KOSPI surges above 3,200 for first time since 2021

By Kim Dong-young Posted : July 11, 2025, 14:03 Updated : July 11, 2025, 14:03
A graphic visualization of stock charts Yonhap
A graphic visualization of stock charts/ Yonhap
 
SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index climbed above the 3,200 level for the first time in nearly four years on Friday, buoyed by a global rally in semiconductor stocks, before paring gains as foreign investors turned net sellers.

The index surged as high as 3,216.69 in morning trading, its highest intraday level since September 7, 2021, when it reached 3,201.76. By early afternoon, however, the index had trimmed its advance, standing at 3,186.14 — up 2.98 points, or 0.1 percent, as of 1:48 p.m.

The brief breach of the 3,200 threshold continued a recent run of record-setting sessions for the Korean stock market. On Thursday, the KOSPI notched a record close of 3,183.23, underscoring renewed investor optimism, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

The gains followed an overnight rally in U.S. equities, even as trade tensions flared between Washington and Brasil. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports beginning August 1, prompting reciprocal warnings from the Brazilian government.

Still, investor sentiment remained buoyant, helped by chipmaker Nvidia, whose shares rose 0.75 percent for a third straight session. The company’s market capitalization surpassed $4 trillion on a closing basis for the first time, reinforcing bullish expectations for semiconductor demand.

Further fueling optimism was TSMC's record second-quarter revenue, powered by soaring demand for artificial intelligence applications.
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