KOSPI Surges 2.8% to 4,222 as Tech Stocks Soar; KOSDAQ Extends Gains on AI Momentum
Seoul shares rallied Monday to a fresh record as large-cap tech and energy stocks led broad gains, while AI-linked names boosted the KOSDAQ for a second day.
Market Highlights
- KOSPI +2.78% to 4,221.87, closing above the 4,200 mark for the first time since launch
- KOSDAQ +1.57% to 914.55, supported by AI and manufacturing value chains
- Institutions (+₩1.85 T) and retail investors (+₩6.5 T) buy as foreign funds take profits
- Electronics (+5.4%) and Utilities (+4.9%) lead sector gains
- Foreign selling (−₩7.96 T) centered in semiconductors and IT services
- Won firms for a second day to ₩1,428 per USD as sentiment improves
The Korean equity market extended its uptrend for a fourth day Monday, propelled by strong institutional and retail buying in large-cap tech and utility names. The KOSPI jumped 2.78% to 4,221.87, its highest close on record, while the KOSDAQ gained 1.57% to 914.55, fueled by AI-related momentum and robust domestic liquidity
Investors welcomed firm overseas markets and broader Asian strength. Despite foreign outflows, institutional demand offset the selling as semiconductor optimism and policy tailwinds continued to support the market.
Investor Flows (KRW billions)
| Investor Type | KOSPI | KOSDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigners | −7,964 | +3,888 |
| Institutions | +1,854 | +33 |
| Individuals | +6,512 | −3,420 |
Foreign investors were net sellers for a second session, off-loading positions in electronics (−₩6.3 T) and IT services (−₩1.68 T), while institutions added exposure to semiconductors, utilities, and brokerage firms.
Sector Performance
| KOSPI Sectors | Change |
|---|---|
| Electronics | +5.4% |
| Utilities | +4.9% |
| Securities | +2.8% |
| IT Services | +1.7% |
| KOSDAQ Sectors | Change |
|---|---|
| Finance | +4.5% |
| Machinery & Equipment | +3.9% |
| General Services | +2.7% |
Ticker Highlights (KRX)
- Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) – Surges on chip strength, adding 5%+ as foreign profit-taking fails to dampen sentiment.
- SK Hynix (KRX:000660) – Extends rally ahead of AI chip cycle upgrade expectations.
- Korea Electric Power Corp (KRX:015760) – Rises on 4.9% utility sector jump.
- Mirae Asset Securities (KRX:006800) – Gains on improving liquidity and record index levels.
- AI ecosystem names on the KOSDAQ benefit from strong NASDAQ lead and continued AI value-chain flows.
Global Market Context
Asian markets opened strong following Friday’s U.S. rally. The Dow Jones added 0.1%, the Nasdaq 0.6%, and Taiwan and Hong Kong gained 0.4–1%. Japan’s Nikkei was closed for Culture Day. Investors balanced optimism over AI and policy support against caution on U.S. yields and Fed comments.
Market Outlook
Analysts expect the KOSPI to test the 4,250 level if AI and semiconductor momentum continues. Institutional demand remains a key support factor, while foreign flows may recover as earnings visibility improves.
“Large-cap tech is driving a new market cycle, supported by policy stability and AI demand,” said a strategist at a Seoul brokerage.
