SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index closed at a record high on Wednesday, lifted by heavy foreign and institutional buying amid optimism about potential U.S. interest rate cuts and speculation that the government may ease capital gains taxes for large shareholders.
The KOSPI gained 54.48 points, or 1.7 percent, to finish at 3,314.53, surpassing the previous record set more than four years ago.
Foreign investors led the rally, with net purchases of 1.38 trillion won (about $1 billion).
Analysts said the rally reflected improved sentiment after robust U.S. employment data, along with growing hopes that Korean policymakers will act to ease investor concerns over tax policy.
Market headwinds that weighed earlier this year — from a hawkish monetary stance by the U.S. Federal Reserve to disappointment over tax reform and fears of an AI bubble — appear to be fading, they said.
Among blue chips, KB Financial posted the sharpest rise, climbing 7 percent to 117,600 won. Chipmaker SK hynix advanced 5.6 percent to 304,000 won, while market bellwether Samsung Electronics gained 1.5 percent to 72,600 won.
The KOSDAQ, the country’s secondary tech-heavy index, also rose, adding 0.99 percent to close at 833.
Candice Kim
Candice Kim is a dedicated business and technology reporter specializing in the intersection of high-tech innovation and fast-paced consumer trends. Her core beats span the semiconductor, IT, cosmetics, and retail sectors, where she provides in-depth coverage of industry titans including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and LG Electronics, alongside leading consumer brands like Olive Young and Musinsa. Whether analyzing complex silicon supply chains or tracking the latest shifts in beauty and fashion retail, Candice is committed to delivering sharp, accurate reporting that keeps readers informed on the forces shaping today's most dynamic markets.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
Related News
-
KOSPI Outlook Influenced by U.S. Interest Rates and AI Trends
Next week, the domestic stock market is expected to be influenced by U.S. interest rate trends and investor sentiment regarding artificial intelligence (AI). As retail sales data and the minutes from the October Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting are released, the potential for further tightening by the Federal Reserve will be assessed. Additionally, NVIDIA's earnings report and Anthropic's IPO are anticipated to impact investment sentiment in AI-related stocks.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 5,290.53 on the 13th, down 52.20 points (0.98%) from the previous trading day. This marks a 1.73% decline compared to the closing price of 5,383.80 on November 6. In contrast, the KOSDAQ rose by 3.13 points (0.45%) to close at 699.66, reflecting a 3.13% increase from its closing price of 678.41 on November 6.Key themes this week included 'AI uncertainty' and 'uncertainty surrounding NVIDIA's management.' As concerns over AI data center regulations eased and CoreWeave reported strong performance, the index rebounded sharply. However, the unexpected resignation of Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's former CEO, has heightened market uncertainty once again.Next week, the most significant events in the U.S. financial markets will be the retail sales report and the October FOMC minutes. The U.S. retail sales data, set to be released on the 17th (Korean time), is expected to show a slowdown in growth compared to the previous month. This could limit upward pressure on U.S. Treasury yields.The FOMC minutes, to be released on the 19th, are anticipated to provide clues about future monetary policy direction. Kim Yu-mi, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The minutes may confirm a hawkish view on inflation risks, and depending on the stance and tone regarding the necessity for future rate hikes, volatility in U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar could increase."With several hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials this week, market caution is rising. Kwon Hee-jin, a researcher at KB Securities, noted, "There have been many hawkish remarks from Fed officials this week. Governor Waller mentioned the possibility of a 50 basis point hike, and President Goolsbee described the current situation as a 'precarious moment' for the Fed."Key events in the U.S. stock market include NVIDIA's third-quarter earnings report scheduled for the 17th (Korean time on the 18th) and Anthropic's IPO on the 19th (Korean time on the 20th). The market expects NVIDIA's third-quarter earnings and fiscal year 2027 revenue and profit to continue showing significant growth. The growth outlook and the recent decline in stock prices are seen as factors supporting investment attractiveness.Hwang San-hae, a researcher at LS Securities, commented, "In this NVIDIA earnings report, it is essential to focus on confirming fundamentals and hints regarding the controversial impact of indirect exports to China, as well as future management direction. The market's attention will be on whether it can deliver safe earnings, and the direction regarding future management gaps will also be crucial."Anthropic's IPO is expected to serve as an indicator of future AI investment sentiment. Bloomberg reported that demand for shares in Anthropic's IPO has reached approximately six times the number of shares being offered. The fundraising amount could reach up to $90.4 billion (approximately 121 trillion won), making it the largest IPO in history. The success of Anthropic's listing is likely to reflect market confidence in AI infrastructure demand and investment sentiment related to the supply chain.Geopolitical events are also on the horizon. The U.S. and China are planning a summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on the 18th and 19th. Ha Geon-hyung, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, stated, "At the APEC meeting in Shenzhen, attention will be on confirming the follow-up direction regarding tariff exemptions and export control suspensions, as well as the possibility of a trilateral meeting between the U.S., China, and Russia regarding ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine and subsequent negotiation schedules."Ultimately, next week's stock market is expected to be influenced by both U.S. interest rate trends and AI investment sentiment. If concerns about further tightening by the Fed ease and Treasury yields stabilize, volatility in the domestic stock market may decrease. Additionally, if NVIDIA meets market expectations with its earnings and Anthropic's IPO is successful, improved investment sentiment may spread throughout the domestic AI value chain.* This article has been translated by AI.
