212 stories mentioning KOSPI
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The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in South Korea in April edged up to 2.8% from 2.7% in March, data from Statistics Korea indicated Wednesday.On an annual basis, the unemployment rate remained unchanged.The number of unemployed people fell to 853,000 in April from 854,000 a year earlier.The number of employed people increased by 74,000 to hit 28.96 million last month from 28.9 million in the year-ago period.
South Korean shares snapped a five-session winning streak on Tuesday, with the Kospi and Kosdaq both sliding 2.3% as stalled geopolitical negotiations in the Middle East prompted widespread profit-taking.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi decreased by 179.09 points, or 2.3%, to end at 7,643.15. The Kosdaq also declined by 28.05 points, or 2.3%, to close at 1,179.29.In corporate news, the head of Samsung Electronics' (KRX:005930) largest labor union, Choi Seung-ho, said a planned strike may be preventable if management improves transparency around compensation, citing growing distrust among employees and concerns over talent leaving for competitors.Cho criticized the company's discretionary bonus adjustment system as "opaque."Talks between the 70,000-member-strong union and management have resumed under the mediation of the Central Labor Relations Commission under South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor.The union has warned of an extended strike if negotiations fail and is pushing to remove caps on bonuses tied to company performance.Shares of the chipmaker fell over 2% at market close.In other news, CJ Seafood (KRX:011150) posted a first-quarter net loss attributable to shareholders of 1.29 billion won, swinging from an attributable net income of 231 million won a year earlier, according to a Tuesday filing with the Korea Exchange.Sales of the processed meat and seafood company were up 4.6% year over year to 55 billion won from 52.5 billion won.Shares of CJ Seafood fell more than 1% at market close.
South Korean shares opened at a new high on Tuesday, owing to an extended rally of chip stocks, primarily led by Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660), which gained over 1% and nearly 4%, respectively, in morning trade.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose by 131.17 points to open at 7,953.41. The Kosdaq gained 7.56 points to open at 1,214.90.Investors appeared to pay no heed to the lack of progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks.U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the ceasefire with Iran was "on life support" after he rejected Tehran's latest proposal and deemed it unacceptable.Iran pushed back, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accusing the US of making unreasonable demands, while parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the U.S. must accept the Iranian proposal, and warned that Tehran was ready to respond to any aggression.
South Korea's benchmark index Kospi closed at an all-time high on Monday, with the rally driven by chip giants Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660), which gained over 6% and nearly 12%, respectively.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi increased by 324.24 points, or 4.3%, to end at 7,822.24. The Kosdaq finished little changed in negative territory at 1,207.34.In economic news, South Korea's exports surged 43.7% to $18.4 billion in the first 10 days of May from $12.8 billion a year earlier, Monday data from the Korea Customs Service showed.Imports increased 14.9% to $16.7 billion, resulting in a $1.7 billion trade surplus.In corporate news, shares of Hanwha Ocean (KRX:042660) rose 3% after the company secured a 363.2 billion won order for a liquefied natural gas carrier from a Europe-based shipper.In other news, Hyundai Motor Group and Korea Aerospace Industries (KRX:047810) signed a memorandum of understanding to develop advanced air mobility solutions.Shares of Hyundai (KRX:005380) closed 5% higher, while those of Korea Aerospace edged up 2%.
The Korea Exchange activated a five-minute buy-side sidecar on the country's primary stock market on Monday morning as investors rushed to purchase securities amid a rally due to strong gains made by key chip stocks.The Korea Exchange announced the order at 9:29 am after the KOSPI200 Futures added 58.82 points, or 5.1%, to trade at 1,210.54.A buy-side sidecar is activated when the KOSPI200 Futures index gains 5% or more for at least one minute.
South Korean shares opened higher on Monday, owing to gains made by chipmakers despite the fallout of the US-Iran peace agreement.US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's response to the former's proposals to end the ongoing war as "totally unacceptable."The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose by 277.31 points to open at 7,775.31. The Kosdaq gained marginally to open at 1,212.88.Shares of key chipmakers Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and SK Hynix (KRX:000660) were trading over 7% and 11% higher in Monday morning trade, tracking recent gains on Wall Street.Iran had forwarded a proposal to the US through Pakistan to end the conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, an end to the U.S. naval blockade, and assurance of no further attacks, according to Tasnim news agency.However, Trump on Sunday evening accused Iran of "playing games", which raised concerns over a possible fallout to reach a peace agreement between the US and Iran.In addition, oil prices jumped on Monday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the military conflict with Iran was "not over." U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with June delivery rose 3.08% to $95.42 per barrel, while the international benchmark Brent crude futures with July delivery increased 3.16% to $104.49 per barrel.
