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A notable rise in Korea current account surplus in 2025 has been offset by an even larger surge in equity outflows, according to Brad Setser.
Setser notes that this dynamic is driving weakness in the KRW. He adds that the trend could intensify in 2026 if higher chip demand continues and there is no major oil shock.
Setser’s observations on Korea’s external balances align with broader patterns in currency movements influenced by settlement flows. Similar dynamics were highlighted in a recent analysis of how a $100B December settlement contributed to a stronger CNY, shaping capital allocation and exchange rate trends in the region. For investors and policymakers, understanding these interconnected shifts remains critical as global markets adjust to evolving economic fundamentals.