The USD-KRW exchange rate climbed 10.90 won to 1,491.30 won in overnight trading as of 2:07 AM on the 18th, compared to the previous session's Seoul daytime close of 1,480.40 won. The surge was driven by escalating US-Iran tensions and a sharp rise in international oil prices, which triggered risk-averse sentiment and strengthened the dollar against the won. The rate jumped 12.80 won from the daytime close of 1,478.50 won, reflecting heightened safe-haven demand as geopolitical risks intensified in the Middle East.
USD-KRW Rate Surges 12.80 Won in Overnight Session
The USD-KRW rate entered the New York session around 1,486 won and faced upward pressure as US-Iran tensions escalated. As of 2:07 AM on the 18th, the rate stood at 1,491.30 won, marking a 10.90 won increase from the previous session's daytime close of 1,480.40 won. Compared to the current session's daytime close of 1,478.50 won, the rate surged 12.80 won.
![USD-KRW intraday trading chart]()
USD-KRW intraday trading chart [Yonhap Infomax data]
US Deploys Additional Refueling Tankers to Israel
US online media outlet Axios reported on the 18th that the United States decided to deploy dozens of additional aerial refueling tankers to Israel. The move signals heightened military readiness in the region and contributed to risk-off flows in currency markets.
WTI Crude Jumps 4.6% Amid Middle East Tensions
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for August delivery traded in the $85 per barrel range, up approximately 4.6% from the previous session. The oil price surge amplified concerns over supply disruptions and added upward pressure on the USD-KRW rate as energy import costs rose.
US Equity Markets Decline on Risk-Off Sentiment
All three major US stock indices traded lower. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index fell over 1%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, which tracks semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks, remained roughly flat. The equity market weakness reinforced risk-averse sentiment and contributed to won weakness.
Analyst Cites Safe-Haven Flows and Dollar Recovery
Elias Haddad, Global Head of Market Strategy at Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH), stated: "Safe-haven demand emerged as global equity markets centered on tech stocks plunged and disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz continued. The dollar recouped some of this week's losses, and global government bond yields declined slightly."
FAQ
What was the USD-KRW exchange rate as of 2:07 AM on the 18th?
The USD-KRW rate stood at 1,491.30 won as of 2:07 AM on the 18th, up 10.90 won from the previous session's daytime close of 1,480.40 won and 12.80 won higher than the current session's daytime close of 1,478.50 won.
Why did the USD-KRW rate surge in overnight trading?
The rate surged due to escalating US-Iran tensions, a 4.6% jump in WTI crude oil prices to the $85 per barrel range, and risk-averse sentiment triggered by declines in US equity markets, particularly the Nasdaq Composite Index which fell over 1%.
What did the US deploy to Israel according to Axios?
Axios reported on the 18th that the United States decided to deploy dozens of additional aerial refueling tankers to Israel, signaling heightened military readiness amid Middle East tensions.
