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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Economy & Trade

KOSPI Hits Record High Above 6300, Driven by Tech Giants and Shifting Investor Focus

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The KOSPI index closed at a record high of 6388.47, surpassing previous highs set before the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
  • The rally was driven by foreign and institutional investors, with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics leading gains in the semiconductor sector.
  • Analysts attribute the market's shift from geopolitical concerns to corporate earnings, with upcoming results from major tech companies expected to influence future performance.

South Korea's stock market has reached an unprecedented peak, with the KOSPI index soaring to a record 6388.47. This remarkable achievement signals a potential return to the robust bull market seen before the prolonged US-Israel-Iran conflict. The market's focus has decisively shifted from geopolitical tensions to the promising outlook of corporate earnings, a trend underscored by the surge in major tech stocks.

Leading the charge were semiconductor giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, both hitting new all-time highs. SK Hynix, in particular, has been on a relentless upward trajectory, driven by strong first-quarter earnings estimates. This performance is a testament to the resilience and innovation within South Korea's crucial tech industry, which continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy.

SK Hynix's first-quarter operating profit is estimated to be around 30 trillion won, leading foreign investors to net buy for two consecutive trading days and set new highs for three consecutive trading days, pushing the stock price above 1.2 million won.

· Lee Jae-wonAn analyst at Yuanta Securities explaining the factors driving SK Hynix's stock price.

The influx of foreign and institutional investment highlights global confidence in the Korean market. These investors are actively seeking opportunities in sectors like semiconductors, shipbuilding, and construction, where strong corporate performance is anticipated. This strategic investment not only bolsters the KOSPI but also reinforces South Korea's position as a key player in the global technology and manufacturing landscape.

While individual investors are cashing in on the gains, the sustained momentum driven by institutional players suggests a belief in the market's long-term potential. The recent regulatory changes, such as the introduction of leveraged ETFs, may also contribute to increased market activity. As South Korea navigates the complexities of the global economic environment, this record-breaking performance offers a strong indicator of its economic vitality and the enduring strength of its corporate sector.

The KOSPI broke its record high with the 'TACO' outlook and the strength of semiconductors, with secondary batteries and shipbuilding also driving the index.

· Kang Jin-hyukAn analyst at Shinhan Investment Securities commenting on the market's performance and influencing factors.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.