South Korean Shares Resume Record Run

2026-04-29 04:49 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.75% to close at 6,691 on Wednesday, resuming its record rally after opening lower, as investors positioned ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy decision and major earnings releases.

Markets expected the Fed to hold rates steady, focusing on policy guidance amid elevated energy prices and an uncertain global growth outlook.

The index maintained an upward bias despite cautious global sentiment, supported by continued demand following recent record highs.

Sentiment was underpinned by positioning into Samsung Electronics’ earnings and steady performance in select large-cap technology names, helping anchor the broader market despite earlier softness in semiconductors.

At the same time, the index was supported by sector rotation, with gains led by Samsung Electronics (1.58%), SK Square (2.22%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.72%), Doosan Enerbility (1.10%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (3.45%), while SK Hynix (-0.62%), Celltrion (-1.45%), and Hanwha Ocean (-1.34%) fell.



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South Korean Shares Resume Record Run
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.75% to close at 6,691 on Wednesday, resuming its record rally after opening lower, as investors positioned ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy decision and major earnings releases. Markets expected the Fed to hold rates steady, focusing on policy guidance amid elevated energy prices and an uncertain global growth outlook. The index maintained an upward bias despite cautious global sentiment, supported by continued demand following recent record highs. Sentiment was underpinned by positioning into Samsung Electronics’ earnings and steady performance in select large-cap technology names, helping anchor the broader market despite earlier softness in semiconductors. At the same time, the index was supported by sector rotation, with gains led by Samsung Electronics (1.58%), SK Square (2.22%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.72%), Doosan Enerbility (1.10%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (3.45%), while SK Hynix (-0.62%), Celltrion (-1.45%), and Hanwha Ocean (-1.34%) fell.
2026-04-29
South Korean Shares Pause Record Rally
The benchmark KOSPI edged down 0.3% to around 6,625 on Wednesday, pausing its multi-session record run, as renewed global AI-sector concerns and rising oil prices prompted profit taking in heavyweight technology stocks. Sentiment weakened after reports that OpenAI missed internal growth targets pressured semiconductor and AI-linked shares, while overnight Wall Street losses reinforced caution. Major index components traded lower, including Samsung Electronics (-0.8%) and SK Hynix (-0.2%), alongside Hyundai Motor (-0.9%), LG Energy Solution (-0.4%), and Kia Corporation (-0.5%). Higher crude prices also weighed as OPEC disruption and continued Middle East uncertainty pushed Brent above $111 per barrel, raising concerns over Korea’s import costs despite government stabilization efforts. Still, downside was partly cushioned by ongoing capital market reforms, expanding AI partnerships, and broader policy support for semiconductors, shipbuilding, and supply chain security.
2026-04-29
South Korean Shares Set New Record
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.39% to close at 6,641 on Tuesday, extending its record run, driven primarily by a tech-led global rally. Investor sentiment strengthened as Wall Street’s record highs and anticipation surrounding upcoming US Big Tech earnings boosted South Korea’s semiconductor and AI-linked heavyweights. Gains were recorded in SK Hynix (0.70%), Hyundai Motor (5.82%), LG Energy Solution (1.72%), SK Square (3.17%), Kia Corporation (2.10%), and Samsung SDI (6.77%). Domestic corporate momentum added further support after Samsung SDI returned to profit on stronger ESS battery sales, while Google DeepMind’s push to deepen AI partnerships with Samsung, SK hynix, Hyundai, and LG reinforced optimism over Korea’s long-term technology competitiveness. However, investors grew cautious ahead of Magnificent 7 earnings releases this week, while lingering Middle East tensions kept Brent crude high, limiting broader upside amid concerns over rising energy costs and inflation risks.
2026-04-28