KOSPI Rebounds on Tech Rally, Ceasefire Hopes

2026-04-10 01:38 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.40% to close at 5,859 on Friday, rebounding from the previous session and heading for its strongest weekly gain in over 17 years, amid a global tech rally and US–Iran ceasefire hopes.

CoreWeave struck a $21 billion deal with Meta Platforms, reinforcing AI infrastructure demand and boosting South Korean equities as an AI bellwether.

Wall Street’s tech-led gains supported chipmakers, with Samsung Electronics (0.98%) and SK hynix (2.91%) among the top gainers, alongside Hanwha Aerospace (3.51%) and KB Financial Group (2.46%).

At the same time, sentiment improved on the ceasefire over upcoming US-Iran negotiations, though risks persisted as restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz kept oil near $100 per barrel, sustaining inflation concerns.

Meanwhile, foreign outflows capped gains, after investors recorded a third straight month of net selling in March, marking a record high and underscoring caution toward Korean assets amid geopolitical uncertainty.



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KOSPI Rebounds on Tech Rally, Ceasefire Hopes
The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.40% to close at 5,859 on Friday, rebounding from the previous session and heading for its strongest weekly gain in over 17 years, amid a global tech rally and US–Iran ceasefire hopes. CoreWeave struck a $21 billion deal with Meta Platforms, reinforcing AI infrastructure demand and boosting South Korean equities as an AI bellwether. Wall Street’s tech-led gains supported chipmakers, with Samsung Electronics (0.98%) and SK hynix (2.91%) among the top gainers, alongside Hanwha Aerospace (3.51%) and KB Financial Group (2.46%). At the same time, sentiment improved on the ceasefire over upcoming US-Iran negotiations, though risks persisted as restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz kept oil near $100 per barrel, sustaining inflation concerns. Meanwhile, foreign outflows capped gains, after investors recorded a third straight month of net selling in March, marking a record high and underscoring caution toward Korean assets amid geopolitical uncertainty.
2026-04-10
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%).
2026-04-09
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%).
2026-04-08