South Korea is easing collateral rules for margin trading for three months starting Nov. 9 after a sharp selloff led to a 20-minute trading halt. The KOSPI plunged 8.55% at the open, falling below 5,000 for the first time in nine months. Samsung Electronics fell around 10% and SK Hynix almost 12%. The measure exempts securities companies from the 140% collateral requirement on margin loans. Finance Minister Lee Hyung-il stated that the authorities are monitoring the volatility and are ready to take further action.

South Korea is easing collateral rules for margin trading for three months starting Nov. 9 after a sharp selloff led to a 20-minute trading halt. The KOSPI plunged 8.55% at the open, falling below 5,000 for the first time in nine months. Samsung Electronics fell around 10% and SK Hynix almost 12%. The measure exempts securities companies from the 140% collateral requirement on margin loans. Finance Minister Lee Hyung-il stated that the authorities are monitoring the volatility and are ready to take further action.