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Won Weakens Amid Covid Concerns & US Dollar Strength

KRW

US dollar strength drove USD/KRW to the highest level since December 2, the pair last up 6.75 at 1099.95. The won leads the way lower for Asia EM FX.

  • Familiar trends are driving price action in the pair as KRW moves away from the US dollar trend, USD/KRW is on track for its second weekly gain, despite DXY touching fresh cycle lows on Thursday.
  • Covid concerns have weighed on the won as South Korea reported 1,062 new cases in yesterday, rising above 1,000 for the third straight day. The ministry of health said yesterday that full scale lockdown was not necessarily imminent but have not commented today. Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol said yesterday If the spread of infections isn't curbed, consumption would be negatively impacted and lower GDP estimates.
  • Elsewhere foreign bond inflows slowed down again, while equities saw an outflow on December 17.

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