As tensions in the Middle East have sharply worsened due to the United States' strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, attention is focused on the impact on the domestic securities market, which recently surpassed the 3,000 mark for the first time in three and a half years.
On the 21st (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump noted on his social media platform Truth Social, 'We have successfully completed a very successful attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.' He added, 'All aircraft have now exited Iranian airspace. All aircraft are safely returning,' stating that 'the entire payload of bombs has been dropped on the major target site, Fordow.'
Concerns are arising that the recent direct involvement of the United States in the Israel-Iran conflict may negatively affect the stock market, which had been showing an upward trend. If the international financial markets shake, the domestic market will experience increased volatility. The expansion of geopolitical risks strengthens the preference for safe assets, prompting foreign investors to withdraw. It is pointed out that especially export-focused sectors such as semiconductors, which have a high proportion of foreign ownership, may be impacted, potentially stunting the upward momentum of the domestic securities market.
Previously, on the 20th, the KOSPI closed at 3,021.84 points, recovering the 3,000 level for the first time in three years and six months since December 28, 2021. On this day, the number of listed companies with a market capitalization of over 1 trillion won reached 225, an increase of 25 companies (12.5%) compared to the end of last year (200 companies).
Experts expect that if Iran and Israel enter a 'negotiation mode,' the impact on the domestic economy will be limited. However, they expressed concern that if Iran retaliates against the United States and Israel, escalating the situation, there could be a shock to the overall economy centered on oil prices.
Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, stated, 'The U.S. bombing of Iran raises the possibility of a rise in international oil prices,' adding, 'The contraction in consumption driven by oil prices could have a significant negative impact on real economic growth, and the inflationary pressures may reduce the likelihood of the U.S. lowering interest rates.' He further noted, 'The stock market is expected to see gains in energy and defense stocks, while technology and consumer goods may experience corrections.'