Key facts
- Seoul stocks opened sharply lower on Monday, September 14, 2026.
- The KOSPI fell 3.14 percent to 6,692.61.
- Geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East pushed up oil prices.
- Hopes for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz were dampened by news of a suspended meeting between Gulf diplomats and Iran.
- U.S. stocks closed higher on Friday, September 11, 2026, on earlier reports of a potential meeting.
Seoul stocks opened sharply lower on Monday, September 14, 2026, as geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, weighed on investor sentiment. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 217.3 points, or 3.14 percent, to 6,692.61 at the open.
This decline contrasted with advances on Wall Street the previous trading session. U.S. stocks, including the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, had closed higher on Friday, September 11, 2026, fueled by initial reports that Gulf diplomats and Iranian officials might hold a meeting to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route. However, these hopes were dashed when the Omani foreign minister announced that the meeting was indefinitely suspended, dampening prospects for a resolution.
The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil supply, contributed to rising oil prices, which in turn negatively impacted stock markets. Financial data was displayed on a screen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul on September 11, 2026.