FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Extend Record Rally

The KOSPI index climbed 1% on Thursday, reaching approximately 4,600 as it continued a series of record-breaking sessions. This gain was fueled by robust earnings momentum, with notable increases in semiconductor, defense, and shipbuilding sectors. Samsung Electronics reported preliminary results indicating a record fourth-quarter operating profit close to 20 trillion KRW, bolstering expectations for a prolonged semiconductor supercycle. This outlook was strengthened by significant hikes in DRAM and NAND prices and an increase in high-bandwidth memory shipments. Samsung Electronics saw a 1.8% rise, while SK Hynix surged 5.9%, contributing positively to the overall market sentiment. Stocks in the defense and shipbuilding sectors also showed strong performance; Hanwha Aerospace rose by 8.9%, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries increased by 5.6% amid forecasts of strong earnings and ongoing order momentum. Market sentiment was further buoyed by a stable won, following assurances from financial authorities on their dedication to mitigating excessive currency depreciation, alleviating concerns about potential capital outflows.