KOSDAQ

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292 stories mentioning KOSDAQUpdated 20h ago

Rose alongside the Kospi as the US-Iran deal and strong semiconductor-driven export price data lifted South Korean investor sentiment.

Asia9d ago

S&P Says Currency Depreciation Has Mixed Impact on Asian Corporates

Asian corporates will face mixed effects from currency depreciation, S&P Global Ratings said Wednesday.Exporters will see gains from weaker currencies while importers are pressured by their inability to pass on greater costs, the rating agency said.India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea have experienced weaker local currencies, but S&P said most rated companies should be able to manage the risks.However, some issuers show greater vulnerability to depreciation amid mismatches in operational and financing foreign exchange, S&P analyst Simon Wong said.Firms that mostly use domestic revenue and cash flow to anchor notable amounts of US dollar debt are subject to greater refinancing risk under steep depreciations, the analyst said.Still, S&P views companies as stronger compared to past instances of depreciation, given natural or financing hedging of foreign currency debts, manageable volume of maturing US dollar notes, and less dependence on US dollar borrowing.

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US Markets9d ago

South Korea's Economy Loses Steam in Second Quarter as Exports Cool

South Korea's economy expanded 3.7% in the second quarter from a year earlier, according to the Bank of Korea's advance estimate published Thursday.The pace of growth weakened marginally from the 3.8% expansion recorded in the previous quarter, but beat the consensus forecast for a 3.5% growth, tracked by Investing.com.On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the economy rose 0.6%, also decelerating from the 1.8% increase in the previous quarter. The latest print, however, was up from the 0.4% consensus forecast.Real gross domestic income jumped 15.6% year over year, accelerating from the 13.2% growth in Q1.The slowdown in annual GDP growth was partly due to a softer rise in exports of goods and services at 9% in Q2 versus 11.8% in Q1. Import growth likewise weakened to 6.3% from 8.5%.On the production side, output from the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contracted 2.4% after growing 3.5% in Q1, while manufacturing output growth decelerated to 6.5% from 7.2%Utilities production inched down 0.5%, softening from the 5% drop the previous quarter.On the expenditure side, private consumption rose 2.5% year over year, weaker than the 2.7% increase in Q1. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, private consumption edged up 0.4%, which the BOK attributed to increased spending on household appliances, restaurants, and accommodations.The advance estimate was published a week after the BOK raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three and a half years.Also last week, South Korea lifted its full-year GDP growth forecast for 2026 to a five-year high of 3%, citing a semiconductor boom.

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International9d ago

South Korea's Q2 GDP Growth Slows to 3.7%

South Korea's GDP grew 3.7% year over year in the second quarter, according to an advance estimate released by the Bank of Korea on Thursday.The pace of growth weakened marginally from the 3.8% expansion recorded in the previous quarter, but beat the consensus forecast for a 3.5% expansion, tracked by Investing.com.On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the economy expanded 0.6%, also decelerating from the 1.8% increase in the previous quarter. The latest print, however, was up from the 0.4% consensus forecast.

