FX.co ★ Korean Shares Rebound on Tech Rally

The KOSPI Composite Index jumped 11% to above 5,600 on Thursday, rebounding sharply after having fallen nearly 20% over the previous three sessions as semiconductor and broader technology stocks recovered from a historic selloff. Amid heightened volatility, the Korea Exchange reactivated its “sidecar” trading curb on the benchmark index, temporarily halting program trading for five minutes. Korean equities also tracked a tech-led rebound on Wall Street overnight, aided by stabilizing oil prices and easing inflation worries, even as hostilities between the US and Iran persisted with no clear signs of de-escalation. For the recovery in risk assets to endure, investors will likely need clearer guidance on the likely duration of the conflict and its implications for economic growth and inflation. Among leading chipmakers, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix climbed more than 14% and 15%, respectively, while notable gainers included Hanmi Semiconductor (21%), Woori Technology (27%), and Hyundai Motor Company (15%).