KOSDAQ

South Korea's Current Account Surplus Surges in March

South Korea's current account surplus sharply rose to $37.33 billion in March from $23.19 billion in February, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released Friday.Compared with the year-ago period, the figure rose from a surplus of $9.58 billion, the central bank said.The goods account registered a surplus of $35.07 billion. Exports rose by 56.9% on an annual basis to $94.32 billion, while imports increased 17.4% to $59.24 billion.Meanwhile, the services account posted a deficit of $1.29 billion, led by deficits in other business services and manufacturing services accounts.The primary income account recorded a $3.58 billion surplus in the month, owing to higher equity income. The secondary income account incurred a deficit of $300 million, the data showed.

Market Chatter: South Korea Becomes World's Seventh-Largest Stock Market

South Korea became the world's seventh-largest stock market, overtaking Canada, owing to strong demand for AI chips, Bloomberg reported Thursday.The total market value of South Korean listed firms surged 71% to $4.59 trillion in 2026, surpassing Canada's stock market capitalization, which rose about 7% to $4.5 trillion during the period, the report said.Key market bigwigs and chipmakers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930), which recently surpassed a valuation of $1 trillion, and SK Hynix (KRX:000660), more than doubled in valuation this year as strong demand for AI chips pushed investor appetite for the stocks, it said.Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) added rose more than 2% and 3%, respectively, at market close.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

South Korean Shares End at Fresh Highs on US-Iran Peace Hopes; SK Biopharma Rises

South Korean stocks closed at a fresh high on Thursday as investor sentiment was buoyed by optimism regarding a potential US-Iran peace agreement.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi increased by 105.49 points, or 1.4%, to end at 7,490.05. The Kosdaq slipped 0.9% to close at 1,199.18.The key index was lifted by gains in market heavyweights Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660), which rose more than 2% and 3%, respectively.In economic news, South Korea's foreign reserves grew to $427.9 billion in April from $423.7 billion as of March-end, data from the Bank of Korea showed.In corporate news, SK Biopharmaceuticals (KRX:326030) finished 1% higher after posting a first-quarter attributable income of 105.2 billion won, up 351% from 23.3 billion won a year earlier.

South Korean Banks' Credit Profiles Provide Buffer for More Complex Conditions, Fitch Says

South Korean banks have strong credit profiles and generally steady near-term performance that will help them weather growing complexities in operating conditions, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.The country's banks face a shifting economic environment, regulatory changes, and an active government policy agenda, especially for vulnerable sectors, Fitch said.Regulatory trends include greater requirements on household lending and policy efforts rerouting credit to the corporate sector, Fitch said.These dynamics have catalyzed strategic alignment within the sector, leading to changes in their attitude toward growth, capital, and risk-taking, the rating agency said.Major commercial banks that have varied business models and controlled risk management will be the most resilient, according to Fitch.

South Korean Shares Open at New High as Investors Remain Hopeful About US-Iran Peace Agreement

South Korean shares opened at a new high on Thursday, extending the 6.5% jump on Wednesday, as investors remained hopeful about the possibility of a peace agreement between the US and Iran.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose by 114.51 points, or 1.6%, to open at 7,499.07. The Kosdaq gained marginally to open at 1,210.83.After opening at a new high, Kospi rose sharply to a new all-time intraday high at 9.03 am, reaching 7,523.84 points.Iran is expected to deliver its response later today to mediators regarding the US proposal to end the Middle East war, CNN reported, citing a regional source.Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Washington had held "very good talks" with Iran over the past 24 hours, indicating optimism over potential progress in negotiations.

South Korea's Official Foreign Reserves Increase in April

South Korea's foreign reserves grew by $4.2 billion to $427.9 billion in April from $423.7 billion as of the end of March, Bank of Korea data showed on Thursday.The country's official foreign reserves consisted of securities amounting to $384.1 billion, deposits of $18.8 billion, special drawing rights of $15.8 billion, gold worth $4.8 billion, and the country's IMF position at $4.5 billion.South Korea's foreign reserve holdings ranked the 12th largest globally as of the end of March, the central bank said.

