外资撤离！韩元大幅贬值

Group 1: Currency Depreciation - The Korean won is approaching its lowest point since the 2009 global financial crisis, having depreciated 6% in the last three months, making it the largest decline among Asian currencies [1] - The won fell to 1475 against the US dollar, nearing the critical level of 1487.45 reached in March 2009 [1] Group 2: Foreign Capital Outflow - A significant factor behind the depreciation is the massive outflow of foreign capital, with overseas investors net selling 7.26 trillion won (approximately 5.2 billion USD) in Korean stocks in the first week of November, marking the largest single-week outflow on record [2] - This outflow exceeded the total outflow of 5.34 trillion won in October and nearly erased all inflows from September [2] - The focus of foreign selling has been on semiconductor manufacturers, which were previously overvalued due to AI hype, amid concerns over an overheated AI stock market [2] Group 3: Domestic Investment Trends - South Korean residents invested 99.85 billion USD in foreign stocks and bonds from January to September, more than three times the 29.65 billion USD foreign investment in Korean securities [2] - This strong demand for overseas securities is contributing to the depreciation pressure on the won [2] Group 4: Economic Vulnerabilities - The Korean economy's structural vulnerabilities, particularly its heavy reliance on semiconductor exports and the US dollar, make it susceptible to risks from US-driven tariffs and policies [2] - A report from Citibank highlighted that South Korea's commitment to invest 350 billion USD in the US could exert significant long-term pressure on the won [2] Group 5: Government Response - In response to the ongoing depreciation, the Bank of Korea has indicated a willingness to intervene in the currency market if volatility escalates, although it downplayed the weakening trend of the won [4] - The Bank of Korea has taken measures to enhance foreign exchange supply, including increasing banks' forward foreign exchange position limits and relaxing restrictions on foreign currency loans for domestic use [5][6] Group 6: Economic Growth Outlook - The continuous depreciation of the won casts a shadow over South Korea's economic recovery, with the International Monetary Fund projecting a growth rate of only 0.9% for the year, the slowest among Asian countries [6] - The Bank of Korea has maintained interest rates unchanged since a cut in May, contrasting with recent rate cuts by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand [6]