South Korean Shares Post Steepest Quarterly Fall Since 2020

2026-09-30 07:20 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.48% to close at 6,838 on Wednesday, while posting its biggest quarterly drop since Q1 2020, plunging 19% in Q3 after six consecutive quarters of gains.

The decline was driven mainly by the July selloff in major chip stocks amid concerns over high AI-related valuations.

Global bond yields climbed to multi-year highs as inflation concerns and expectations for higher interest rates weighed on equities, while elevated oil prices amid ongoing Middle East tensions added to inflation risks and concerns over delayed monetary easing.

Foreign investors remained net sellers of Korean equities during the quarter.

Additionally, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have completed around 80% of their combined KRW55 trillion buyback plans, raising the prospect of an earlier end to the purchases and lower KOSPI demand.

Losses were seen in Samsung Electronics (-0.92%), Hyundai Motor (-1.29%), KB Financial Group (-2.42%), Shinhan Financial Group (-3.62%), and Kia Corp (-2.67%).



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South Korean Shares Post Steepest Quarterly Fall Since 2020
The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.48% to close at 6,838 on Wednesday, while posting its biggest quarterly drop since Q1 2020, plunging 19% in Q3 after six consecutive quarters of gains. The decline was driven mainly by the July selloff in major chip stocks amid concerns over high AI-related valuations. Global bond yields climbed to multi-year highs as inflation concerns and expectations for higher interest rates weighed on equities, while elevated oil prices amid ongoing Middle East tensions added to inflation risks and concerns over delayed monetary easing. Foreign investors remained net sellers of Korean equities during the quarter. Additionally, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have completed around 80% of their combined KRW55 trillion buyback plans, raising the prospect of an earlier end to the purchases and lower KOSPI demand. Losses were seen in Samsung Electronics (-0.92%), Hyundai Motor (-1.29%), KB Financial Group (-2.42%), Shinhan Financial Group (-3.62%), and Kia Corp (-2.67%).
2026-09-30
South Korean Shares Rise on Chip Gains
The benchmark KOSPI rose nearly 1% to around 6,930 on Wednesday, snapping a two-day decline as gains in US semiconductor shares lifted Korean chipmakers. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 1.3% overnight, while Samsung Electronics and SK hynix gained about 0.5% and 2.7%, respectively, reflecting renewed demand for major technology stocks. Other notable performers included SK Square (2.9%), Doosan Enerbility (2.5%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (2.1%). The index was also on track to gain over 1% in September. Meanwhile, elevated US Treasury yields limited the advance, with the 10-year yield near its highest level since 2007 and the 30-year yield at its highest level since 2002, keeping borrowing costs elevated for technology stocks. Additionally, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix could complete their combined KRW 55 trillion buybacks by mid-October, earlier than the previously expected late-November timeline, potentially removing an important source of KOSPI demand.
2026-09-30
South Korean Shares Extend Losses
The benchmark KOSPI edged down 0.27% to close at 6,871 on Tuesday, extending losses from the previous session as higher oil prices and Treasury yields weighed on risk appetite. The US 10-year Treasury yield climbed above 5.2%, while the 30-year yield rose above 5.5%, both reaching multi-year highs as renewed Middle East tensions raised concerns about persistent inflation and further interest-rate increases. At the same time, Wall Street closed lower overnight, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all falling nearly 1%. Losses were recorded in LG Energy Solution (-3.30%), Hyundai Motor (-1.55%), Hanwha Aerospace (-2.22%), and Doosan Enerbility (-2.93%). Additionally, weaker domestic business sentiment added to the cautious tone, with the BOK’s business sentiment index falling for the first time in three months in September, while manufacturing sentiment recorded a sharper decline amid concerns over fewer working days, raw material costs, and external uncertainties.
2026-09-29