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292 stories mentioning KOSDAQUpdated 1d ago

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

Market Chatter: South Korea's Ruling Democratic Party Wins Local Elections

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party secured the majority of seats in local elections, early vote counting showed on Thursday, Reuters reported the same day.President Lee Jae Myung's party won Busan and led in 12 of 16 mayoral and provincial contests across the country, the report said.Meanwhile, incumbent Oh Se-hoon of the opposition People Power Party (PPP) held a narrow lead in the capital Seoul, where voting disruptions have been reported over a shortage of ballot papers, 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 Korean Shares Open Lower on Overnight Wall Street Losses, Fresh US-Iran Tensions

South Korean shares opened sharply lower on Thursday, owing to overnight losses on Wall Street and fresh Middle East tensions after the U.S. launched new military attacks on Iran's Qeshm Islands.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, fell 2%, or 177.67 points, to open at 8,623.82. The Kosdaq increased 0.7%, or 6.88 points, to open at 1,032.91.The major U.S. stock indices closed lower on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average declining 1.21%, the S&P 500 falling 0.74%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 0.89%.The U.S. military said it tackled multiple Iranian missiles and drone attacks in the Gulf and carried out self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island. U.S. forces also shot down three Iranian attack drones that were heading toward civilian mariners in regional waters, according to the U.S. Central Command.

South Korea's Foreign Reserves Drop to $427 Billion in May as Securities Drag

US Markets58d ago

South Korea's Foreign Reserves Drop to $427 Billion in May as Securities Drag

South Korea's official foreign reserves fell slightly to $427.0 billion at the end of May, down by $900 million from $427.9 billion in April, according to data released by the Bank of Korea on Thursday.The decline was driven by a drop in securities holdings, which fell $3.4 billion to $380.7 billion. Securities remain the largest component of the reserve portfolio at 89.2% of the total, covering government bonds, agency bonds, debentures, mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities.Deposits partially offset the decline, rising $2.6 billion to $21.4 billion. Special Drawing Rights held steady at $15.8 billion, while gold and the country's IMF reserve position were little changed at $4.8 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively.South Korea ranked 12th among countries by reserve holdings as of the end of April 2026, the BoK said, citing data from the IMF and relevant central banks. China led with $3.411 trillion, followed by Japan at $1.383 trillion and Switzerland at $1.082 trillion.The reserve data comes as South Korea recently reported a record-high trade surplus in May on the back of a semiconductor boom.Trade surplus reached nearly $27 billion during the month, topping market expectations of $24.3 billion and exceeding April's $23.8 billion.Exports increased 53.2% to $87.8 billion, topping the $80 billion mark for the third straight month, and marking the sharpest pace of expansion since January 1984. It also beat the consensus 48.4% growth forecast of Investing.com.The Bank of Korea recently held its policy rate unchanged at 2.5%. However, BoK Governor Shin Hyun-song signaled tighter policy in the near term."There is a need to raise interest rates at an appropriate time in the future."ING economist Min Joo Kang said in a note last week that "[h]igher GDP and CPI forecasts for 2026 and 2027 reinforce our view that BoK hikes could persist into 2027." ING expects the BoK to tighten its policy in July.

International59d ago

Taiwan to Impose Temporary Anti-Dumping Duties on Steel Imports from South Korea, China

Taiwan will impose temporary anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled flat non-directional electromagnetic steel imports from South Korea and mainland China after preliminary findings indicated dumping practices had caused harm to the domestic industry, the Ministry of Finance announced Tuesday.To prevent further damage during the ongoing investigation, authorities said temporary anti-dumping duties will be imposed starting June 8 for a period of four months.The preliminary findings cover key exporters from South Korea, including POSCO and affiliated firms, as well as all exporters from mainland China, with duties set at 45.7% to 49.8% for Korean suppliers and 26.4% for Chinese shipments.Officials said the review process will continue under prescribed statutory timelines, with final determinations on dumping and industry injury to follow before a decision on long-term anti-dumping measures is made.

^^SSEC^KOSDAQKOSPI^SZSETaiwan Weighted

S&P Sees Mixed Views on South Korea's Offshore Wind Power Push Given Lack of Returns, Complex Processes

The South Korean government's push for more offshore wind power capacity will receive varying sentiments from producers, S&P Global Ratings said in a Tuesday release.Players may not see ample potential returns from the projects to compensate for the protracted and complicated review processes and associated execution risks, S&P said.The government is looking at offshore wind power to boost energy self-sufficiency and the country's capacity for use cases, including AI data centers, with a goal of a tenfold increase in the capacity by 2030, according to the rating agency.While government-linked entities have committed to the efforts, they have only allotted a small portion of their capital expenditure, S&P credit analyst Ji Cheng said.The analyst expects a minimal credit impact from the measure given the low single-digit percentage of capex allotment to wind power.

