The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.46% to close at 7,004 on Friday, extending the previous session’s gains as bargain hunting supported major technology names. Strong earnings from Micron and an improved outlook for the memory sector buoyed sentiment toward Korean chipmakers. SK hynix inched up 0.44%, while other notable gainers included LG Energy Solution (2.91%), Hanwha Aerospace (3.68%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (1.28%), and LG Electronics (2.13%).
On the macro front, September exports surged 83.5% year-on-year to a record $120.9 billion, driven by a 263% spike in semiconductor shipments, further underscoring the sector’s robust prospects. In commodities, Brent crude held above $100 per barrel amid renewed tensions in the Middle East. Domestically, Korea’s CPI remained at 2.9% in September, and the Bank of Korea cautioned that inflation could hover around 3% in October, keeping the possibility of another rate hike in play. South Korean markets will be closed on Monday for a national holiday.
