FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Close Higher

The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.43% to close at 7,764 on Thursday, reversing earlier losses as investors turned more optimistic about the outlook for South Korea’s semiconductor industry. SK Hynix (up 2.64%) led the advance, supported by gains in SK Square (3.80%), LG Energy Solution (1.04%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (1.56%). Overall sentiment was bolstered by South Korea’s strong export performance, with total shipments surging 86% year-on-year in the first 10 days of June to a record high, driven by semiconductor exports that more than tripled from a year earlier. Risk appetite also improved after softer-than-expected US consumer inflation data eased fears of a more aggressive policy stance from the Federal Reserve. However, the upside was limited by persistent geopolitical risks after the US carried out additional strikes against Iran, heightening concerns over possible disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushing oil prices higher.