Luxury Stocks Might Be Affected by South Korean Airlines

SEOUL, South Korea — Shares in France's Kering SA, LVMH, Hermes International and other luxury goods stocks could be active after Asiana Airlines Inc., South Korea's second-largest carrier, said it would stop carrying baggage meant for "commercial purposes" on passenger flights bound for mainland China and Hong Kong from Oct. 22 for safety reasons.

Luxury items such as pricey bags and cosmetics are often bought in South Korea and resold in China. The airline's announcement comes in a sector that has been rattled in recent weeks by social media posts and LVMH's comments on China cracking down on travellers returning home with suitcases full of luxury goods. Shares in Japan's Shiseido Co., LVMH, Kering, Moncler SpA as well as in Swiss watchmakers and spirits makers have plunged as a result.

Swatch Group AG, Kering and Richemont declined Thursday after disappointing Swiss watch export figures for September rekindled worries about a potential slowdown in demand for timepieces and other luxury staples in the second half of the year.

By Albertina Torsoli; editors: Celeste Perri, John Viljoen.