Korea’s current-account surplus reached $191 billion in the first half, surpassing last year’s record full-year surplus of $123.1 billion. Earnings expectations have also risen sharply, with projected 2026 operating profits of Kospi-listed companies climbing from 564 trillion won ($399 billion) at the end of January to 975 trillion won at the end of July. Turnover in the products fell to 1.3 trillion won on Aug. 4 from 12.4 trillion won on July 30 and a peak of 19.4 trillion won in late June. Foreign investors have also remained cautious, selling a net 1.48 trillion won of Korean shares Monday even as the Kospi gained 0.65 percent. Fitch does not expect the volatility to derail Korea’s broader efforts to narrow the Korea Discount and attract long-term capital.