The benchmark KOSPI weakened 0.20% to around 3,918 per dollar on Monday, extending losses for another session as key sector weakness in producer manufacturing, consumer durables, and consumer non-durables weighed on large-cap stocks. Losses were led by Samsung Electronics (-0.30%), Hyundai Motor (-2.87%), Doosan Enerbility (-1.70%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-3.55%), Hanwha Aerospace (-2.93%), and Kia Corporation (-2.28%). Market participants are also bracing for a new 0.05% transaction tax on KOSPI trades, set to take effect January 1. The levy marks the first of its kind on the benchmark market and is seen as a potential headwind, as higher trading costs could curb market liquidity and dampen short-term investor activity. Sentiment was further pressured by November’s Manufacturing PMI, which held at 49.4, signaling a second month of contraction amid weaker output and new orders.
