South Korean Shares Extend Record Run

2026-06-18 01:41 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.5% to around 8,910 on Thursday, extending gains to fresh record highs, as strong momentum in AI-related semiconductor stocks continued to support the market.

SK Hynix advanced more than 3% after announcing the shipment of samples of its next-generation 12-layer HBM4E memory chips to key customers, reinforcing optimism about AI-driven demand, while Samsung Electronics (1.0%) and SK Square (3.8%) also gained.

Investor sentiment remained resilient despite a hawkish signal from the Federal Reserve, which kept interest rates unchanged but indicated that policymakers expect a higher rate path than previously projected.

At the same time, easing concerns over energy supplies and geopolitical risks following the US-Iran peace agreement helped sustain risk appetite, with South Korean authorities noting that improving conditions could help stabilize global energy markets and reduce uncertainty facing the export-driven economy.



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South Korean Shares Extend Record Run
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.5% to around 8,910 on Thursday, extending gains to fresh record highs, as strong momentum in AI-related semiconductor stocks continued to support the market. SK Hynix advanced more than 3% after announcing the shipment of samples of its next-generation 12-layer HBM4E memory chips to key customers, reinforcing optimism about AI-driven demand, while Samsung Electronics (1.0%) and SK Square (3.8%) also gained. Investor sentiment remained resilient despite a hawkish signal from the Federal Reserve, which kept interest rates unchanged but indicated that policymakers expect a higher rate path than previously projected. At the same time, easing concerns over energy supplies and geopolitical risks following the US-Iran peace agreement helped sustain risk appetite, with South Korean authorities noting that improving conditions could help stabilize global energy markets and reduce uncertainty facing the export-driven economy.
2026-06-18
South Korean Shares Hit New Record
The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.58% to close at a fresh record high of 8,864 on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses, as improved global risk sentiment supported Asian equities ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. Gains tracked higher US stock futures and a broadly firmer tone across regional markets, reinforcing risk appetite after recent volatility. Semiconductor stocks led the advance, with Samsung Electronics edging higher by 0.87% and SK Hynix jumping 5.88%, helping support index-heavyweight performance. Other notable increases were seen in SK Square (6.33%), LG Energy Solution (1.34%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (1.29%), and Hanwha Aerospace (3.63%). Meanwhile, investors remained positioned ahead of the FOMC decision, with markets largely expecting unchanged rates while assessing signals on the future policy path under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.
2026-06-17
South Korean Shares Pause Four-Day Rally
The benchmark KOSPI edged down to around 8,710 on Wednesday, pausing a four-day rally, as weakness in global technology stocks and caution ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision weighed on sentiment. Semiconductor shares came under pressure after a selloff in US AI-related stocks, with market heavyweight Samsung Electronics declining and weighing on the broader index. Losses were also seen in Hyundai Motor (-3.9%), Kia Corporation (-2.2%), Hyundai Mobis (-4.1%), and KB Financial Group (-1.7%). Investors also remained wary ahead of the first Federal Open Market Committee meeting under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, amid concerns that policymakers could signal a more hawkish stance despite expectations that interest rates would remain unchanged. Meanwhile, easing tensions in the Middle East and receding oil-price pressures supported risk appetite and helped limit losses.
2026-06-17