KOSPI’s next test: exports jump ahead of Korea Exchange’s Jan. 2 reopen
South Korea’s exports jumped 13.4% in December, pushing 2025 shipments to a record $709.7 billion, government data showed. The KOSPI ended 2025 at 4,214.17, up 75.6% for the year, its biggest gain since 1999. Regular trading on the Korea Exchange resumes at 10 a.m. local time on Jan. 2 after year-end holidays. The Bank of Korea’s first 2026 rate meeting is set for Jan. 15.