KOSPI Ends Month with Strongest Gain Since 2001

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.15% to close at 7,018 on Tuesday, extending its winning streak to a third consecutive session as a rally in AI-related US stocks lifted Korean chipmakers. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.3% to a record high, while the US semiconductor sector climbed strongly, reinforcing confidence in AI demand. Samsung Electronics rose 1.28%, while other notable performers included Samsung Electro-Mechanics (3.78%), Doosan Enerbility (1.29%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (1.11%), LG Electronics (6.42%), LS Electric Co (1.20%), and SK Inc (2.09%). Additionally, lower oil prices and US Treasury yields eased concerns over imported inflation and borrowing costs, contributing to the broader upturn. Meanwhile, investors remained focused on the upcoming US-China summit, where AI, tariffs and rare earths are expected to be discussed, with the outcome potentially affecting trade and technology supply chains.

The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.65% to close at 7,008 on Monday, rallying for a second straight session amid strong global semiconductor momentum. Samsung Electronics advanced 4.79% after US semiconductor stocks rallied, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising 2.78% on Friday. Additionally, South Korea's exports surged 78% year-on-year in the first 20 days of September, driven by a 259% jump in semiconductor shipments to $34.1 billion, highlighting continued strength in chip demand and the earnings outlook for chipmakers. Other notable performers included SK Square (4.36%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (2.81%), KB Financial Group (1.49%), Samsung C&T Corp (4.99%), Shinhan Financial Group (2.91%), Hana Financial Group (1.73%), and LG Electronics (2.07%). Meanwhile, Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel amid ongoing Middle East tensions, keeping inflation and broader macroeconomic concerns in focus.

The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2.66% to close at 6,894 on Friday, recovering losses from the previous session, as a rebound in US technology stocks lifted regional equities. The Nasdaq advanced 1.7% overnight, with technology shares recovering after the Federal Reserve’s latest rate hike, while easing US Treasury yields and lower Brent crude prices reduced concerns over borrowing costs and inflation. Additionally, strong demand for AI-related semiconductors continued to drive gains in major chipmakers, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix advancing 2.97% and 5.56%, respectively. Also, reports that the US may delay announcing new tariffs related to excess industrial capacity until after next week’s Trump-Xi summit reduced an immediate trade risk for Korean exporters. Meanwhile, renewed pressure on the Bank of Korea to raise rates following the Federal Reserve’s latest hike remained a potential constraint on the broader recovery.