South Korean Shares Close Above 8,800 Points on Gains in AI-Led Tech Shares; Samsung Adds Over 3%

South Korean stocks closed above the 8,800-point threshold for the first time on Tuesday, with gains in AI-driven technology shares, led by Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930), which added 3.3% at market close.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose 13.11 points, or 0.2%, to end at 8,801.49. The Kosdaq decreased by 24 points, or 2.3%, to close at 1,026.03.In economic news, South Korea's corporate financing through debt and equity issuance rose by 13% to 22.616 trillion won from a month earlier, according to data released by the Financial Supervisory Service on Tuesday.Equity issues fell 6% from 440.2 billion won to 413.6 billion won, while debt issues grew 13.6% to 22.202 trillion won in April, from 19.543 trillion won in the previous month.In corporate news, Samsung Heavy Industries (KRX:010140) will build an offshore production facility for an undisclosed North American client, according to a Tuesday filing with the Korean Exchange.The contract is worth 4.33 trillion won, and the facility is expected to be completed by July 10, 2030.Shares of Samsung Heavy Industries rose nearly 1% at market close.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:005930KRX:010140

GM Korea's May Sales Decline 5.9% in May

GM Korea's domestic and overseas sales fell 5.9% year over year in May, according to a company release on Monday.The company sold 47,081 vehicles in May, comprising 808 domestic sales and 46,273 overseas sales, the data showed.The automotive company is now introducing monthly promotional campaigns to boost local sales, it said.

Market Chatter: South Korea's Alcohol Expenditures Drop at Faster Pace in Q1

South Korea's alcohol expenditures fell at its sharpest pace in seven years during the first quarter of the year, according to data reported by Statistics Korea, as cited by the Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.The decline in consumption was attributed to a change in drinking habits, the report added.Households' alcohol consumption came in at 13,000 won per month on average, representing a 9% year over year decline, the report said.Meanwhile, shipments of alcoholic beverages in the country dropped by over 17% from a decade earlier to 3.15 million kiloliters in 2024, the report noted.(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.)

Market Chatter: Nvidia Chief, SK Group Chairman Discuss AI Memory Cooperation

Nvidia's chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, and SK Group chairman, Chey Tae-won, met in Taipei to discuss potential AI memory cooperation in the future, according to a report by the Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday.During the discussions, the two chiefs discussed their achievements in AI memory and agreed to work together on evolving AI infrastructure, the report added.The Nvidia CEO is expected to hold meetings with several South Korean companies later this week, according to industry sources.(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.)

Market Chatter: Renault Korea Motors Sales Plunge 40% in May

Renault Korea Motors' vehicle sales dropped by 40% year over year in May, due to weaker domestic and global demand, Yonhap News reported Monday.The South Korean unit of France's Renault sold 5,913 vehicles in May, the report said.Domestic sales declined by 31% in May to 2,893, while overseas sales dropped by 47% to 3,020 units, 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, Africa to Improve Strategic Cooperation

Representatives from South Korea and 50 African nations resolved to deepen economic and strategic ties across several fronts, according to a ministry release on Tuesday.The parties mutually agreed to recognize Africa's strategic importance and resolved to deepen ties, according to a joint statement by the foreign ministers and representatives from South Korea and African countries.Meanwhile, South Korea reaffirmed its support for the continent's economic integration efforts through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).The parties will now work to enhance cooperation in several sectors such as food security, agriculture, climate change, health and digital transformation.

Market Chatter: South Korean Equity Market Surpasses Indian Market

South Korea's equity market has overtaken the Indian stock market as the world's sixth largest stock market, according to a report by Bloomberg on Tuesday.The rally is spurred by strong growth in the semiconductor stocks, which have risen due to a global AI infrastructure mass buildout, the report added.Listed companies' market capitalization zoomed 86% year over year to $5 trillion, compared to India's market cap which fell to $4.8 trillion, according to Bloomberg's data.(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.)

International60d ago

South Korean Corporate Financing Up 13% in April

South Korea's corporate financing through debt and equity issuance rose by 13% to 22.616 trillion won from a month earlier, according to data released by the Financial Supervisory Service on Tuesday.Equity issues fell 6% from 440.2 billion won to 413.6 billion won, while debt issues grew 13.6% to 22.202 trillion won in April, from 19.543 trillion won in the previous month.During the period, there were four initial public offerings, and the IPO proceeds fell 25% month over month to 157.7 billion won.Public equity offerings, on the other hand, rose by over 11% to 255.9 billion won.The outstanding balance of commercial papers as of end of April was 246.888 trillion won, while short-term bonds stood at 93.295 trillion, the data showed.

