South Korea Activates $68B Fund to Stabilize Markets Amid Middle East Crisis
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung activated a $68 billion market stabilization fund Thursday to counter volatility from Middle East war impacts. The fund targets financial market instability, including equities and foreign exchange, without directly propping up stock prices. South Korea's benchmark Kospi index fell 19% Tuesday-Wednesday but rebounded 12% Thursday following the announcement. The country, the world's fourth-largest crude oil importer, relies heavily on Middle East shipments. This move signals proactive economic defense amid global market turbulence.