KOSPI Hits Record High on Hopes of US-Iran Peace Agreement; Samsung Electronics Soars 14%

South Korean shares closed sharply higher on Wednesday, with the primary index shooting up to close at a record high.The rally was led by strong gains in semiconductor stocks and investor optimism for a possible peace agreement between the US and Iran after US President Donald Trump halted the military operation Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi increased 447.57 points, or 6.5%, to end at 7,384.56. The Kosdaq fell by 3.57 points, or 0.3%, to close at 1,210.17.Chipmakers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) added over 14% and nearly 11%, respectively, at market close.The Korea Exchange activated a five-minute buy-side sidecar on the country's primary stock market on Wednesday morning as investors rushed to purchase securities on hopes that the U.S.-Iran conflict may end in the near future.The Korea Exchange announced the order at 9:06 am after the KOSPI200 Futures added 66.05 points, or 6.28%, to trade at 1,116.55.In economic news, South Korea's inflation climbed 2.6% year on year in April, accelerating from a 2.2% rise in March amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, data from the country's Ministry of Data and Statistics showed on Wednesday.The headline print was in accordance with the median estimate of 2.6% in a Bloomberg survey.The increase was driven by higher costs across all categories, with transport gaining the highest at 9.7%.Meanwhile, core inflation, which measures prices of goods excluding food and energy, remained steady at 2.2% in April.In corporate news, Samsung Electronics hit a market valuation of $1 trillion on Wednesday, supported by the strong demand for AI chips, Bloomberg News reported on the same day.The South Korean chipmaker became the second Asian firm after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TPE:2330) to hit the $1 trillion mark.Overseas investors appear to be driving the recent rally in the stock, supported by a deal between Interactive Brokers and Samsung Securities (KRX:016360) that allows U.S. investors to directly buy South Korean stocks.The firm's semiconductor wing had posted a record profit in the first quarter, surpassing expectations by a wide margin on strong AI data center demand, with analysts expecting the momentum to continue in the quarters ahead as contract prices keep moving higher amid a scarce supply.In other news, LG Electronics (KRX:066570) secured the top 1% rating in credit rating agency S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the third straight year, the electronics products maker said in a Wednesday release.The company secured the highest score of 77 points in the Home Appliances & Leisure Goods industry group, which covers leisure equipment and products and consumer electronics.Shares of LG Electronics jumped over 8% at market close.

South Korea's Inflation Rate Jumps to Two-Year High in April

South Korea's inflation in April climbed to its highest in two years as the Middle East war triggered oil price hikes.The consumer price index or CPI rose 2.6% from a year earlier, the steepest since July 2024, according to Wednesday data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics.The current CPI was in line with the median forecast of analysts surveyed by Reuters.Excluding food and energy, the CPI grew 2.2% year on year.Data from the Bank of Korea showed that the price for oil and petroleum jumped 21.9% in April from 9.9% a month earlier as the war in Iran triggered global oil price shocks over concerns the global crude supply will dwindle due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.On the contrary, the prices agricultural, livestock and fishery products slipped 0.5% in April due to increased supply of major agricultural products, the central bank said.Hana Securities economist Chun Kyu-yeon said the government's fuel price caps helped ease inflation pressure. However, service price inflation is expected to increased due to the rise in other transportation fares, such as airfare, Reuters reported Wednesday.The ministry's data showed that the CPI for transportation grew 9.7% year on year.Meanwhile, Daishin Securities economist Kong Dong-rak expects the Bank of Korea to be leaning to a rate hike to mitigate inflationary pressures, according to the Reuters report.On the other hand, Min Joo Kang, ING's senior economist for South Korea and Japan, said a rate hike in July is more probable than one in May at the moment, while a 50-basis-point hike is expected in the second half of the year."With core inflation remaining near 2% and the government working to limit price hikes, the Bank of Korea is likely to pause in May," Kang said. "Strong exports, driven by semiconductors, will support overall growth, but the domestic economy will likely be hit harder by energy price hikes. This K-shaped recovery and widening growth gap between the IT and non-IT sectors should be a key challenge for the BoK."

South Korea's Inflation Accelerates to 2.6% in April

South Korea's inflation climbed 2.6% year on year in April, accelerating from a 2.2% rise in March amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, data from the country's Ministry of Data and Statistics showed on Wednesday.The headline print was in accordance with the median estimate of 2.6% in a Bloomberg survey.The increase was driven by higher costs across all categories, with transport gaining the highest at 9.7%, according to the data.Meanwhile, core inflation, which measures prices of goods excluding food and energy, remained steady at 2.2% in April.On a monthly basis, core inflation rose to 0.3% from 0.1% in the preceding month, while headline inflation rose to 0.5% from 0.3%.