South Korean Shares Open at New High on AI Optimism, Overnight Wall Street Gains

South Korean stocks opened at a new high on Tuesday, crossing the 8,800 threshold, largely buoyed by overnight gains on Wall Street and continued investor optimism toward AI-related stocks.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose 1.07%, or 94.81 points, to open at 8,883.19. The Kosdaq decreased 0.5%, or 5.13 points, to open at 1,044.89.In addition, investors also had an optimistic outlook on a possible truce in the U.S.-Iran war ahead after U.S. President Donald Trump told ABC News on Monday that an agreement with Iran may come through "over the next week."South Korea's equity market surpassed India to become the world's sixth-largest stock market, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.The total market capitalization of South Korea-listed firms jumped 86% so far in 2026 to $5 trillion, while the Indian stock market's total capitalization has decreased to $4.8 trillion, the report said.

Market Chatter: South Korea Overtakes India to Become World's Sixth-Largest Stock Market

South Korea's equity market surpassed India to become the world's sixth-largest stock market, owing to a surge in semiconductor stocks, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.The total market capitalization of South Korea-listed firms jumped 86% so far in 2026 to $5 trillion, while the Indian stock market's total capitalization has decreased to $4.8 trillion, the report said.Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660), both now valued at over $1 trillion, fueled the country's stock market rally through their dominance in AI memory chips, the report said.This helped the Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi, more than double so far this year and pushed South Korea ahead of Canada, Germany, the UK, and France in terms of market capitalization, Bloomberg said.Despite South Korea's larger stock market, India's economy remains considerably bigger at $4.15 trillion as compared to the former's $1.93 trillion, the report said, citing International Monetary Fund estimates.Shares of Samsung Electronics rose 1% while those of SK Hynix declined nearly 3% in recent trade.(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.)

^BSE^KOSDAQKOSPI^NSEKRX:000660KRX:005930

South Korea's Inflation Surges to Over Two-Year High in May as Fuel Costs Surge

US Markets60d ago

South Korea's Inflation Surges to Over Two-Year High in May as Fuel Costs Surge

South Korea's annual inflation rate accelerated sharply to 3.1% in May from 2.6% in April, the highest reading since March 2024, as the Middle East conflict-driven oil shock sent petroleum prices up 24.2% from a year earlier.Analysts expected a 3% rate for the month, according to Investing.com.On a monthly basis, consumer prices were up 0.5%, unchanged from the pace of growth between March and April.The surge in fuel costs was the main driver behind the headline inflation reading. Gasoline prices jumped 23.1% year over year, while diesel prices rose 33.3%, pushing the wider petroleum products category to its largest annual increase since July 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine war.Elsewhere, the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages jumped 1.6% year over year in May, significantly faster than the 0.3% increase in April. This marked the largest jump in food prices in three months.Meanwhile, the country's annual inflation rate excluding food and energy was 2.5%, compared with the prior reading of 2.2%. Month over month, core consumer prices inched up 0.5%, against the previous 0.3% rise.The Middle East conflict continues to drive global energy prices, prompting the Bank of Korea to maintain its steady interest rate policy during its May meeting. The BoK kept its policy rate unchanged at 2.5%, as widely expected.BoK Governor Shin Hyun-song on Monday said South Korea's strong economic expansion provides the central bank with the flexibility to prioritize inflation control.Speaking at the BoK International Conference in Seoul, Shin highlighted the country's exceptional first-quarter performance, with real GDP rising 3.6% year over year."The growth is very strong here in Korea," Shin was quoted by Korea JoongAng Daily as saying. "First-quarter growth is super strong, especially when measured in terms of gross domestic income rather than gross domestic product.""[Strong economic growth] poses fewer impediments to adjusting monetary policy in light of inflation," Shin reportedly said. "I think it gives us a lot more leeway to conduct monetary policy, and I think, in a very effective way, to address inflation on this occasion."

International60d ago

South Korea's Annual Inflation Rate Accelerates to 3.1% in May

South Korea's annual inflation rate gained speed at 3.1% in May from 2.6% in April, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics published Tuesday.Analysts expected a 3% rate for the month, according to Investing.com.On a monthly basis, consumer prices were up 0.5%, unchanged from the pace of growth between March and April.Meanwhile, the country's annual inflation rate excluding food and energy was 2.5%, compared with the prior reading of 2.2%. Month over month, core consumer prices inched up 0.5%, against the previous 0.3% rise.