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Asia10d ago

South Korean Shares Close Higher for Second Day on Overnight Wall Street Gains

South Korean shares closed higher on Wednesday for a second straight day on overnight Wall Street gains, ahead of second-quarter earnings releases of US big tech companies.U.S. stocks rebounded on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.74%, the S&P 500 adding 0.89% and the Nasdaq Composite climbing 1.3%, as all three indexes snapped three-day losing streaks.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, increased by 49.75 points, or 0.7%, to end at 6,797.7. The Kosdaq fell by 2.25 points, or 0.3%, to close at 751.09.In economic news, South Korea's producer price index (PPI) increased 8.6% year over year in June, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released on Wednesday. The reading remained unchanged from the previous month but exceeded Trading Economics' forecast of 8.2%.PPI inflation across agricultural, forestry and marine products, and services was unchanged in June from May, while that of manufacturing products slowed. Out of all the primary sectors, only utilities posted an acceleration in producer price growth.On a month-over-month basis, South Korea's PPI was flat after rising for nine straight months.In corporate news, Hyundai Motor Group, the parent of Hyundai Motor (KRX:005380) and Kia (KRX:000270), introduced an integrated vehicle-to-everything (V2X) service called AllDayEnergy around the world, which would allow electric vehicles to double as mobile energy sources.The automotive group will work with Hana Financial Group (KRX:086790) subsidiary Hana Bank to introduce "AllDayEnergy My Heart Savings Account," Hyundai Motor Group said in a Tuesday release.V2X allows two-way power flow between electric vehicle batteries and the grid, enabling users to lower charging costs and generate revenue. The service stores electricity during off-peak hours and supplies it when the requirement is higher, it said.Shares of Hyundai Motor jumped nearly 5% while those of Kia added about 2% at market close.In other news, Unionized workers at Kakao Corporation (KRX:035720) subsidiary Kakao Bank voted to carry out a full-scale strike on July 31 after failed talks with management over salary hikes and other benefits, Yonhap News reported Wednesday.The bank's union and management are at odds over wages and benefits after no agreement was reached during negotiations, despite the bank posting record first-quarter operating income and revenue, the report said.Kakao Corp. has also faced continued wage-related disputes, with union members carrying out strikes last month, according to the report.The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.Shares of Kakao Corp. added nearly 1% at market close.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:000270KRX:005380KRX:035720

Asia10d ago

Shinsegae Group Ties Up with OKO for Real Estate JV

South Korean retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group plans to launch a joint venture with U.S.-based real estate developer OKO Group to develop luxury hotels and other real estate projects, according to a Tuesday release.The Korean conglomerate said it has signed a memorandum of understanding in Seoul on Tuesday, with the two companies aiming to raise $500 million in initial investment for the joint venture.The JV plans to set luxury hotels and branded residences across Asia and North America, as well as commercial and mixed-use real estate projects in South Korea.

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US Markets10d ago

South Korea Producer Inflation Stalls in June as BOK Eyes More Hikes

South Korea's producer price index (PPI) increased 8.6% year over year in June, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea released on Wednesday.The reading remained unchanged from the previous month but exceeded Trading Economics' forecast of 8.2%.On a monthly basis, the reading was flat after rising 1% in May.Manufacturing product prices fell from May, while agricultural, forestry and marine product prices rose. Prices for electric power, gas, water and waste increased, while services edged up.Within manufacturing, coal and petroleum product prices dropped month over month, while chemical products declined. Prices for basic metal products rose, and computer, electronic and optical equipment increased.The total output price index, which measures prices of goods and services produced by domestic producers, increased 0.4% month over month and 17.6% year over year.The producer price data comes after the Bank of Korea last week raised its benchmark seven-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%, its first increase since January 2023.The move marked the start of a new tightening cycle after the central bank cut borrowing costs four times since late 2024.Policymakers cited persistent inflation pressures and indicated further rate increases remain possible."The next several policy meetings are all live," Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong said after the decision. "We'll keep all options open and base our decisions on the incoming data."

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Equities10d ago

Market Chatter: South Korea Says Crude Oil Supplies Secure Through September

South Korea has secured crude oil supplies equivalent to 110% of last year's levels for July and August and about 90% for September, securing its energy needs even as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains, Yonhap News reported Tuesday, citing the South Korean industry ministry.The ministry said that since June, as many as six oil tankers bound for South Korea have transited the Strait of Hormuz, with three already arriving, adding that it sees no significant concerns over crude supplies through September.(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.)

