Seoul: South Korean shares fell to their lowest level in a year Wednesday, extending their losing streak to a fourth day, as investors' concerns grew over policy uncertainties under the incoming U.S. Trump administration. The local currency also dropped against the U.S. dollar to a two-year low, breaching 1,400 won for the second straight session as of 3:30 p.m. According to Yonhap News Agency, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index sank 65.49 points, or 2.64 percent, to close at 2,417.08, marking the lowest since November 13, 2023, when the index closed at 2,403.76. Trade volume was moderate at 605 million shares worth 10.8 trillion won (US$7.6 billion), with losers far outpacing winners 801 to 104. Foreign investors sold a net 711 billion won worth of local stocks, while individuals purchased a net 650 billion won. Institutions, on the other hand, bought a net 18.7 billion won. Exporters such as Samsung Electronics and POSCO experienced heavy sell-offs, dampening investor sentiment further. The weak Korean won added downward pressure to the market, with fears of accelerated foreign capital flight. "The domestic market is in a slump due to the strong U.S. dollar and a rise in government bond yields," said Kim Ji-won, a researcher at KB Securities. Samsung Electronics, the top market cap, plunged 4.53 percent to 50,600 won, reaching the lowest closing in more than four years amid concerns over its competitiveness in the chip market. Carmakers also ended the day bearish, with Hyundai Motor falling 3.43 percent and Kia losing 1.2 percent. Steelmakers closed lower as well, with POSCO Holdings sinking 5.25 percent and Korea Zinc sliding 14.1 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,406.6 won against the U.S. dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 3.1 won from the previous session's close. The Korean won has been hovering around the psychologically significant 1,400 against the U.S. dollar, following Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election last week. Meanwhile, the Korean financial market will open at 10 a.m., one hour later than usual, on Thursday due to the national college entrance exam.