet to materialize.
South Korea’s authorities extended onshore currency trading hours to align with global markets and improve market accessibility for international investors, effective July 2026.
The won edged higher against the US dollar, signaling a cautiously positive market reception to the new trading structure.
The shift could boost daily turnover, attract more foreign investors, and reduce the won’s vulnerability to sudden moves outside traditional Asian hours.