[MARKET UPDATE] South Korea's KOSPI pares earlier losses and returned to flat territory, despite US President Trump's recent announcement to raise tariffs on South Korean autos, lumber, pharma and all other reciprocal tariffs to 25% from 15%

South Korea's KOSPI pares earlier losses and returned to flat territory, despite US President Trump's recent announcement to raise tariffs on South Korean autos, lumber, pharma and all other reciprocal tariffs to 25% from 15%.

The KOSPI's recovery to flat territory suggests that investors may be pricing in the potential for diplomatic negotiations or mitigating actions following President Trump's tariff announcement. Although the tariffs could lead to heightened tensions and impact South Korean exporters, the market's resilience might indicate confidence in a proactive response from local policymakers or a belief that the full impact of these tariffs is overstated.