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International10d ago

South Korea's Producer Inflation Remains at 8.6% in June

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Asia11d ago

South Korean Shares Rebound as Bargain Hunting Pushes Tech Stocks Higher

South Korean shares stopped their two-day losing streak and closed sharply higher on Tuesday, after investors took to bargain-hunting, with a particular focus on technology stocks.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, increased by 231.68 points, or 3.6%, to end at 6,747.95. The Kosdaq also rose by 3.7 points, or 0.5%, to close at 753.34.In corporate news, Samsung Electronics' (KRX:005930) US unit, Samsung Electronics America, launched its first credit card called the Galaxy Card in the U.S., according to a Tuesday release.The Samsung Galaxy Card, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank on the Visa network, will take applications from Wednesday, July 22, the release said.Shoppers can also apply for the card at Samsung retail stores and receive an extra $200 cash bonus after spending $2,000 within the first 90 days of opening the account.Shares of Samsung Electronics added over 6% at market close.In other news, Fitch affirmed KB Financial Group (KRX:105560) subsidiary Kookmin Bank's long-term issuer default rating (IDR) at A and short-term IDR at F1+ with a stable outlook.The ratings agency on Monday also affirmed the Korean bank's government support rating (GSR) and viability rating (VR) at a.Fitch expects the bank's underlying profitability to remain above 2% over the next two years, aided by moderate loan growth, cost discipline and a stabilizing net interest margin. In addition, the bank's strong domestic banking franchise, along with its diverse products and solutions, is expected to raise business volumes and lead to resilient near-term earnings.Shares of KB Financial Group added over 3% at market close.

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Asia11d ago

Blackstone-Backed Private Equity Funds Agree to Invest in South Korea's Futronic

Private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone signed a definitive agreement with Futronic to make a considerable investment in the latter, the South Korean manufacturer of high-precision actuators and motion control solutions, the US-based alternative asset manager said in a Monday release.The definitive agreement is being made in partnership with Futronic founder Jin-ho Ko, who will remain chairman and chief executive officer and work with Blackstone. Founded in 1993, Futronic has primary operations in South Korea and the U.S.The value of the investment remains undisclosed.

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Asia12d ago

Market Chatter: South Korea's Per Capita GDP Expected to Rise 7.6% in 2026

The per capita gross domestic product of South Korea is expected to rise 7.6% year on year to about $39,164 in 2026, the strongest annual growth in the last five years, Yonhap News reported Sunday, citing data from local Korean analysts.The projected per capita GDP is expected to reach $39,164 this year, up $2,750, which will be the biggest year-over-year jump since the 11.5% recorded in 2021, according to projections reported.The estimates, based on the government's revised forecast of 12.3% nominal GDP growth, project South Korea's nominal GDP at 3,005.9 trillion won in 2026 from 2,676.7 trillion won in 2025.(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.)

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Asia15d ago

South Korea Raids Montage, Renesas, Rambus in Price-Fixing Probe

South Korean prosecutors have raided the local offices of three foreign semiconductor firms as part of an antitrust investigation into alleged price-fixing of memory interface chips.The Fair Trade Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office conducted searches and seizures at the South Korean headquarters of China's Montage Technology (SHA:688008, HKG:6809), Japan's Renesas Electronics (TYO:6723) and U.S.-based Rambus. All three companies are suppliers of critical components to global memory companies Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930), SK Hynix (KRX:000660) and Micron Technology.Together, all three suppliers account for over 93% of the global supply for memory interface chips, according to semiconductor platform IC&PCB Union on Thursday. These components are vital for the mass production of high-speed DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, which manage and accelerate data transfer speeds between processors and memory modules.In a Hong Kong filing on Thursday, Montage Technology confirmed the on-site investigation, saying it is fully cooperating with the probe. Montage noted that its operations remain normal and no charges have been filed against the company or its employees.South Korea is a vital market for Montage, accounting for more than half, or 2.93 billion yuan, of its overall 5.46 billion yuan revenue in 2025.Alongside the disclosure, Montage issued a positive profit alert on Friday, forecasting that its group revenue for the first half of 2026 will rise 26.6% year over year to roughly 3.34 billion yuan. It also projects first-half net profit to jump between 63.9% and 81.2% to a range of 1.9 billion to 2.1 billion yuan, driven by booming global demand for AI infrastructure.To stabilize its valuation, Montage also announced that its Chairman and CEO Yang Chonghe has proposed an A-share buyback program valued between 300 million yuan and 600 million yuan.Renesas, Rambus, Samsung, and SK Hynix have not yet publicly commented on the investigation.has reached out to the companies for comment.In late-afternoon trading in Shanghai, Montage's shares fell nearly 10%, while its Hong Kong shares tumbled almost 6%. Renesas plunged nearly 8% in Tokyo.

