The benchmark KOSPI advanced 1.56% to around 3,980 on Tuesday, rebounding from two consecutive sessions of losses as investor sentiment improved following renewed coordination between Seoul and Washington. After the APEC summit, the US confirmed it would reduce certain tariffs under the bilateral agreement, including lowering automobile duties from 25% to 15%, along with adjustments to aircraft-parts tariffs and reciprocal trade terms. On the economic front, the annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 2.4% in November 2025, remaining at its highest level since July 2024. The latest figure exceeded the Bank of Korea’s 2% target for the third consecutive month, prompting the central bank to maintain a cautious monetary stance. Gains were led by the auto and semiconductor sectors, with Hyundai Motor (4.52%), Kia Corporation (3.21%), SK Hynix (3.16%), and Samsung Electronics (1.59%) leading the rally.
