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456 stories mentioning KOSPIUpdated 1d ago

Opened up 1.8% on the US-Iran deal and strong May export prices driven by a surge in semiconductor-linked products.

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Asia

South Korea's GBSA and Dtonic Sign MOUs with Abu Dhabi's Presight for AI Collaboration

South Korea's Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) and Dtonic signed new MOUs with Abu Dhabi's Presight during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Seoul.The agreements aim to strengthen international technology collaboration and open global market access for South Korean AI companies, according to a statement on Friday.Under the first MOU, GBSA and Presight, which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, will explore startup deal flow, acceleration support, and cross-border market access.Presight's separate MOU with Dtonic will explore collaboration in smart cities and AI-driven data infrastructure, including potential use of Dtonic's AI OS technology in Presight's projects.The MOUs also connect Korean innovation with Presight's network to support AI adoption, decision-making, and measurable outcomes.

KOSPI
Asia

Market Chatter: Korea-US Investment Organization to Issue First Dollar-Denominated Bond

The Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corp is looking to issue up to $2 billion in bonds, Bloomberg reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.The issuance could be the first dollar-denominated issuance under an investment pledge by the U.S. The organization is still selecting the first project out of the $350-billion investment package, the report said.The organization supervises implementation of South Korean investments in U.S. projects, the report said.South Korea's finance ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.(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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International

Korea's Auto Exports Plunge in August on Fewer Working Days, Strikes

Korea's automobile exports fell nearly 30% year over year to $3.85 billion in August, hit by fewer working days from the summer holiday shift and strike-related production disruptions, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR).Declines were recorded across all major markets, with North America down over 28%, the EU falling nearly 17%, Asia tumbling 42%, and the Middle East slid 24%, while export volume dropped 27% to 146,000 units.Domestic sales and production fell 21% and 36%, respectively, to 110,000 and 206,000 units, though eco-friendly vehicle sales reached 69,000 units, or 63% of the domestic market.With wage negotiations now concluded at all major automakers, the ministry expects the shortfall to be made up and exports and production to gradually recover.

KOSPI
International

South Korea Extends Fuel Tax Cuts Through November to Ease Public Burden

South Korea will extend its fuel tax cut scheme by another two months through November to ease price burdens on the public amid protracted tensions in the Middle East, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy statement on Thursday.The ministry said the decision was made during an economy-related ministers' meeting chaired by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, taking into careful consideration the recent international oil price situation and the burden on the public.The current reductions, including 15% for gasoline and 25% for diesel and butane, were scheduled to end in September, and the 10th oil peak price to be applied will be announced at 6 p.m. on Thursday.During the Chuseok holiday period from Sept. 24 to 27, highway gas station fuel prices will be lowered by 100 won per litre compared to Sept. 17, with electric vehicle charging fees discounted during daytime hours.

KOSPI
International

South Korea's Producer Inflation Accelerates in August

Producer prices in South Korea increased 7.9% year over year in August, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea on Friday.The reading compared with the 7.7% expansion recorded in the previous month, but was below the Trading Economics forecast of 8.1%.The performance during the month was driven primarily by the manufacturing sector, which saw prices rise 12% from a year earlier, unchanged from the pace seen a month earlier. Within the sector, prices of coal and petroleum products surged 54.3% year over year, accelerating from the 52% growth in July.

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Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea Expands Customs Cooperation with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan to Curb Counterfeits

Days after signing a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, the South Korean customs agency agreed to expand cooperation on customs affairs and protection of intellectual property rights, Yonhap News reported Thursday, citing the Korean agency.The agency signed the framework deal with the three nations earlier this week to plug the trade in counterfeit Korean products.Under the deal the three countries will share information on counterfeit products and conduct joint enforcement operations with the South Korean agency.(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.)

KOSPI
Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea Should Refrain From Slowing Down AI Progress

South Korea's artificial intelligence development should refrain from slowing down and should focus on responsible development instead of speed, Yonhap News reported Wednesday, citing Korean Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon.The statement comes amid calls for a slowdown by US-based AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic.The minister said that the gap between countries with advanced AI models approaching human-level intelligence and those without them could extend beyond technology and impact a country's industrial competitiveness, national security, and future economic growth, 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.)

KOSPI
Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea Delays US Investment Plans Over Procedural Issues

South Korean investment plans in the US under a trade deal with Washington are delayed, while procedural issues were clarified, Reuters reported Thursday, quoting South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.The Korean minister's remarks came ahead of his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, slated for Friday, and this follows the Korean government's postponement of a planned briefing to a parliamentary committee on the investment plans to Sept. 22, the report said.Under the US trade deal, South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in US manufacturing and US cap the tariffs on Korean imports at 15%.(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.)

