Exchange Rate Eyes 1,500 Won... Highest Since Currency Crisis Despite Weak Dollar [3-Minute Brief]

[Quick Overview]
① Exchange rate averages over 1,470 won this month... concerns over prolonged high rates next year
② Financial Services Commission warns of increased market volatility... maintains 38 trillion won stabilization measures
③ Hyundai loses No. 2 spot in India... overtaken by Mahindra

MARKET INDEX

○U.S. New York stock market declines amid caution over November employment and inflation indicators

○November nonfarm payrolls expected to increase by only 40,000

○Investors remain on the sidelines due to concerns over slowing employment and persistent inflation

TOP 3 NEWS

■ Exchange rate averaged 1,470 won this month, with forecasts for the upper end to exceed 1,500 won next year

○The current average won-dollar exchange rate for this year is 1,420 won, the highest on record
○A combination of factors including increased overseas investment by domestic investors and a weak Japanese yen
○A high exchange rate is expected next year, surpassing this year's average... upper end could reach 1,510 won

■ Financial Services Commission to maintain 38 trillion won market stabilization program next year

○Financial market situation review meeting chaired by Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eogwon
○Liquidity supply to stabilize bond and short-term money markets
○61 trillion won real estate project financing soft landing support program to be maintained

■ Hyundai turns on 'emergency blinkers'... annual sales target falls short in India

○Unchallenged No. 2 since entering the market in 1996
○Cumulative sales this year: 529,462 units
○Mahindra overtakes with 574,657 units

Graphic News: "Gave up gold rings, but even silver spoons cost 200,000 won"... Soaring prices break the tradition of dol gifts

○Shortage of silver bars... precious metals market 'overheated'

○Korea Gold Exchange to suspend silver bar supply until January 1 next year

○"Expectations for U.S. interest rate cuts rising, pressure for a stronger dollar declining" as reasons

Money-Making Law

■ The 'Law Firm Three Kingdoms' over the Warner Bros. acquisition

○Skadden vs. Wachtell vs. Latham & Watkins
○World-class law firms in a battle of wits
○Attention on whether Trump’s influence will play a role
☞Read the article:  https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/lawtimes/2025121515514950226

■ [Ruling] "If there is no exemption clause in the terms, insurance must be paid even if a personal boat is used for business"

○Injury requiring six weeks of treatment during wakeboard lessons
○Filed a lawsuit claiming 100 million won from the insurance company... insurer claims 'no responsibility'
○Supreme Court: "No exemption clause exists... case remanded"
☞Read the article:  https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/lawtimes/2025121516124833111

■ "3 trillion won in retirement pensions at risk of leaving" Lotte Insurance files lawsuit against Financial Services Commission

○"Management crisis due to timely action"
○Financial Services Commission says "inevitable due to insolvency"
○Lawsuits by insurers against financial authorities are 'unusual'
☞Read the article:  https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/lawtimes/2025121516162407922

※ 'Money-Making Law,' a content partnership section between The Asia Business Daily and Law Times, is published every Tuesday and Thursday.

Today's Key Schedule

○Domestic

KOSDAQ: Acryl listing, final public offering price 19,500 won

KOSDAQ: Leavesmed subscription, final public offering price 55,000 won

○Overseas

09:30 Japan Services Purchasing Managers' Index (December)

16:00 UK Employment Change 3M/3M (MoM) (October)

17:15 France Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (December)

22:30 U.S. Average Hourly Earnings (MoM) (November)

22:30 U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (November)

22:30 U.S. Unemployment Rate (November)

22:30 U.S. Retail Sales (MoM) (October)

◇Lunch & Evening Commute Weather

○Lowest temperature 3℃ (▲6℃) ｜Highest temperature: 8℃ (▲2℃)
○Precipitation probability: 40% in the morning｜40% in the afternoon
○Fine dust: Good in the morning｜Moderate in the afternoon

Just 3 minutes, all the essential, high-value economic news you need. Published daily at 8 a.m.