As threat of war with Kim abates, South Korea's won raring to go in 2018

South Korea's currency strengthened almost 13% in 2017, its best annual performance since 2004

The threat of war may not be out of the picture but Asia’s top-performing currency is still seen as raring to go in 2018.

Bets are on for South Korea’s won to climb past any weakness as the risk of a conflict eases after Pyongyang called for talks with its southern neighbour, notwithstanding the current standoff with the US, according to Kiwoom Securities Co. The won will be supported by rising demand for South Korean technology exports, quickening economic growth and increased odds of further policy tightening, said Christopher Wong, senior currency strategist at Malayan Banking Bhd in Singapore.

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