KOSPI
Asia

Chip Stock Gains Push South Korean Markets Higher; Samsung Adds 2%, SK Hynix 4%

South Korean shares snapped a four-session losing streak to close sharply higher on Wednesday as investors scooped up major technology and semiconductor stocks. Shares of major market movers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) added over 2% and 4%, respectively, at market close.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, increased by 90.71 points, or about 1.4%, to close at 6,717.97. The Kosdaq also rose by 3.57 points, or 0.4%, to close at 815.98.In economic news, South Korea has agreed to expand its bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan in sectors including critical minerals, defense, transportation and infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, according to a South Korean government release on Tuesday.The declaration comes following a summit meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Tuesday.The two leaders exchanged 13 agreements and MoUs and agreed to set up a Korea desk within the Uzbek government to support South Korean companies and launch a joint business council.The visiting Uzbek president also agreed to expand South Korean corporate participation in Uzbekistan's future infrastructure projects, building on cooperation in high-speed rail and airport development.In corporate news, SK Hynix and Intel are discussing a potential deal that could lead to the South Korean company producing memory chips in the U.S., Reuters reported Wednesday, citing three people with knowledge of the matter.Possible arrangements include SK Hynix partly leasing Intel's planned manufacturing site in Ohio or a joint venture that looks to secure memory chip supply, the report cited two of its sources as saying.The plan could meet opposition from the South Korean government, which deems advanced memory including high-bandwidth memory as sensitive technology, the sources told Reuters.SK Hynix toldthat it is reviewing measures such as additional production bases to strengthen its memory business, but added that "no matters have been determined at this stage."Intel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Shares of SK Hynix rose over 4% at market close.

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Asia

South Korea, Uzbekistan Sign 13 Deals, Pledge Cooperation in Defense, AI, Infrastructure

South Korea has agreed to expand its bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan in sectors including critical minerals, defense, transportation and infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, according to a South Korean government release on Tuesday.The declaration comes following a summit meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Tuesday.The two leaders exchanged 13 agreements and MoUs and agreed to set up a Korea desk within the Uzbek government to support South Korean companies and launch a joint business council.The visiting Uzbek president also agreed to expand South Korean corporate participation in Uzbekistan's future infrastructure projects, building on cooperation in high-speed rail and airport development.

KOSPI
Equities

Update: Market Chatter: South Korean Prosecutors Accuse Eight Petrochemical Executives of Price Fixing

(Updates with LG Chem's response in the fourth paragraph.)The South Korean prosecutors have accused eight current and former executives of domestic petrochemical companies and have sought their arrest for suspected participation in a price-fixing scandal involving several trillion won, Yonhap News reported Monday.Among the accused executives are OCI Chief Executive Kim Yoo-shin and former PKC CEO Jang Young-soo, and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors suspect seven companies, including LG Chem, Hanwha Solutions, Aekyung Chemical, OCI, Lotte Fine Chemical, PKC, and Unid, were together involved for several years in fixing higher prices for eight petrochemical products.Prosecutors claimed the companies allegedly made illicit profits totaling several trillion won due to the Middle East conflict disrupting naphtha supply, and authorities raided and questioned Kim and Jang as part of the investigation on Aug. 5.LG Chem toldon Tuesday that the matter is subject to an ongoing prosecution investigation and that it is unable to comment on or confirm details related to the case. The company referred further inquiries to the relevant prosecution authorities.Hanwha Solutions, Aekyung Chemical, OCI, Lotte Fine Chemical, PKC and Unid did not immediately respond to requests for comment fromon Monday.(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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Asia

South Korean Shares Closed Lower for Fourth Day on Macro Uncertainty, AI Industry Concerns

