21.09.202601:40:12UTC+00South Korean Shares Rally on Chip Gains

The benchmark KOSPI climbed more than 1% to around 6,995 on Monday, advancing for a second consecutive session on the back of strong global semiconductor momentum. The rally was led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which gained nearly 4% and more than 1%, respectively, after US chipmakers advanced sharply, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising 2.78% on Friday.

Investor sentiment was further supported by robust trade data. South Korea’s exports jumped 78% year-on-year in the first 20 days of September, propelled by a 259% surge in semiconductor shipments to $34.1 billion, underscoring sustained chip demand and a solid earnings outlook for chipmakers.

Among other notable gainers were SK Square (up 4.1%), KB Financial Group (1.1%), Samsung C&T Corp (4.4%), Shinhan Financial Group (2.3%), and Hana Financial Group (1.7%).

At the same time, Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel amid persistent Middle East tensions, keeping inflation risks and broader macroeconomic concerns in focus.