Net purchase of S. Korean shares by foreigners hits 15-month high in June

SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- Foreign investors purchased the highest value of South Korean stocks in 15 months in June, central bank data showed Wednesday, driven by eased concerns over U.S. trade policies and optimism about the new Seoul government's market-supportive measures. Offshore investors bought a net US$2.27 billion worth of local stocks last month, marking a second consecutive month of net buying, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). The June figure marked the highest level since March 2024, when foreigners purchased a net $3.84 billion worth of local stocks. Foreign investors also net purchased $2.81 billion of Korean bonds in June, extending their buying streak to the fifth month. "Expectations for policies by the new government to boost the stock market appeared to have improved investor sentiment. In terms of the bond market, mid- to long-term bond investments continued, though net inflow declined due to the maturity and redemption of government bonds," a BOK official said. Officials work at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul on July 9, 2025. (Yonhap) graceoh@yna.co.kr(END)