Business · Markets · 1 hr ago
Won trades in the 1,330s as Samsung dividend and US rates pose risks
The South Korean won has been trading in the 1,330s against the US dollar.
Analysts say it could weaken toward the 1,400 level by the end of the year.
One possible pressure is Samsung Electronics’ dividend payment planned for next month, which is described as 30 trillion won in total.
Foreign shareholders could receive about 14 trillion won, and converting those funds into dollars could increase demand for dollars.
A possible US interest rate increase in December could also widen the rate gap between the United States and South Korea, making the dollar more attractive.
Strong exports are helping support the won, and officials’ comments or other policy steps could limit how far and how fast it falls.
Markets are watching for signals from South Korea’s central bank this week and from the US Federal Reserve in December.
The won traded in the mid-1,330s per US dollar in Seoul on October 13.
Analysts warned that Samsung Electronics’ dividend payment next month could increase demand for dollars and put pressure on the won.
A possible US Federal Reserve rate increase in December could also widen the interest-rate gap between South Korea and the United States.
Some experts said the won could approach the 1,400-per-dollar range by year-end.
Strong exports and possible action by South Korean authorities could limit the won’s decline.
- Who
- The South Korean won, with Samsung Electronics’ foreign shareholders and South Korean authorities also involved.
- What
- The won traded in the 1,330s per dollar, while analysts pointed to risks that could weaken it.
- When
- October 13, 2026; Samsung’s dividend is expected next month, and a US rate decision is expected in December.
- Where
- The Seoul foreign exchange market.
- Why
- Samsung dividend conversions could raise demand for dollars, and a US rate increase could widen the rate gap; strong exports and official intervention could limit pressure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The won was trading at about 1,335.5 per dollar in Seoul at 9 a.m.
Samsung Electronics is expected to pay a dividend of 30 trillion won, including an estimated 14 trillion won for foreign shareholders.
The US Federal Open Market Committee is due to meet, and a possible rate increase could add pressure on the won.
- Exchange rate
- About 1,335.5 won per US dollar on October 13 at 9 a.m.
- Samsung dividend
- 30 trillion won expected next month
- Foreign shareholders’ estimated share
- About 14 trillion won
- Foreign ownership of Samsung Electronics
- 46.3% as of October 12
- Potential year-end level
- Experts raised the possibility of the won approaching 1,400 per dollar
Sources
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