^KOSDAQKOSPIHKG:6809KRX:000660KRX:005930SHA:688008TYO:6723

Asia16d ago

South Korean Shares Plunge as Tech Stocks Lead Losses Amid Middle East Tensions

South Korean shares fell sharply on Thursday, led by steep declines in technology stocks as escalating Middle East tensions took a toll on investor sentiment. Market heavyweights Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) led the losses with declines of nearly 9% and 12%, respectively.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 463.81 points, or 6.4%, to end at 6,820.6. The Kosdaq also fell by 37.59 points, or 4.5%, to close at 791.84.In economic news, the Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% from 2.50%, according to a Thursday press release.This rate increase is the first by the South Korean central bank in 3.5 years.Bank of Korea data indicates that foreign investors pulled a record $30.7 billion from Korean securities, including stocks and bonds, during June. The withdrawal represented the fifth consecutive month of net portfolio outflows, dating back to February.The outflow value in June was the second largest on record, after a $36.55 billion outflow in March, and was equivalent to about 47.6 trillion won based on the end-June exchange rate of 1,548.7 won per U.S. dollar.In corporate news, DL Holdings (KRX:000210) was selected as the preferred bidder for the Pyeongtaek Godeok A-69BL and A-71BL integrated public housing project, commissioned by Korea Land and Housing Corporation, according to a Thursday filing with the Korea Exchange.The project has an estimated construction value of 216.9 billion won, including the value added tax. The estimate represents DL Holdings' 33% share of the total contract value of 657.2 billion won, the filing said.Under the project, DL Holdings will build an integrated public housing complex of 1,995 rental and for-sale apartment units, along with related amenities and welfare facilitiesShares of the company fell by 1% at market close.In other news, Hanwha Ocean (KRX:042660) secured an order for the construction of two very large crude carrier (VLCC) vessels worth 394.3 billion won from an unnamed North American shipper, according to a Wednesday filing with the Korean Exchange.Delivery is expected by March 31, 2030, with payments tied to construction milestones.Shares of Hanwha Ocean rose nearly 6% at market close.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:000210KRX:000660KRX:005930KRX:042660

Asia16d ago

Market Chatter: South Korea's Financial Services Commission to Disclose New Rules for Single-Stock Leveraged ETFs

The Financial Services Commission, South Korea's top financial regulator, is expected to disclose new measures on single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Reuters reported Thursday, citing FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon ⁠from a radio interview.The ETF is anticipated to be a high-risk product, and the FSC will "closely inspect and review" improvement measures for the ETFs, Lee 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.)

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US Markets16d ago

Bank of Korea Raises Benchmark Rate to 2.75% in First Tightening in 3.5 Years

The Bank of Korea unanimously raised its benchmark seven-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% on Thursday, marking its first interest rate hike in three and a half years.The monetary policy board, led by Governor Shin Hyun-song, pivoted back to tightening to combat persistent inflationary pressures exacerbated by rising energy costs and ongoing geopolitical volatility in the Middle East.The central bank flagged that further rate hikes remain on the table as consumer price inflation, which hit 3.2% in June, is projected to stay above its 2% target.The decision aligns with market expectations as strong AI-driven semiconductor exports continue to support the domestic economy.However, the tightening cycle comes amid warnings of a significant negative interest rate buffer. In a July 10 note, ING economist Padhraic Garvey noted that South Korea's negative interest rate buffer of -1.2% and weak won exchange rates put immense pressure on the central bank to tighten policy.Following the announcement, Capital Economics senior economist Gareth Leather noted that strong export performance and housing market risks give the Bank of Korea the capacity to raise interest rates further in the coming months.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:000660KRX:005930

International16d ago

Market Chatter: Foreign Investors Withdraw Record Funds From South Korean Securities in June

Foreign investors pulled out a record $30.72 billion from Korean securities in June, which comprised stocks and bonds, Pulse News reported Wednesday, citing Bank of Korea data.The pullout marked the fifth straight month of net portfolio outflows since February, according to the report.The outflow value in June was the second largest on record, after a $36.55 billion outflow in March, and was equivalent to about 47.6 trillion won based on the end-June exchange rate of 1,548.7 won per U.S. dollar, it 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.)

