The KOSPI closed at 2,521.90, rising for five consecutive trading days. Housing lease transactions declined 11% compared to the previous year, with a shift in preference toward monthly rentals for non-apartment properties following the jeonse fraud scandal. Banks are showing a trend of easing household loan restrictions at the beginning of the year, and loan early repayment fees are expected to decline significantly. Bitcoin ETFs listed on U.S. stock exchanges have surpassed gold ETFs, though Korea faces criticism for being a 'crypto Galápagos.' The government plans to implement consumer stimulus measures, including expanding supply of best-selling items during the Lunar New Year holiday period and offering discounts on KTX and SRT return fares.