South Korean shares closed higher on Friday, hitting a new high in the fourth session of straight gains, despite escalated tensions in the Middle East.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi increased by 7.95 points, or 0.1%, to end at 7,498. The Kosdaq also added 8.54 points, or 0.7%, to close at 1,207.72.The tension between the U.S. and Iran escalated on Friday after U.S. forces targeted Iranian military facilities that launched attacks against warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said.The U.S. military said in a statement that U.S. forces do "not seek escalation."Iran's armed forces said the U.S. military's airstrikes on Thursday night hit civilian areas along the coasts of Qeshm Island, Bandar Khamir and Sirik.In economic news, 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.In corporate news, Coway (KRX:021240) posted first-quarter net income attributable to shareholders of 182.02 billion won, up 31% from 138.9 billion won a year earlier, according to a Friday filing with the Korea Exchange.The South Korean household appliances manufacturer's sales rose 13% year over year to 1.329 trillion won from 1.174 trillion won.Shares of Coway rose nearly 1% at market close.
South Korean shares opened lower on Friday, as investors held on to their profits after two consecutive days of gains, after energy supply concerns rose again following escalated tensions in the Middle East.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, declined by 136.11 points, to open at 7,353.94. The Kosdaq gained marginally to open at 1,199.47.The tension between the U.S. and Iran escalated on Friday after U.S. forces targeted Iranian military facilities that launched attacks against warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said.The U.S. military said in a statement that U.S. forces do "not seek escalation."Iran's armed forces said the U.S. military's airstrikes on Thursday night hit civilian areas along the coasts of Qeshm Island, Bandar Khamir and Sirik.These renewed tensions sent Brent crude 2.3% higher to over $102 a barrel, as investors were concerned that the Middle East crisis would extend the continued the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
Despite headwinds from Persian Gulf turmoils, Asia's business sectors largely expanded in April, led by the automobile industry, reported S&P Global on Wednesday."Output growth was recorded across 16 of the 18 monitored Asian sectors in April. This figure was up from 15 in March, as metals & mining production returned to growth," said S&P Global, citing its surveys of regional economies.Showing strength in April was the automotive industry. "Leading the rankings for the first time in nearly two years was the automobiles & auto parts sector. The pace of output expansion in the sector quickened to the steepest since May 2024 and was rapid overall," explained S&P Global.Among the broader categories, consumer products did generally well in April."Consumer goods outperformed the other six tracked areas, with growth also supported by strong and accelerated expansions in output across the beverages & food and household & personal use products segments," added S&P Global.The tech and industrial sectors followed consumer goods on the upside, while the slowest expanding sectors were basic materials, financials and healthcare.In contrast to the general regional expansion, the forestry & paper products and construction materials sectors experienced softening in April, reported S&P Global.However, Asian business managers also reported rising and accelerating costs of operation in April."On the prices front, the latest data indicated that cost burdens rose in 17 of the 18 monitored sectors in April. Notably, the majority of these saw expenses increase at a stronger pace than in March," said S&P Global.Of the 18 monitored industries, only banks and real estate lowered output charges, said the credit-rating agency.The Asia Sector PMI indices were compiled by S&P Global from surveys received from 6,000 Asian private-sector companies.
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 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."
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.A buy-side sidecar is activated when the KOSPI200 Futures index gains 5% or more for at least one minute.
South Korean shares opened higher on Wednesday, following the easing of Middle East tensions after US President Donald Trump halted the military operation "Project Freedom," which had escorted ships through the Strait of Hormuz, to reach an agreement with Iran.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose by 156.02 points, or 2.2%, to open at 7,093.01. The Kosdaq gained 0.6% to open at 1,220.90.Project Freedom had only been in effect since Monday.Several commercial ships were reportedly struck in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, and a UAE oil port caught fire following an Iranian attack, which marked the biggest escalation since a ceasefire was announced four weeks ago. Trump's naval operations in the Hormuz, which were aimed at securing shipping lanes, intensified tensions.In addition, Iraq stepped up diplomatic efforts as tensions rose between Iran and the US, with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi saying he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and offered Baghdad's support for mediation.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Beijing on Tuesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart on the China-Iran relationship, along with regional and global developments, his ministry said.
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