South Korea hits record FX trading high in Q3
South Korean banks recorded their highest foreign exchange trading volumes in the third quarter of 2025, with average daily transactions reaching $82.84 billion. The Bank of Korea reported a 0.8 percent increase from the previous quarter, marking the third straight record. Spot transactions rose 6.4 percent to $34.86 billion while derivatives trading fell 2.9 percent to $47.98 billion.
The won’s exchange rate against the dollar became less volatile, dropping from 0.61 percent in the second quarter to 0.35 percent. Extended trading hours boosted spot market activity despite reduced derivatives activity. A Bank of Korea official attributed the spot growth to longer market operations.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index climbed 2.26 percent to 4,030.84 points on Monday morning after a pause on Thursday. Wall Street gains preceded the advance, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.01 percent and the Nasdaq rising 1.15 percent on Friday. Trade negotiators from the United States and China announced progress on Sunday toward resolving disputes over export controls, fentanyl, and shipping fees.