South Korea's Inflation Rises to 2.6% in April; Core Inflation Steady at 2.2%

South Korean Shares Close at New High, Lifted by Semiconductor Stocks

South Korean stocks surged more than 5% on Monday to close at a record high, with the Kospi nearing 7,000 points, as strong buying in semiconductor shares boosted the market while investors kept a close eye on developments in the U.S.-Iran peace talks front.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi increased 338.12 points, or 5.1%, to end at 6,936.99. The Kosdaq also rose by 21.39 points, or 1.8%, to close at 1,213.74.On Sunday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would help countries with ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military support will comprise guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. However, the naval mission is being seen as a violation of the ceasefire by Iran, top Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said.In economic news, South Korea's manufacturing sector continued to expand in April, with the seasonally adjusted headline S&P Global South Korea Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index increasing to 53.6 last month from 52.6 in March, S&P Global said in a Monday report.A reading above 50 indicates an overall increase compared with the previous month, and below 50 indicates a decline.April's expansion in the country's manufacturing sector was the strongest since February 2022.In corporate news, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KRX:009540) secured an order worth 504.8 billion won for three very large gas carriers from South Korean shipper KSS Shipping.Shares of HD Korea Shipbuilding rose nearly 2% at market close.

Market Chatter: Bank of Korea Deputy Chief Says Time to Consider Rate Hike

Bank of Korea's senior deputy governor Sang-dai said Sunday that it was time to stop rate cuts and start thinking about rate hikes, taking into account persistent inflationary pressures despite measures such as nationwide fuel price caps, Reuters reported Monday.Since April, expectations suggest economic growth will remain close to 2%, while inflation is likely to surpass 2.2%, Ryoo said, backing his claim for rate hikes ahead.In April, the South Korean central bank kept interest rates steady amid increasing uncertainty from Middle East tensions and its possible effect on growth and inflation. Ryoo's remarks followed the country recording its fastest growth in nearly six years in the first quarter, driven by better-than-expected chip exports, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

South Korea's Manufacturing Sector Continues to Expand in April

South Korea's manufacturing sector continued to expand in April, with the seasonally adjusted headline S&P Global South Korea Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index increasing to 53.6 last month from 52.6 in March, S&P Global said in a Monday report.A reading above 50 indicates an overall increase compared with the previous month, and below 50 indicates a decline.April's expansion in the country's manufacturing sector was the strongest since February 2022.The ongoing tensions in the Middle East took a toll on manufacturing, with higher cost burdens being prevalent from the beginning of the second quarter. A surge in oil and fuel prices translated to higher raw material prices, which increased costs for end customers. Delivery delays and supply shortages were rampant during the month.In addition, average lead times for input deliveries also increased to the greatest extent since June 2022, due to higher raw material prices.Looking ahead, optimism was at its lowest in five months, amid the uncertainty over the length of the Middle East conflict and its effect on the supply chain and prices.

South Korea's Kospi Opens at New High as Middle East Tensions Ease

South Korean shares opened at a new high on Monday as investor tensions appeared to ease after US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the US would help countries with ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, naming it Project Freedom.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose by 184.06 points to open at 6,782.93. The Kosdaq marginally gained to open at 1,212.28.The blockade of Iranian ports continues and does not represent a continuation of the US-Iran conflict, Trump said.The US military support under Project Freedom will comprise guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members.However, the naval mission is being seen as a violation of the ceasefire by Iran, top Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said.

South Korea Logs Second Straight Month of Over $20 Billion Trade Surplus

South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $23.8 billion in April, which was the second straight month of more than $20 billion in trade surplus for the first time, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a Friday release.Exports in the month increased 48% to $85.9 billion from the year-ago period, while imports rose 16.7% to $62.1 billion, the release said.Eight of the top 15 export categories recorded growth in the month, with outbound shipments led by semiconductors, petrochemicals, and petroleum products, while other sectors, including computers, ships, wireless communication devices, display panels, and steel, also recorded higher exports, according to the trade ministry.Semiconductor exports gained 173.5% to $31.9 billion, while automobile exports declined 5.5% to $6.17 billion from April 2025, the release said.

