KOSPI Hits Record 4,840.74 as Chip Stocks Drive 11th Rally
Updated (3 articles)
Record Closing Level Extends Eleven‑Session Rally The Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed at a historic 4,840.74, marking its 11th consecutive gain and underscoring sustained buying pressure [1]. It reached an intraday peak of 4,863.82, confirming the market’s upward momentum throughout the session [1]. The rally reflects a broader multi‑quarter trend of rising equity prices in South Korea [1].
Semiconductor Shares Propel Market Gains Samsung Electronics surged 3.47% while SK Hynix added 0.93%, leading the broader market higher [1]. Chip‑related equities were the primary catalyst, with analysts citing strong semiconductor demand as a key driver [1]. The sector’s performance helped sustain the rally and contributed to the record‑setting close [1].
Market Capitalization Breaks Four‑Trillion‑Won Barrier Total market value climbed to 4,004.9 trillion won after the close, the first instance of surpassing the 4,000‑trillion‑won milestone [1]. This milestone highlights the cumulative effect of the rally on overall market size [1]. The increase signals growing investor confidence in Korean equities [1].
Trading Volume Remains Robust Amid Divergent Investor Flows 701.2 million shares worth 26.6 trillion won changed hands, indicating vigorous market participation [1]. Foreign investors net bought 405 billion won and institutions added 338.5 billion won, while retail participants sold a net 938 billion won [1]. The contrasting flows suggest institutional confidence despite retail profit‑taking [1].
Analysts Attribute Rally to Samsung and Positive Earnings Outlook Market analysts point to Samsung Electronics as the central engine of the rally, expecting its upcoming earnings to reinforce the upward trend [1]. Optimism about semiconductor demand and corporate results underpins forecasts of continued market strength [1]. The consensus view links corporate performance directly to the sustained rally [1].
Timeline
Jan 7, 2026 – The KOSPI closes at an all‑time high of 4,551.06, after briefly breaching the 4,600 mark, extending a four‑day rally that began when the index broke the 4,500 threshold the day before. Heavy trading sees 548.38 million shares (≈ 28.8 trn won) change hands; foreign investors net buy 1.25 trn won, offsetting domestic selling. Technology and auto names lead the surge, with Samsung Electronics up 1.5 % to 141,000 won, SK Hynix +2.2 %, and Hyundai Motor soaring 13.8 % to 350,500 won after Hyundai‑linked Boston Dynamics showcases its Atlas robot at CES. [3]
Jan 8, 2026 – The KOSPI extends its rally to a fifth straight session, closing at a fresh record 4,552.37 despite modest volume (429.55 million shares, ≈ 26.8 trn won). Shipbuilding and defense stocks drive the advance, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries +4.5 % and Hanwha Aerospace +7.9 %; Korean Aerospace Industries adds +4.9 %. Domestic retail investors become net buyers of 1.26 trn won, while institutions sell 1.39 trn won and foreigners shift to net sellers of 103 bn won, highlighting strong local demand amid offshore outflows. [2]
Jan 16, 2026 – The KOSPI hits a new record high of 4,840.74, marking an 11‑session rally and the first time South Korean market capitalisation surpasses 4,000 trn won (now 4,004.9 trn won). Semiconductor leaders propel the market: Samsung Electronics climbs 3.47 % and SK Hynix rises 0.93 %, reinforcing analysts’ view that “Samsung’s earnings outlook fuels the rally.” Foreign investors and institutions net buy 405 bn won and 338.5 bn won respectively, while retail investors sell a net 938 bn won, underscoring a split between offshore/institutional optimism and domestic profit‑taking. [1]