-
KOSPI falls as foreigners sell
South Korea's KOSPI fell 0.98 percent to 5,290.53 on Friday after touching an intraday high of 5,504.44, while Korea Electric Power Corp. plunged nearly 10 percent following disappointing third-quarter earnings. Foreign investors sold 550.5 billion won ($412.6 million), while retail investors bought 17.4 billion won and institutions followed with purchase of 2.1 billion won. Among the most actively traded stocks by volume, Samsung Electronics slipped 0.48 percent to 207,000 won, while Kumho Electric jumped 23.18 percent to 8,130 won and Kumho Engineering & Construction surged 29.90 percent to 11,210 won. Tags : KOSPI, Stocks, Samsung Electronics, Kumho Electric, Kumho Engineering and Construction,
-
KOSPI Falls 0.98% Amid Foreign Selling; KOSDAQ Closes Higher
코스피가 외국인의 매도세에 밀려 하락마감했다. 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스 등 반도체 대형주가 동반 하락하며 지수를 끌어내렸다. 반면 코스닥은 기관의 매수세에 힘입어 상승 마감했다.On November 13, the KOSPI index closed down 52.20 points, or 0.98%, at 5,290.53, marking its second consecutive day of decline following a 0.61% drop the previous day.Foreign investors led the decline in the KOSPI, selling a net 547.5 billion won ($460 million) in the stock market. Meanwhile, individual and institutional investors bought a net 17.4 billion won and 2.1 billion won, respectively, but their purchases were insufficient to absorb the foreign selling pressure.Among the top market capitalization stocks, semiconductor-related shares saw significant declines. Samsung Electronics fell 0.96%, while SK Hynix dropped 3.03%. Other notable declines included SK Square (-3.67%) and Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-3.50%). Additionally, Samsung Biologics (-2.62%) and LG Energy Solution (-1.52%) also experienced losses.In contrast, KB Financial Group rose 4.74%, with Hyundai Motor (1.13%), Samsung Electronics preferred shares (1.31%), and Samsung Life Insurance (0.80%) also closing higher.The KOSDAQ index finished up 3.13 points, or 0.45%, at 699.66, driven by institutional buying of 126.2 billion won. However, individual and foreign investors sold a net 56.3 billion won and 75.2 billion won, respectively.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Rainbow Robotics rose 5.21%, while EcoPro BM (1.00%), EcoPro (0.41%), and JUSUNG Engineering (0.29%) also gained. Conversely, IOTech (-2.72%), Samchundang Pharm (-1.76%), Rino Technology (-1.71%), and Alteogen (-0.68%) showed weakness.Market sentiment was shaken by uncertainties surrounding the AI semiconductor supply chain and expectations for government measures to stabilize the market. During a capital market policy meeting, various policies were discussed, including the stabilization fund, shareholder return enhancements, and restructuring of the KOSDAQ, but no immediate market intervention plans were announced.Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "Concerns have grown regarding the AI semiconductor supply chain following allegations that Alice Huang, the former partner of Jensen Huang, the former CEO of NVIDIA, is linked to Chinese intelligence agencies, along with suspicions that NVIDIA's Blackwell chips were supplied to China's DeepSeek."He added, "While the capital market policy meeting discussed the stabilization fund, shareholder return enhancements, KOSDAQ restructuring, and measures to increase long-term investment funds, there were no immediate plans for the activation of the stabilization fund or specific execution plans, which limited the ability to meet investors' expectations for short-term market stabilization measures."* This article has been translated by AI.