FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Extend Gains Ahead of Key Earnings

The benchmark KOSPI rose 1% to around 8,170 on Monday, extending the previous session’s gains as technology stocks advanced ahead of key corporate earnings. Investors focused on Samsung Electronics’ highly anticipated second-quarter results, which are expected to reaffirm strong AI-driven demand and firmer pricing for memory chips after recent volatility in global semiconductor shares. US stock futures also moved higher despite ongoing concerns over AI-related valuations, bolstering global risk appetite. Samsung Electronics gained 3.4%, while SK hynix added 1.3%. Other notable advancers included SK Square (3.3%), Hyundai Motor (2.4%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (2.4%), Kia Corporation (5.5%), and KB Financial Group (2.1%). Overall sentiment was further supported by the government’s continued backing of AI and semiconductor development, including plans to establish a future-growth fund financed by semiconductor tax revenues and to accelerate AI adoption across the broader economy.