The benchmark KOSPI slipped 3.52% to close at 5,534 on Thursday, reversing gains from the previous session and marking its lowest closing level since April, as concerns over the profitability of debt-backed AI infrastructure investment weighed on technology shares. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix fell 4.03% and 5.49%, respectively, as investors took profits. Other notable decliners included SK Square (-3.59%), LG Energy Solution (-5.22%), Hyundai Motor (-2.58%), Samsung SDI (-7.58%), Doosan Enerbility (-2.99%) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-3.44%). Meanwhile, semiconductor exports surged 222.5% year-on-year in the first 20 days of October, pointing to continued chip demand that could underpin the earnings outlook for Korea's major chipmakers. On the monetary policy front, the Bank of Korea held its policy rate at 3.00%, in line with expectations.
South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, fell to 5534 points on October 22, 2026, losing 3.52% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 21.85%, though it remains 43.90% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from South Korea. Historically, the South Korea Stock Market reached an all time high of 9385.59 in June of 2026. South Korea Stock Market - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on October 22 of 2026.
South Korea's main stock market index, the KOSPI, fell to 5534 points on October 22, 2026, losing 3.52% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 21.85%, though it remains 43.90% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from South Korea. The South Korea Stock Market is expected to trade at 5237.75 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 3867.88 in 12 months time.