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International16d ago

Bank of Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75%

The Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%, according to a Thursday statement.The move matched the consensus in a Reuters poll, with 36 of 37 economists forecasting a 25-basis-point increase to 2.75%.The rate hike marks the central bank's first increase in three and a half years.

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Asia17d ago

South Korea Shares Soar as Cool US Inflation Ignites Global Tech Rally

South Korean stocks closed sharply higher Wednesday, thanks to overnight gains on Wall Street in response to softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data.U.S. consumer prices declined by a seasonally adjusted 0.4% in June, the largest monthly decline since April 2020. This brought annual inflation to 3.5% from the broader market expectation of 3.8%. Core inflation was unchanged from May, with the annual rate easing to 2.6%, below forecasts of 2.9%.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, increased by 427.58 points, or 6.2%, to end at 7,284.41. The Kosdaq also rose by 45.45 points, or 5.8%, to close at 829.43.The Korea Exchange activated a five-minute buy-side sidecar on the country's primary and secondary stock markets on Wednesday morning after investors rushed to buy semiconductor stocks amid an upbeat AI sector outlook despite tensions in the Middle East.The Korea Exchange announced the order at 9:06 am after the KOSPI200 Futures added 71.50 points, or 6.5%, to trade at 1,170.60, and at 9:17 am after the KOSDAQ150 Futures index added 83 points, or 6.1%, to trade at 1,439.50.In economic news, the average shipping charge for a 40-foot container from South Korea to the Middle East, as reported by exporters, rose for a fifth straight month in June, according to data from the Korea Customs Service.Container shipping costs increased 15.1% in June to 7.78 million won from May.Freight rates to the U.S. West Coast surged 45.5% to 7.86 million won, while rates to the East Coast jumped 26.6% to 7.11 million won last month from May. Shipping costs to the European Union added 17.4% to 4.24 million won in June.In corporate news, Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) denied a report that claimed it was exploring a U.S. offering of American depositary receipts, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing a company statement.Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter, that the company had carried out initial discussions with banks for a US IPO.Samsung told Reuters that it is "not reviewing the possibility" of issuing ADRs.Samsung did not immediately respond to' request for comment.Shares of the chipmaker added over 6% at market close.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:005930

International17d ago

Market Chatter: South Korea-Middle East Container Shipping Costs Rise for Fifth Straight Month in June

The average shipping charge for a 40-foot container from South Korea to the Middle East, as reported by exporters, rose for a fifth straight month in June, Yonhap News reported Wednesday, citing data from the Korea Customs Service.Container shipping costs increased 15.1% in June to 7.78 million won from May, the report said.Freight rates to the U.S. West Coast surged 45.5% to 7.86 million won, while rates to the East Coast jumped 26.6% to 7.11 million won last month from May. Shipping costs to the European Union added 17.4% to 4.24 million won in June, according to the report.(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.)

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Asia17d ago

Korea Exchange Halts Kospi, Kosdaq Trading for Five Minutes After Strong Buying

The Korea Exchange activated a five-minute buy-side sidecar on the country's primary and secondary stock markets on Wednesday morning after investors rushed to buy semiconductor stocks amid an upbeat AI sector outlook despite tensions in the Middle East.The Korea Exchange announced the order at 9:06 am after the KOSPI200 Futures added 71.50 points, or 6.5%, to trade at 1,170.60, and at 9:17 am after the KOSDAQ150 Futures index added 83 points, or 6.1%, to trade at 1,439.50.A buy-side sidecar is activated when the KOSPI200 Futures index and the KOSDAQ150 Futures index rise 5% or more for at least one minute.

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