FX.co ★ South Korean Shares End Lower

The benchmark KOSPI slipped 0.44% to close at 6,009 on Wednesday, extending its losing streak to a sixth straight session. Early gains were erased as renewed concerns over AI-related capital spending and a weaker-than-expected sales outlook from ASML weighed on sentiment. The Dutch chipmaking equipment maker posted strong third-quarter earnings, but its 2026 sales guidance came in below market expectations, despite its share price having jumped 84% over the past year. The downbeat forecast dented investor confidence across the semiconductor sector, dragging the index lower. Caution also prevailed ahead of upcoming US inflation data, which could shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s policy path. Notable decliners included SK hynix (-1.66%), SK Square (-0.58%), Samsung Biologics (-1.99%), Samsung C&T Corp (-2.83%), KB Financial Group (-1.97%), Shinhan Financial Group (-4.71%), Doosan Enerbility (-1.14%), and Hana Financial Group (-2.25%), while Samsung Electronics finished unchanged.