South Korean Shares Retreat on Ceasefire Uncertainty

2026-04-09 01:35 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI fell 1.61% to close at 5,778 on Thursday, snapping a four-day rally as investors turned cautious amid a fragile US–Iran ceasefire.

Geopolitical tensions remained elevated after both sides disputed the terms of the agreement, raising concerns that the Strait of Hormuz could face renewed disruptions.

The uncertainty drove oil prices higher again, reinforcing risk-off sentiment and pressuring energy-import-dependent markets like South Korea.

Technology stocks led the decline, with major chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics (-3.33%) and SK hynix (-3.48%) moving lower, weighing heavily on the index.

Cyclical sectors also retreated, with construction shares pulling back after the previous session’s sharp rally, reflecting fading optimism following the initial ceasefire announcement.

Losses were recorded in Hyundai Motor (-4.04%), Hanwha Aerospace (-2.63%), SK Square (-3.29%), Kia Corporation (-5.62%), and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (-4.35%).



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South Korean Shares Retreat on Ceasefire Uncertainty
The benchmark KOSPI fell 1.61% to close at 5,778 on Thursday, snapping a four-day rally as investors turned cautious amid a fragile US–Iran ceasefire. Geopolitical tensions remained elevated after both sides disputed the terms of the agreement, raising concerns that the Strait of Hormuz could face renewed disruptions. The uncertainty drove oil prices higher again, reinforcing risk-off sentiment and pressuring energy-import-dependent markets like South Korea. Technology stocks led the decline, with major chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics (-3.33%) and SK hynix (-3.48%) moving lower, weighing heavily on the index. Cyclical sectors also retreated, with construction shares pulling back after the previous session’s sharp rally, reflecting fading optimism following the initial ceasefire announcement. Losses were recorded in Hyundai Motor (-4.04%), Hanwha Aerospace (-2.63%), SK Square (-3.29%), Kia Corporation (-5.62%), and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (-4.35%).
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South Korean Shares Rally on US-Iran Ceasefire
The benchmark KOSPI surged 6.87% to close at 5,872 on Wednesday, rallying for a fourth straight session as easing geopolitical tensions fueled a broad risk-on sentiment. The move followed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices plunging and easing inflation concerns. Lower energy costs improved the outlook for monetary easing and lifted investor confidence globally. At the same time, the Korean won strengthened against the US dollar, pointing to renewed capital inflows into regional equities. Strong domestic fundamentals also underpinned sentiment, with South Korea reporting a record current account surplus in February, driven by robust semiconductor exports. Notable gains were seen in Samsung Electronics (7.38%), SK hynix (13.65%), Hyundai Motor (7.29%), SK Square (15.43%), Doosan Enerbility (6.64%), KB Financial Group (6.34%), and Kia Corporation (5.77%).
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South Korean Shares Rise on Tech Stock Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.82% to close at 5,495 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 1.76% 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 3.61% 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 Hanwha Aerospace (5.86%), SK Square (2.67%), and Samsung Biologics (1.93%).
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