Korea’s Stock Market Outlook for 2026: Can the KOSPI Keep Rising?

As 2025 draws to a close, optimism continues to build across Korea’s investment community. Out of 58 local market strategists surveyed, only a handful believe the KOSPI will stay near the 3000 range by the end of next year. The majority foresee a continued rally, driven by strong semiconductor performance, abundant liquidity, and ongoing government efforts to support the market. Semiconductors Powering the Momentum Semiconductors remain at the heart of Korea’s economic engine. According to the Korea Exchange, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix now account for over 31% of the entire KOSPI’s market capitalization. Their combined influence essentially sets the tone for the broader market. Samsung Electronics recently reported third-quarter earnings exceeding expectations, while SK hynix is projected to post record-high operating profits exceeding 11 trillion won. If realized, it would mark the first time in history the company’s profits surpass 10 trillion won — a symbolic moment unders...

Global Gold Rush: Why the Price of Gold Is Soaring and Who Benefits

 The world is once again obsessed with gold. From New York to Seoul, the yellow metal has become the star of 2025’s financial headlines. After years of quiet trading, gold prices have skyrocketed to record highs, breaking one psychological barrier after another. Investors, central banks, and even ordinary savers are turning to gold as the ultimate safe haven asset amid a world full of uncertainty. But what exactly is driving this surge, and which companies could profit the most from it? Let’s take a closer look at the forces behind gold’s meteoric rise and the beneficiaries emerging from this golden boom. 1️⃣ The Perfect Storm Behind Gold’s Record-Breaking Rally Gold’s stunning performance didn’t happen by chance. Several powerful macroeconomic forces have aligned to create the perfect environment for a bull market in precious metals. Falling interest rates are the first key factor. As central banks across the globe shift from tightening to easing, the real yield on govern...

KOSPI Surges Past 3,700 Points for the First Time — What’s Driving the Record Rally?

 The Korean stock market made history this week. On October 16 , the KOSPI index soared past the 3,700-point mark for the first time ever, setting a new all-time closing high at 3,748.37 , up 2.49% from the previous day. This milestone came as optimism grew around the final phase of the US–Korea trade negotiations , which investors believe could ease trade barriers and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. The surge represents not only a technical breakout but also a strong vote of confidence in Korea’s economic resilience. A Historic Day for Korean Stocks The day began with strong buying momentum. The index opened at 3,675.82—already above its previous record close—and kept climbing through the afternoon. By the market’s close, the rally had turned into a full-fledged celebration among investors and analysts. According to market experts, the expectation of a successful trade deal has been the key driver behind this record-breaking run. Reports suggest t...

Q3 Earnings Season Begins: Will Semiconductor Giants Drive the KOSPI Rally Again?

 South Korea’s stock market is entering one of its most decisive periods of the year. As LG Electronics kicks off the third-quarter earnings season, all eyes are turning to whether the KOSPI can regain upward momentum after recent volatility. Analysts across the securities industry are pointing to one key catalyst: semiconductor earnings . If chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix deliver strong results, they could set the tone for another market rebound. KOSPI Companies’ Q3 Operating Profit Estimate Reaches ₩77.5 Trillion According to NH Investment & Securities , as of October 12, the combined operating profit estimate for KOSPI-listed companies in the third quarter stands at approximately ₩77.5 trillion (about $57 billion) — an 8% upward revision over the past 20 trading days. This marks a notable improvement in market sentiment, especially after the index briefly retreated below the 3,500-point level earlier in the week. The KOSPI had previously surged past...

The Hidden Winners of the AI Boom: How Infrastructure Companies Are Powering the Next Tech Revolution

 The global artificial-intelligence boom has captured the imagination of investors and the public alike. While tech giants like NVIDIA , Microsoft , and Oracle dominate the headlines, a quieter revolution is taking place behind the scenes. The real enablers of the AI age are the companies that build the physical and digital foundations—servers, power systems, cooling technology, and high-speed networks—that make massive AI computation possible. Just as the internet created an entire ecosystem of routers, data centers, and semiconductors in the 1990s, today’s AI expansion is triggering a similar wave of infrastructure investment. The rise of generative AI, machine learning, and large language models is not simply about smarter algorithms; it’s about raw computing power, energy efficiency, and seamless data transfer. Every AI model relies on enormous clusters of high-performance chips housed inside energy-hungry data centers that must remain cool, connected, and always on. Why AI...

Samsung Electronics Reclaims “₩90,000 Club” — Can the Rally Continue After Chuseok?

 For the first time in nearly five years, Samsung Electronics has officially reclaimed the so-called “₩90,000 club.” This long-awaited milestone has rekindled optimism among investors who have endured years of sluggish performance in the tech giant’s stock. As the company prepares to announce its preliminary third-quarter earnings on October 14 , the market is buzzing with one key question: Can Samsung Electronics sustain its upward momentum after the Chuseok holiday? A Symbolic Breakthrough: Samsung Electronics Back Above ₩90,000 According to the Korea Exchange, Samsung Electronics closed at ₩89,000 on October 2 , the last trading day before the Chuseok break. During the session, the share price briefly hit ₩90,300 , setting a new 52-week high and marking its first appearance above ₩90,000 since January 15, 2021 , when it reached ₩91,800. That means nearly four years and nine months have passed since investors last saw the figure “9” leading Samsung’s price ticker — a sym...

Why Investors Should Watch High Buyback Ratio Value Stocks as KOSPI Approaches Its Peak

 The Korean stock market (KOSPI) has been on an impressive rally, hitting record highs and drawing increasing attention from domestic and foreign investors alike. With deposit rates falling to the 2% range and strict lending regulations slowing down the real estate market, large amounts of capital have been flowing into equities. Yet market veterans caution that the current bull run will not last forever. As KOSPI eventually faces a “peak-out” phase —when the index reaches its top and begins to decline—investors will need to adjust their strategies. One of the most promising havens in such times? Value stocks with high treasury share (buyback) ratios. What Are Treasury Shares and Why Do They Matter? Treasury shares, or buybacks , refer to a company purchasing its own stock from the market and holding it in its account. This practice has historically served multiple purposes: Protecting management from hostile takeovers, Acting as a financial “insurance policy” during down...