South Korean shares closed lower for a fourth straight session on Tuesday as investors remained cautious over macroeconomic uncertainty and concerns over calls by AI industry leaders to slow development in the industry. Investors now look forward to the U.S. Federal Reserve's Sept. 15-16 policy meeting.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 57.11 points, or about 0.9%, to close at 6,627.26. The Kosdaq rose by 5.62 points, or 0.7%, to close at 812.41.Oil prices remained elevated after Oman postponed a meeting with Iran and other regional countries on future control of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude settled at $105.68 a barrel Monday, while U.S. crude traded around $101, more than 20% above levels a month earlier. Fighting in Yemen also intensified, raising concerns over disruptions to Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea.In economic news, South Korean insurance companies saw a decline in automobile insurance profit in the first half of 2026, preliminary data from the Financial Supervisory Service showed Tuesday.The combined profit of insurers offering automobile insurance fell 37.7% to 238 billion won in the January-June period from 382 billion won a year earlier, the data showed.Automobile insurance premiums totaled 10.64 trillion won, up 4.2% from 10.21 trillion won in the same period a year earlier.In corporate news, Hyosung Heavy Industries (KRX:298040) secured two transformer purchase agreements from HICO America Sales & Tech, one for a 345kV transformer and another for a 765kV transformer, according to two separate filings with the Korea Exchange on Tuesday.The order for the 345kV transformer is valued at 166.52 billion won, to be delivered by August 2028 and the order for the 765kV transformer is valued at 220.07 billion won and will be delivered by February 2029, the filing said.Shares of Hyosung Heavy Industries fell over 4% at market close.

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Asia

Market Chatter: South Korea's First After-Market Session Draws KRW1.8 Trillion in Traded Shares

South Korea's first after-market stock trading session on Monday generated 1.8 trillion won in traded stocks, Yonhap News Agency reported on the same day, citing the Korea Exchange.The amount was equivalent to about 72.2 million traded shares, according to the report.The four-hour after-market session ran from 4 pm to 8 pm, with most stocks listed on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and Kosdaq available for trading, the report said.However, trading of exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded notes was not allowed to prevent market volatility, 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.)

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International

South Korea's Auto Insurance Profit Falls 37.7% in H1

South Korean insurance companies saw a decline in automobile insurance profit in the first half of 2026, preliminary data from the Financial Supervisory Service showed Tuesday.The combined profit of insurers offering automobile insurance fell 37.7% to 238 billion won in the January-June period from 382 billion won a year earlier, the data showed.Automobile insurance premiums totaled 10.64 trillion won, up 4.2% from 10.21 trillion won in the same period a year earlier.

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International

South Korea's Export Prices Grow at Slower Pace in August

South Korea's export prices surged 42.4% year over year in August, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea on Tuesday.The pace of growth eased from the revised 48.9% increase recorded the previous month. It missed the consensus forecast of 52.0% tracked by Trading Economics.On a month-over-month basis, export prices edged down 3.7%, compared with a 0.9% rise in the preceding month.Meanwhile, import prices rose 15.6% from a year earlier, compared with a revised 18.8% expansion in the prior month.

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International

Asia Week Ahead: Interest Rate Decisions; Inflation Prints; Trade Numbers

The week ahead in Ahead is packed with key releases, starting with industrial production data from Japan and inflation numbers from India.Tuesday will see a slew of data from China, alongside India's trade figures and unemployment rate.Mid-week, all eyes will be on an interest rate decision from the U.S., with a rate hike expected. Japan will post its trade data and machinery orders.On Thursday, Singapore will publish trade numbers and unemployment rate, with an interest rate decision in Japan being the key release to close the week.MONDAY, Sept. 14Japan's industrial production rose 3.9% year over year in July, slower than a 4.9% growth in the previous month.India's annual wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rate increased to 9.92% year over year in August, up from 9.78% in July.Additionally, Hong Kong's index of industrial production for manufacturing industries jumped 2.3% year over year in the second quarter, slower than a 3.1% rise in the first quarter.India will publish consumer price index numbers for August later today, with a rise to 4.7% expected by ING economists.TUESDAY, Sept. 15China will release a slew of economic data on Tuesday.Industrial output for the month is expected to rise to 4.9% in August from 4.5% in July, while retail sales may inch up to 0.7% from 0.6% earlier, according to economists at ING.The country will also publish its unemployment rate and house price index for the month of August.Elsewhere, India will post August trade and unemployment figures, while South Korea will also publish export and import price data.WEDNESDAY, Sept. 16The U.S. Fed may increase rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday amid persistent inflation and strong jobs numbers, according to the Wall Street Journal.Investors will also look for signs of potential rate changes in the upcoming months.Elsewhere, Japan's trade deficit is expected to come in at 1.053 trillion yen in August, with export and imports rising 18.2% and 26.3% respectively, according to market consensus forecast data posted by ING.Machinery orders for July are projected to rise 9.2% year over year.THURSDAY, Sept. 17Experts at ING expect Taiwan to hike its interest rate to 2.13% from 2% previously.Commerzbank Research analysts also project a rate hike by 12.5 basis points, while Citi economists expect rate policy to remain unchanged, the WSJ said.Singapore will publish trade data for August and unemployment rate for the second quarter.Non-oil domestic exports are expected to increase to 35% year over year, at a quicker pace than 24.2% in July, the WSJ said, citing DBS economists.Elsewhere, Hong Kong will publish unemployment data and export and import volume numbers.FRIDAY, Sept. 18Japan is also projected to raise its interest rate to 1.25% from 1%, according to ING experts.The country may see a slight rise in August inflation to 2% from 1.9% previously, while core inflation is expected to remain unchanged at 1.8%, market consensus forecast data from ING showed.Malaysia is projected to post a rise in August inflation to 1.96% from 1.8% in July, the WSJ said, citing a note by Zhaopeng Xing, an economist at ANZ.The country will also report trade numbers.Elsewhere, South Korea will publish producer price index data for August.

