South Korean Shares Pause Rally

2026-04-24 01:35 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI edged down 0.3% to around 6,455 on Friday, pausing its recent record rally as investors remained cautious amid persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The US ordered naval action against vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran seized commercial ships and signaled the waterway may remain disrupted.

The developments heightened concerns over global oil supply despite a temporary ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon.

Losses were led by weakness in technology shares, tracking an overnight pullback on Wall Street, alongside profit-taking after recent record highs, with Samsung Electronics (-1.8%) and SK Hynix (-0.2%) declining.

Automakers also came under pressure, with Hyundai Motor (-3.4%) and Kia Corporation (-2.7%) posting notable losses.

Meanwhile, heightened tensions triggered a rotation into defense-related stocks, partially offsetting broader declines, with gains in Hanwha Aerospace and Doosan Enerbility.



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South Korean Shares Pause Rally
The benchmark KOSPI edged down 0.3% to around 6,455 on Friday, pausing its recent record rally as investors remained cautious amid persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The US ordered naval action against vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran seized commercial ships and signaled the waterway may remain disrupted. The developments heightened concerns over global oil supply despite a temporary ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon. Losses were led by weakness in technology shares, tracking an overnight pullback on Wall Street, alongside profit-taking after recent record highs, with Samsung Electronics (-1.8%) and SK Hynix (-0.2%) declining. Automakers also came under pressure, with Hyundai Motor (-3.4%) and Kia Corporation (-2.7%) posting notable losses. Meanwhile, heightened tensions triggered a rotation into defense-related stocks, partially offsetting broader declines, with gains in Hanwha Aerospace and Doosan Enerbility.
2026-04-24
South Korean Shares Rally to Fresh Record
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.90% to close at 6,476 on Thursday, extending its record run as buying regained control after sharp intraday swings. Early gains followed improved global risk sentiment after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran, though sentiment later turned cautious following reports that the US intercepted Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters. The development prompted profit-taking after recent highs, driving a mid-session pullback before losses were gradually absorbed. At the same time, sentiment remained supported by South Korea’s stronger-than-expected 1.7% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, marking the fastest in over five years and reinforcing export and investment momentum. Large-cap performance was mixed, with Samsung Electronics (3.45%), Doosan Enerbility (5.69%), and SK Square (0.69%) posting gains, while SK Hynix (-0.08%), Hyundai Motor Company (-1.85%), LG Energy Solution (-3.82%), and Kia Corporation (-1.19%) declined.
2026-04-23
South Korean Shares Set New Record
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.46% to close at 6,418 on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses to set a new record high, as buying returned to heavyweight technology and industrial names. The rebound followed recent profit-taking, with sentiment improving in select export-oriented sectors. Support came from strength in Korea’s AI and semiconductor space, with expanded LG–Nvidia cooperation boosting optimism around AI development and commercialization. Defense and shipbuilding shares also gained on fresh export-related developments, including Hanwha Aerospace’s partnership with Northrop Grumman and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ first icebreaker export to Sweden. Overall, the rebound reflected selective buying in export-driven names. Large-cap performance was mixed, with gains in HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (11.28%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.80%), and LG Energy Solution (1.36%), while Samsung Electronics (-0.68%), SK Hynix (-0.16%), and Hyundai Motor (-0.92%) declined.
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