Won-dollar rate falls below 1,300 for first time in 11 months

The won-dollar exchange rate has strengthened back into the 1,300 range — the first time it has broken below the 1,400 level since Oct. 2, 2025, when it stood at 1,399.5 won, about 10 and a half months ago. Analysts attribute the move to dollar-selling by exporters and growing market expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold its benchmark interest rate steady at its September FOMC meeting. An employee examined dollar bills Thursday morning at Hana Bank's counterfeit response center in Jung-gu, Seoul.