Why did Seoul stocks rise sharply after Nvidia’s earnings?

Nvidia’s stronger-than-expected results eased fears of an artificial intelligence bubble and concerns over slowing semiconductor demand. That helped lift Korean chip shares and pushed the KOSPI higher at the open.

How did Samsung Electronics and SK hynix perform in early Thursday trading?

Samsung Electronics rose 3.06 percent, while SK hynix gained 4.15 percent. LG Energy Solution also climbed 3.85 percent, and Hyundai Motor slipped 0.25 percent.

What market factors were investors watching alongside Nvidia’s earnings?

Investors were also watching the Bank of Korea’s rate decision, which was due later in the day. Overnight, Wall Street closed lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.02 percent and the Nasdaq down 0.08 percent.

Seoul stocks open sharply higher on robust earnings from Nvidia

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Summary

Seoul stocks opened sharply higher Thursday after Nvidia’s strong earnings eased worries about a slowdown in semiconductor demand. The KOSPI rose 159.24 points, or 2.34 percent, to 6,967.45. Investors were also watching the Bank of Korea’s rate decision later in the day. Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and LG Energy Solution all traded higher, while Hyundai Motor dipped.

Key Facts

The KOSPI rose 159.24 points, or 2.34 percent, to 6,967.45 at the open.
Nvidia said its second-quarter sales more than doubled from a year earlier and topped Wall Street expectations.
The company said it expects its fiscal 2028 income to grow by 70 percent, also above analyst expectations.
Samsung Electronics advanced 3.06 percent and SK hynix rose 4.15 percent in morning trading.
The won was trading at 1,384.8 per U.S. dollar, up 1.5 won from the previous stock trading session.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 27, 2026 9:25 am KST
Updated Aug 27, 2026 9:43 am KST

Officials work at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks opened sharply higher Thursday as Nvidia's market estimate-beating strong earnings helped ease woes over a slowdown in demand for semiconductors.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 159.24 points, or 2.34 percent, to 6,967.45.

Overnight, major stock indexes on Wall Street closed lower, with the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq inching down 0.02 percent and 0.08 percent, respectively.

Nvidia's second-quarter earnings, revealed after the closing bell, eased fears of an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble, as the company's sales more than doubled from a year earlier, topping Wall Street expectations.

The company said it expects its fiscal 2028 income to grow by 70 percent, also topping analyst expectations.

Investors are also keeping an eye on the Bank of Korea's rate decision to be made later in the day.

Most market heavyweights were trading higher.

Top-cap Samsung Electronics advanced 3.06 percent, while its industry rival SK hynix rose 4.15 percent.

Battery maker LG Energy Solutions climbed 3.85 percent, defense giant Hanwha Aerospace was up 2.39 percent, and top carmaker Hyundai Motor dipped 0.25 percent,

The Korean won was trading at 1,384.8 won against the U.S. dollar, up 1.5 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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