Kospi, Kosdaq lead Asia’s market declines this year

In the red: Currency traders in Seoul watch monitors near a screen showing the Kospi and the foreign-exchange rate between the US dollar and the won. South Korea ranked as the worst-performing among 11 major Asian markets in 2024. — AP

SEOUL: South Korea’s stock market shed nearly 260 trillion won (US$176.15bil) in market capitalisation this year, with Samsung Electronics accounting for 60% of the decline, according to Korea Exchange data.

The benchmark Kospi’s market cap stood at 1,966.96 trillion won as of last Friday’s close, while the secondary Kosdaq was valued at 333.87 trillion won.