2025.08.2601:59:18UTC+00KOSPI Retreats on Profit-Taking and Fed Uncertainty

On Tuesday, the KOSPI index decreased by 0.68% to approximately 3,188, following a 1.30% rise in the previous session as investors capitalized on gains after the South Korea–US summit. This decline mirrored a downturn on Wall Street, where major U.S. indices dipped due to diminished hopes for an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate reduction. Politically, the bilateral summit achieved modest progress in enhancing security and industrial ties without modifying trade tariffs. President Donald Trump stated that the current 15% tariff on South Korean imports would remain, despite President Lee Jae Myung's appeals for changes. Both nations reiterated their commitment to cooperation on matters including North Korea, collective defense, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing, with South Korea maintaining a pledge of $350 billion in investments. Companies experiencing noteworthy declines included HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, falling 2.67%, Hanwha Aerospace, down 1.66%, Samsung Electronics, down 1.33%, and SK hynix, slipping 0.19%.