Latest Kospi Plunges 7.6% as Chip Rout Erases Nearly $298 Billion

Minute Brief

15 Oct 2026

South Korean shares suffered a severe technology-led sell-off, with the Kospi and Kosdaq both triggering trading safeguards as foreign investors cut exposure to chip stocks.

15 Oct 2026

Household lending by South Korean banks rose by just 600 billion won in September, while lending across all financial institutions declined for the first time since December.

15 Oct 2026

South Korea’s managed fiscal deficit narrowed substantially through August from a year earlier, supported by stronger corporate, income and securities transaction tax receipts.

Economy

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Kospi Plunges 7.6% as Chip Rout Erases Nearly $298 Billion

South Korea’s Bank Household Loan Growth Slows to Seven-Month Low

South Korea’s Fiscal Deficit Narrows Sharply as Tax Revenue Rises

Seoul Stocks Tumble Nearly 6% as AI and US Inflation Fears Hit Sentiment

Korea to Invest 410 Billion Won in Regional Airport Tourism Hubs