South Korean Shares Rise to Record High on Chip, AI-related Stock Gains; Hanmi Science Shares Jump Over 4%

South Korean stocks climbed to a new high on Monday, buoyed by strong gains in semiconductor firms and AI-related shares. Shares of major market movers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930), SK Hynix (KRX:000660), and LG Electronics (KRX:066570) added over 10%, more than 1%, and nearly 30%, respectively, at market close.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi rose 312.23 points, or 3.7%, to end at 8,788.38. The Kosdaq decreased by 24.77 points, or 2.3%, to close at 1,050.03.In economic news, South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $26.9 billion in May, a new all-time high, and marking the third straight month of more than $20 billion in trade surplus, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a Monday release.It came as exports increased 53.2% to $87.8 billion from the year-ago period, the sharpest pace of growth since 1984. Imports rose 20.8% to $60.8 billion.Semiconductor exports surged 169.4% to a record $37.16 billion, while non-semiconductor exports increased by 16%. Rising memory chip prices amid increased capital spending by major U.S. technology companies pushed chip exports higher.In corporate news, Hanmi Science (KRX:008930) signed a technology licensing agreement for Sonefpeglutide (HM15912), a short bowel syndrome drug, with Eli Lilly and Co., according to a Monday filing with the Korea Exchange.The technology licensing agreement is worth up to $1.26 billion, including a $75 million upfront payment and up to $1.185 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, along with royalties based on future sales.Shares of the company rose more than 4% at market close.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:000660KRX:005930KRX:008930KRX:066570

South Korea's Trade Surplus Hits Record High as May Exports Surge 53% on Semiconductor Boom

US Markets61d ago

South Korea's Trade Surplus Hits Record High as May Exports Surge 53% on Semiconductor Boom

South Korea's trade surplus hit an all-time high in May, driven by a semiconductor boom that pushed exports to their fastest growth rate in four decades, according to data released Monday by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.Trade surplus reached nearly $27 billion during the month, according to figures from the ministry.Exports increased 53.2% to $87.8 billion, topping the $80 billion mark for the third straight month, the ministry said. This marks the steepest percentage increase since January 1984, beating the 48.4% growth forecast, according to Investing.com."It is truly an unprecedented pace, raising market expectations again and again and exceeding them again and again," Reuters quoted Meritz Securities economist Stephen Lee as saying.Semiconductor exports surged 169% to $37.2 billion during the year, led by capital investments by U.S. technology companies.Dynamic Random-Access Memory chip exports soared 370% to $18.6 billion while NAND memory chip exports jumped 207% to $1.7 billion during the month.Computer exports soared 291% to $4.18 billion due to demand for solid-state drives for artificial intelligence servers.Wireless communication device exports increased 13% to $1.46 billion."Market sentiment appears to be shifting toward the view that the semiconductor upcycle will last longer than previously expected," Bloomberg quoted BNP Paribas economist Jeeho Yoon as saying.Petroleum product exports jumped 47% to $5.25 billion on rising oil prices, but volume slid 24% amid export control measures.Automobile exports were an outlier, sliding 5.9% to $5.83 billion, led by logistics disruptions due to the war in the Middle East, as well as difficulties with car parts purchases due to domestic fires and fewer working days."The pickup in South Korea's exports in May underscores the resilience of external demand despite uncertainty from the Iran war," Bloomberg Economics' Hyosung Kwon said.An increase in semiconductor profits could also lead to rises in housing, equities, and wages, Bloomberg reported, citing Kwon.By destination, exports to China topped the list, increasing 81% to $18.9 billion, while exports to the U.S. rose 59% to nearly $16 billion. Sales to Southeast Asia jumped 58% to $15.9 billion and to the EU, up by 2% at $6.2 billion."Exports are likely to remain strong at least through the end of this year and into early next year," Bloomberg said, citing Yoon.Strong artificial intelligence-driven demand for semiconductors recently translated into surging equity valuations for South Korea's tech giants. Nvidia supplier SK Hynix (KRX:000660) last week joined the $1 trillion market capitalization club for the first time.SK Hynix's rally came just weeks after its rival, Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) also topped $1 trillion in market capitalization.

^KOSDAQKOSPIKRX:000660KRX:005930

Market Chatter: Seoul, Tokyo Discuss Military Logistics Deal; to Conduct Joint Humanitarian Search, Rescue Exercise in June

South Korea and Japan discussed the possibility of a military logistics support agreement during talks on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Reuters reported Sunday.Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back held the talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi. Both parties discussed carrying out a joint humanitarian search and rescue exercise this month, which would be the ⁠first time in about nine years, the report said.The agreement would allow South Korea and Japan to share military logistics and supplies, including fuel, food, and ammunition, during operations and emergencies, it said.Ahn said Seoul remains cautious about pursuing the agreement, stressing that public understanding and support in both countries would be needed before moving forward, 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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