On the 3rd, the dollar-won exchange rate in Seoul's foreign exchange market surged by 26.4 won to close at 1466.1 won, marking its highest level since early September. This spike in currency value was attributed to increased demand for safe assets in the wake of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, which has heightened geopolitical tensions. The dollar index also rose by 1.01% against a basket of major currencies, reflecting the growing uncertainty and desire for security in investments. Foreign investors contributed to the weakening of the won as they sold off 5.3 trillion won worth of stocks in the domestic market.

Market interest rates also saw a significant increase on this day, with the 3-year government bond yields climbing to 3.180%, nearing their highest levels of the year. The 10-year yields rose to 3.594%, indicating a drop in bond prices as interest rates surge. Additionally, the interest rates for corporate bonds approached their yearly peak. This trend suggests that investors are reacting to the risk posed by geopolitical events, leading to a preference for safer investment options.

In parallel, gold, often seen as a safe haven during times of crisis, experienced a notable increase in price. The domestic price of gold per gram in Korea rose by 4.14% to 249,200 won. Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also recorded gains, reflecting a broader trend of investors seeking out secure assets amid the uncertainty introduced by international conflicts. Such market movements highlight the interconnected nature of global events and their immediate impact on local financial markets and consumer behavior.