KOSPI Falls 5.35% to 7246.79 as Circuit Breakers Trigger; Won Strengthens to 1498.5

According to Financial News, South Korea's KOSPI index dropped 5.35% to close at 7246.79 on July 8, with circuit breakers triggered for a second consecutive day. The Korean won strengthened to 1498.5 per U.S. dollar, marking the first time the exchange rate fell below 1500 won in 37 trading days since May 14.

Foreign investors returned to net buying with 339 billion won in purchases on July 8, their first net buy day in 14 trading sessions. Analysts noted that recent declines in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix may have eased concerns about potential National Pension Fund rebalancing pressure, which could further stabilize the market.