KOSPI Ends Month with Strongest Gain Since 2001

2025-10-31 02:06 By Joshua Ferrer 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI closed at a fresh record high of around 4,108 on Friday, finishing the month with its biggest gain since January 2001, supported by strong performances from automakers and chip giant Samsung Electronics.

Carmaker Hyundai Motors led the charge, surging 9.4% to over three-month high, while its sister company Kia Corp climbed nearly 4% after news that the Korea–US trade deal had been finalized, lowering tariffs on auto exports to 15%.

Shipbuilding stocks also advanced, as the trade deal highlighted shipbuilding and energy as major areas of South Korea’s planned investment in the US.

Additionally, chip heavyweight Samsung Electronics jumped 3.4% to a new record high, while its peer SK Hynix dropped 0.9%.

Investor optimism was further supported by corporate developments, as leaders from US tech giant Nvidia, Samsung, and Hyundai met in Seoul ahead of a planned announcement on their AI business cooperation.



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