South Korean Shares Rise on Chip Strength

2026-09-23 01:50 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI edged higher to around 7,050 on Wednesday, extending gains for a fourth consecutive session as advances in AI-related and semiconductor stocks on Wall Street bolstered Korean chipmakers.

The Nasdaq Composite closed at another record high, while Samsung Electronics and SK hynix rose more than 2% and 1%, respectively.

Gains were also seen in SK Square (4.1%), LG Energy Solution (1.1%), SK Inc (2.0%), and SK Innovation (4.8%).

Additionally, easing Middle East tensions lifted the broader market as US and Iranian officials held a three-hour meeting, raising hopes for diplomatic progress.

Oil prices fell around 1%, easing concerns over energy costs and supply disruptions.

At the same time, the Asian Development Bank raised its 2026 growth forecast for South Korea to 3.2% from 2.6%, citing strong exports, corporate earnings and expansionary fiscal policy, while flagging geopolitical tensions, financial-market volatility and potential US tariffs as risks.



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South Korean Shares Rise on Chip Strength
The benchmark KOSPI edged higher to around 7,050 on Wednesday, extending gains for a fourth consecutive session as advances in AI-related and semiconductor stocks on Wall Street bolstered Korean chipmakers. The Nasdaq Composite closed at another record high, while Samsung Electronics and SK hynix rose more than 2% and 1%, respectively. Gains were also seen in SK Square (4.1%), LG Energy Solution (1.1%), SK Inc (2.0%), and SK Innovation (4.8%). Additionally, easing Middle East tensions lifted the broader market as US and Iranian officials held a three-hour meeting, raising hopes for diplomatic progress. Oil prices fell around 1%, easing concerns over energy costs and supply disruptions. At the same time, the Asian Development Bank raised its 2026 growth forecast for South Korea to 3.2% from 2.6%, citing strong exports, corporate earnings and expansionary fiscal policy, while flagging geopolitical tensions, financial-market volatility and potential US tariffs as risks.
2026-09-23
South Korean Shares Extend Gains on AI Rally
The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.15% to close at 7,018 on Tuesday, extending its winning streak to a third consecutive session as a rally in AI-related US stocks lifted Korean chipmakers. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.3% to a record high, while the US semiconductor sector climbed strongly, reinforcing confidence in AI demand. Samsung Electronics rose 1.28%, while other notable performers included Samsung Electro-Mechanics (3.78%), Doosan Enerbility (1.29%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (1.11%), LG Electronics (6.42%), LS Electric Co (1.20%), and SK Inc (2.09%). Additionally, lower oil prices and US Treasury yields eased concerns over imported inflation and borrowing costs, contributing to the broader upturn. Meanwhile, investors remained focused on the upcoming US-China summit, where AI, tariffs and rare earths are expected to be discussed, with the outcome potentially affecting trade and technology supply chains.
2026-09-22
South Korean Shares Rally on Chip Gains
The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.65% to close at 7,008 on Monday, rallying for a second straight session amid strong global semiconductor momentum. Samsung Electronics advanced 4.79% after US semiconductor stocks rallied, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising 2.78% on Friday. Additionally, South Korea's exports surged 78% year-on-year in the first 20 days of September, driven by a 259% jump in semiconductor shipments to $34.1 billion, highlighting continued strength in chip demand and the earnings outlook for chipmakers. Other notable performers included SK Square (4.36%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (2.81%), KB Financial Group (1.49%), Samsung C&T Corp (4.99%), Shinhan Financial Group (2.91%), Hana Financial Group (1.73%), and LG Electronics (2.07%). Meanwhile, Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel amid ongoing Middle East tensions, keeping inflation and broader macroeconomic concerns in focus.
2026-09-21