South Korea's main stock index, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), rose by 35.19 points, or 1.23%, on Wednesday, closing at 2,907.04. This marks its highest closing level since 14 January, 2022, when it reached 2,921.92 points.
Strong gains in the technology and automotive sectors, along with continued interest from foreign investors, drove the market’s rally. A total of 383.5 million shares were traded, with a turnover of 12.3 trillion won (approximately $9 billion). Advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by a ratio of 600 to 281.
Top Gainers
In the technology sector, Samsung Electronics rose by 1.18% to 59,900 won, while chipmaker SK Hynix climbed 4.12% to 240,000 won.
Among automotive giants, Hyundai Motor gained 2.03% to 201,000 won, and Kia advanced 2.54% to 96,900 won. Auto parts manufacturer Hyundai Mobis jumped 4.91% to 288,500 won.
Doosan Enerbility, active in the nuclear energy sector, surged 6.46% to 51,100 won. Kakao, operator of South Korea’s most popular mobile messaging app, increased by 2.8% to 51,400 won.
Decliners
Profit-taking led to declines in defence and shipbuilding stocks. Hanwha Aerospace dropped 3.31% to 905,000 won, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fell 2.11% to 418,000 won.
The financial sector also showed weakness. KB Financial declined 3.34% to 107,200 won, while Shinhan Financial slid 1.81% to 59,800 won.
Market participants remain optimistic for upcoming sessions, focusing on continued foreign investment inflows and strong performance in the technology sector.
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