KOSPI Hits Over 1-Month High on Iran Deal Hopes

2026-04-16 01:46 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI rose nearly 2% to around 6,200 on Thursday, hitting an over one-month high and rallying for a third straight session toward record levels, as improving prospects for a US–Iran deal lifted global risk appetite.

Sentiment strengthened as progress in US–Iran negotiations, supported by a two-week ceasefire and ongoing exchanges, along with plans for further talks, pointed to sustained diplomatic momentum.

At the same time, easing oil prices reduced concerns over a prolonged energy shock, offering relief to an economy heavily reliant on imported energy.

The global risk-on tone was reinforced by record highs on Wall Street, where strong performance in technology stocks boosted global markets and lifted major Korean chipmakers.

Samsung Electronics rose 2.1% and SK hynix added 1.9%, alongside gains in Hyundai Motor (6.7%), SK Square (2.4%), Doosan Enerbility (5.9%), Kia Corporation (4.1%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (4.2%), and KB Financial Group (2.1%).



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KOSPI Hits Over 1-Month High on Iran Deal Hopes
The benchmark KOSPI rose nearly 2% to around 6,200 on Thursday, hitting an over one-month high and rallying for a third straight session toward record levels, as improving prospects for a US–Iran deal lifted global risk appetite. Sentiment strengthened as progress in US–Iran negotiations, supported by a two-week ceasefire and ongoing exchanges, along with plans for further talks, pointed to sustained diplomatic momentum. At the same time, easing oil prices reduced concerns over a prolonged energy shock, offering relief to an economy heavily reliant on imported energy. The global risk-on tone was reinforced by record highs on Wall Street, where strong performance in technology stocks boosted global markets and lifted major Korean chipmakers. Samsung Electronics rose 2.1% and SK hynix added 1.9%, alongside gains in Hyundai Motor (6.7%), SK Square (2.4%), Doosan Enerbility (5.9%), Kia Corporation (4.1%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (4.2%), and KB Financial Group (2.1%).
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KOSPI Climbs Toward Pre-War Record Highs
The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2.07% to close at 6,091 on Wednesday, reaching its strongest level since late February and marching toward record levels seen before the war, amid renewed hopes for US–Iran talks and strong Wall Street cues. Investor confidence strengthened after reports that Washington and Tehran are considering a second round of negotiations, with continued diplomatic engagement raising expectations of a potential deal and easing concerns over supply disruptions. Oil prices pulled back, relieving inflation concerns and supporting the outlook for energy-importing economies such as South Korea. At the same time, gains tracked overnight advances on Wall Street, led by strength in technology stocks. Major chipmakers drove the rally, with Samsung Electronics (2.18%) and SK hynix (2.99%) posting solid gains, alongside Hyundai Motor (3.36%), LG Energy Solution (2%), SK Square (3.91%), Kia Corporation (1.54%), and KB Financial Group (1.48%).
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KOSPI Hits Over 1-Month High on Iran Talks Hopes
The benchmark KOSPI rose 2.74% to close at 5,968 on Tuesday, rebounding sharply to its highest level since late February, amid renewed US–Iran talks hopes and strength in technology and AI-related stocks. Investor sentiment improved after both the US and Iran showed openness to re-engage despite the recent breakdown in talks and continued military tensions, easing fears of a prolonged disruption in global energy supply. Oil prices pulled back from recent highs, relieving inflation concerns and supporting the outlook for energy-importing economies such as South Korea. At the same time, gains tracked a broader rally in global equities after Wall Street advanced to fresh highs, with technology and AI-related shares leading the rise. Notable gains were seen in Samsung Electronics (2.74%) and SK hynix (5.87%), alongside Hyundai Motor (2.72%), SK Square (10.34%), Kia Corporation (1.42%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (3.35%).
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