Overview
- KOSPI rose 0.06% to 5,224.3 for a fourth straight gain after touching 5,321.68 intraday, setting a new record close.
- Chipmakers stayed in focus on AI demand, with SK hynix up 5.57% to a record 909,000 won while Samsung Electronics slipped 0.12%.
- Momentum followed record results and a bullish HBM outlook from Samsung Electronics and SK hynix reported earlier in the week.
- President Trump’s vow to restore 25% reciprocal tariffs on South Korea weighed on sentiment, and auto shares were weaker during the session.
- The won strengthened to 1,432.1 per dollar early before easing to 1,439.5 by mid-afternoon, and retail net buying offset foreign and institutional selling.