South Korean Shares Climb on Nvidia Boost

2026-08-27 01:38 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.53% to close at 6,912 on Thursday, extending gains for a third straight session, supported by stronger-than-expected Nvidia earnings.

Nvidia's revenue more than doubled in the second quarter, and its forecast for fiscal 2028 income growth of 70% exceeded analyst expectations, easing concerns over AI and semiconductor demand.

Semiconductor stocks led the advance, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix rising 1.34% and 1.90%, respectively.

Other notable performers included LG Energy Solution (5.56%), Hanwha Aerospace (5.89%), KB Financial Group (1.02%), Shinhan Financial Group (1.49%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (0.97%).

Additionally, the Bank of Korea raised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.3% from 2.6%, citing stronger-than-expected semiconductor exports and a robust economic recovery.

However, the central bank also raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3%, marking a second consecutive hike amid persistent inflationary pressures.



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South Korean Shares Climb on Nvidia Boost
The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.53% to close at 6,912 on Thursday, extending gains for a third straight session, supported by stronger-than-expected Nvidia earnings. Nvidia's revenue more than doubled in the second quarter, and its forecast for fiscal 2028 income growth of 70% exceeded analyst expectations, easing concerns over AI and semiconductor demand. Semiconductor stocks led the advance, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix rising 1.34% and 1.90%, respectively. Other notable performers included LG Energy Solution (5.56%), Hanwha Aerospace (5.89%), KB Financial Group (1.02%), Shinhan Financial Group (1.49%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (0.97%). Additionally, the Bank of Korea raised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.3% from 2.6%, citing stronger-than-expected semiconductor exports and a robust economic recovery. However, the central bank also raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3%, marking a second consecutive hike amid persistent inflationary pressures.
2026-08-27
South Korean Shares Extend Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.97% to close at 6,808 on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session, as semiconductor stocks advanced ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix gained 1.95% and 0.72%, respectively, as US chip stocks rallied overnight, with the Nasdaq up 0.66% and helping boost sentiment toward Korea’s technology sector. Large-cap performance was mixed, with gains from Samsung C&T (5.72%), Doosan Enerbility (6.32%), and Shinhan Financial Group (1.03%), while Hyundai Motor (-3.09%), Hanwha Aerospace (-1.45%), and Kia Corporation (-2.67%) posted losses. Additionally, lower US Treasury yields supported equity sentiment by easing pressure on technology stock valuations. Falling oil prices and reduced concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz also reduced pressure on South Korea’s import costs. Meanwhile, investors remained cautious ahead of Nvidia’s earnings, which could influence the broader AI and semiconductor sector.
2026-08-26
South Korean Shares Close Higher
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.68% to close at 6,743 on Tuesday, rebounding from the previous session as retail and institutional investors stepped in to buy Korean shares. Large-cap performance was mixed, with SK hynix rising 0.42%, along with Hyundai Motor (1.69%), KB Financial Group (2.02%), and Kia Corporation (2.59%), while Samsung Electronics was flat and SK Square (-1.49%) and LG Energy Solution (-3.45%) posted losses. Investors looked ahead to Nvidia’s earnings report for clues on the outlook for AI-related investments, while concerns over the profitability of AI spending continued to weigh on technology stocks. Foreign investors remained net sellers, offloading KRW 3.82 trillion, while individuals and institutions bought KRW 1.0 trillion and KRW 1.17 trillion, respectively. Meanwhile, sentiment was tempered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over the US monetary policy outlook ahead of Fed Governor Kevin Warsh’s speech at Jackson Hole on Friday.
2026-08-25