The South Korean stock market has been experiencing a downward trend for several weeks, with the KOSPI index falling by over 6% in just six trading sessions. This decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including concerns about rising inflation, geopolitical tensions, and a weakening global economy. Rising inflation has been a major concern for investors, as it erodes purchasing power and can lead to higher interest rates. In South Korea, inflation has been steadily increasing, reaching a 10-year high in recent months. This has prompted the Bank of Korea to raise interest rates in an attempt to curb inflation. However, the impact of these rate hikes has yet to be fully realized.

* **Cautious Optimism:** Wall Street is cautiously optimistic about the market’s future, but remains wary of potential risks. * **Mixed Performance:** The major averages experienced mixed performance on Tuesday, with some sectors showing strength while others struggled.