The benchmark KOSPI edged up 0.23% to close at 6,836 on Tuesday, extending its advance for a second consecutive session as technology shares rebounded from early losses. Samsung Electronics gained 0.38%, while SK hynix climbed 1.14%, accompanied by rises in SK Square (2.89%), Samsung C&T (3.72%), Shinhan Financial Group (2.02%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (0.78%).
The recovery was underpinned by robust August trade data: total exports surged 68.7% year-on-year to $98.25 billion, while semiconductor shipments soared 209% to a record $46.65 billion, driven by strong demand for AI-related infrastructure. The figures bolstered expectations of solid earnings for major chipmakers and fueled buying interest in technology stocks during afternoon trading.
Gains were capped, however, as sentiment remained pressured by renewed US-Iran tensions, higher oil prices, and hawkish comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, which stoked concerns about inflation and the prospect of further interest-rate hikes.
