06.03.202606:45:56UTC+00South Korean Shares End Nearly Flat

The benchmark KOSPI finished virtually unchanged at 5,585 on Friday, as a pullback in oil prices helped steady sentiment after early declines. Global crude benchmarks, including Brent and West Texas Intermediate, eased slightly after briefly climbing above $80 earlier in the week amid heightened tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The retreat in oil prices tempered immediate fears of energy-driven inflation, providing some support to equities.

However, upside momentum remained constrained as persistent geopolitical risks in the Middle East continued to cast uncertainty over global energy supplies, especially in relation to potential disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, South Korean authorities said they would closely track volatility in financial and energy markets and stand ready to take preemptive action if necessary, given the risk that higher fuel costs could intensify inflationary pressures.

On the corporate front, losses were led by Samsung Electronics (-1.77%), SK hynix (-2.13%), and SK Square (-2.47%), while Hyundai Motor (+0.55%) and LG Energy Solution (+1.35%) managed modest gains.