South Korean Shares Fall on FOMC's Rate Decision, Oil Price Surge

South Korean shares closed lower on Thursday despite opening at a record high in the day, following the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged in the range of 3.50% to 3.75%.This hawkish interpretation of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) took into account the ongoing Middle East conflict and high energy prices, which led to rates being held steady at Jerome Powell's final policy announcement before his term as Fed chief ended on May 15.In addition, increasing global oil prices also took a toll on investor sentiment, with Brent crude hitting an intraday high of $126.41 per barrel--its highest since June 2022-- while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) briefly surpassed $110.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi fell 92.03 points, or 1.4%, to end at 6,598.87. The Kosdaq also declined by 27.91 points, or 2.3%, to close at 1,192.35.In economic news, South Korea's overall industrial output increased 0.3% month-on-month in March, decelerating sharply from a 5.3% monthly rise in February, according to data from Statistics Korea released Thursday.The construction and public administration indices fell by 7.3% and 3.3%, respectively, in March from the prior month, while the index for the service, mining and manufacturing industries added 1.4% and 0.3%, respectively.Total industrial production increased by 3.6% in March from the same month in 2025, after a 2.3% yearly decline in February.In corporate news, Hyundai Motor Group, the parent of Hyundai Motor (KRX:005380) and Kia (KRX:000270), entered a multi-year partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology to jointly develop hydrogen mobility solutions, according to a Thursday release.The agreement is expected to advance hydrogen-powered transportation, boost applied research, and hasten the use of zero-emissions vehicles in Georgia, it said.Shares of Hyundai Motor fell nearly 5% at market close, while those of Kia fell over 3%.

ADB Cuts Economic Growth Projections for Developing Asia Amid Middle East Crisis

The Asian Development Bank sharply downgraded its economic growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific while raising inflation projections, citing prolonged disruptions from the Middle East conflict that are driving up energy prices and tightening financial conditions.The bank now expects regional growth of 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, down from its earlier forecast of 5.1% for both years. Meanwhile, inflation is projected to accelerate to 5.2% this year before slowing to 4.1% in 2027, according to the latest ADB report.ADB said the revisions reflect sustained pressure on oil and gas prices, with crude expected to average about $96 per barrel in 2026, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, weighing on fuel-importing economies.Under a more severe scenario, growth could ease further to 4.2% this year and 4% next year, while inflation may spike to 7.4% in 2026, the bank added, urging targeted fiscal support and measured monetary responses.

South Korea's Monthly Industrial Production Growth Decelerates Sharply in March

South Korea's overall industrial output increased 0.3% month-on-month in March, decelerating sharply from a 5.3% monthly rise in February, according to data from Statistics Korea released Thursday.The construction and public administration indices fell by 7.3% and 3.3%, respectively, in March from the prior month, while the index for the service, mining and manufacturing industries added 1.4% and 0.3%, respectively.Total industrial production increased by 3.6% in March from the same month in 2025, after a 2.3% yearly decline in February.

South Korean Shares Open at New High on Samsung Electronics, US Big Tech's Stellar Q1 Earnings

South Korean shares opened higher on Thursday, starting the trading at a new high after market mover Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) reported strong first-quarter sales and operating income.In addition, strong Q1 earnings by top US firms such as Alphabet, Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft also boosted sentiment. The strong results also restored investor confidence in the AI sector boom.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose by 48.49 points, to open at 6,739.39. The Kosdaq marginally gained to open at 1,224.75.Samsung Electronics posted first-quarter operating income of 57.2 trillion won, up 756% from 6.69 trillion won a year earlier. The South Korean chipmaker's sales jumped 69% year over year to 133.9 trillion won from 79.1 trillion won.The company said that its highest-ever quarterly revenue and operating profit were achieved via AI technology innovation and proactive market response. Favorable currency movements, particularly a stronger greenback, raised operating profit by about 1.8 trillion won on-quarter in Q1, primarily driven by the company's parts business.

South Korea's Retail Sales Rise in March

Retail sales in South Korea, a gauge of private spending, rose 1.8% in March from the previous month, after a 0.3% decline in February, according to data from Statistics Korea on Thursday.On an annual basis, retail sales increased 5% in March, following a rise of 4.3% in the preceding month.