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Asia

South Korean Shares Decline Over 3% on Tech Losses, Rising Oil Prices Amid Middle East Tensions

South Korean shares fell more than 3% on Monday as investors sold technology heavyweights amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and increasing oil prices.Global and U.S. oil prices extended gains early Monday after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and further targeting of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose nearly 3% to above $107 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude gained about 3% to approach $103 a barrel.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, decreased by 225.54 points, or about 3.3%, to close at 6,684.37. The Kosdaq also fell by 13.85 points, or 1.7%, to close at 806.79.In economic news, South Korea's first investment project in the U.S. under the bilateral tariff agreement signed in 2025 is expected to close soon, pending further negotiations, Yonhap News reported Sunday, citing Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan.South Korea aims to finalize and potentially announce the agreement later this week. The investment project is part of the country's $350 billion investment commitment made in exchange for lowering U.S. reciprocal tariffs to 15% from 25%. Potential destinations comprise a large gas-fired power plant in Texas and a nuclear power project.In corporate news, SK Biopharmaceuticals (KRX:326030) secured a 71.6 billion won pharmaceutical supply agreement for its anti-seizure medication Cenobamate with its US unit SK Life Science, according to a Monday filing with the Korea Exchange.The product is marketed in the US as XCOPRI. Cenobamate is a drug for treating epilepsy.Shares of the company fell nearly 1% at market close.In other news, Samsung Heavy Industries (KRX:010140) secured a 1.408 trillion won contract to build four LNG carriers for an undisclosed Oceania-based client, according to a Monday filing with the Korean Exchange.The contract is expected to be fulfilled by Sept. 28, 2029.Shares of Samsung Heavy Industries added over 3% at market close.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Korea Exchange to Extend Trading Hours till 8PM

South Korea's main stock market, the Korea Exchange, will enable trading till 8 pm following the regular close at 3:30 pm from Monday, in its move toward 24-hour trading, Bloomberg News reported Sunday.This decision opens 2,400 Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, and Kosdaq stocks for evening trades, which include short-selling. The move excludes exchange-traded funds, the report said.The Korea Exchange plans to introduce pre-market trading by the end of next year, 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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Asia

South Korea Nears Agreement with US on Investment Deal, Further Negotiations Needed: Industry Minister Kim

South Korea's first investment project in the U.S. under the bilateral tariff agreement signed in 2025 is expected to close soon, pending further negotiations, Yonhap News reported Sunday, citing Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan.Kim spoke to the news agency at the Incheon International Airport while making his way back from the U.S. after meeting with U.S. officials, which included Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.South Korea aims to finalize and potentially announce the agreement later this week. The investment project is part of the country's $350 billion investment commitment made in exchange for lowering U.S. reciprocal tariffs to 15% from 25%. Potential destinations comprise a large gas-fired power plant in Texas and a nuclear power project, the report said.

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Asia

Anthropic CEO Urges AI Slowdown, Backed by OpenAI, Musk; Trump Downplays Risks

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has called on artificial intelligence companies to slow model development, citing risks of losing control of AI systems, misuse of the technology for cyberattacks and bioterrorism and the potential for serious economic disruption.Amodei stressed the need for "adequate time to align and safeguard" AI companies' models in a recent essay.The call gained support from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.However, US President Donald Trump downplayed the AI risks, telling reporters over the weekend in Ireland: "We could put guardrails. We ​can do this and that. But I think you have a lot of very negative ⁠forces that are bringing it up that shouldn't be bringing it up and they're bringing up things that won't ​happen," Reuters reported.

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