South Korean Shares Rise on Tech Stock Gains

2026-04-07 01:39 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI rose over 1% to around 5,510 on Tuesday, extending gains for a third straight session, driven by a sharp rally in technology stocks and improving global risk sentiment.

Investor optimism was led by Samsung Electronics, which jumped 2.0% after reporting record first-quarter operating profit fueled by robust demand for AI-related memory chips.

The strong earnings surprise reinforced expectations of a sustained semiconductor upcycle, lifting SK hynix by 3.3% and supporting the broader index.

Sentiment was further supported by Wall Street gains and signs of ongoing US-Iran negotiations despite heightened escalation risks in the Middle East, with Donald Trump signaling continued engagement amid renewed threats.

Hopes for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz helped ease concerns over energy supply disruptions, even as oil prices remained elevated.

Gains were broad-based, with Hyundai Motor (1.1%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.4%), SK Square (3.9%), and KB Financial Group (2.2%).



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South Korean Shares Rise on Tech Stock Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose over 1% to around 5,510 on Tuesday, extending gains for a third straight session, driven by a sharp rally in technology stocks and improving global risk sentiment. Investor optimism was led by Samsung Electronics, which jumped 2.0% after reporting record first-quarter operating profit fueled by robust demand for AI-related memory chips. The strong earnings surprise reinforced expectations of a sustained semiconductor upcycle, lifting SK hynix by 3.3% and supporting the broader index. Sentiment was further supported by Wall Street gains and signs of ongoing US-Iran negotiations despite heightened escalation risks in the Middle East, with Donald Trump signaling continued engagement amid renewed threats. Hopes for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz helped ease concerns over energy supply disruptions, even as oil prices remained elevated. Gains were broad-based, with Hyundai Motor (1.1%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.4%), SK Square (3.9%), and KB Financial Group (2.2%).
2026-04-07
South Korean Shares Extend Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.36% to close at 5,450 on Monday, extending gains from the previous session as heavyweight semiconductor strength and easing energy concerns supported sentiment. Technology shares led the rally, with Samsung Electronics (3.79%) and SK hynix (0.91%) posting gains ahead of key earnings guidance, amid expectations of record quarterly profits driven by the ongoing AI-led memory upcycle. Among the top performers were LG Energy Solution (3.64%), SK Square (0.83%), KB Financial Group (1.99%), and Shinhan Financial Group (1.74%). Hopes for progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz further lifted sentiment, helping ease fears of prolonged supply disruptions and extreme oil price spikes. However, gains remained tempered by persistent geopolitical risks after Donald Trump renewed threats of military action against Iran, keeping markets sensitive to headlines and contributing to elevated volatility.
2026-04-06
South Korean Shares Rise Over 2%
The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.7% to close at 5,377 on Friday, recouping losses from the previous session, following reports that Iran and Oman were drafting a protocol to monitor transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The news raised hopes that the key waterway could partially reopen. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump imposed a 15% tariff on South Korean pharmaceutical products under a bilateral trade agreement. Most sectors finished in the green, led by electronic technology, which rose over 4%, with major index heavyweights climbing, including Samsung Electronics (+4.7%) and SK Hynix (+6.1%). Other notable gainers included Hyundai Motor (+1.2%), Hanwha Aerospace (+2.1%), and Doosan Enerbility (+3.2%). On the economic front, South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $423.7 billion in March from $427.6 billion in February. For the week, however, the benchmark index went down 1.1%, marking the second consecutive loss.
2026-04-03