Why did Seoul shares extend gains on Thursday morning?

Shares rose as oil prices eased after U.S. President Donald Trump played down the prospect of a prolonged conflict with Iran. The easing of inflation concerns also helped sentiment after the previous session's steep decline.

How much did the KOSPI rise and what was the level at 11:20 a.m.?

The benchmark index gained 92.04 points, or 1.4 percent, to 6,654.76 by 11:20 a.m. It had opened 1.33 percent higher earlier in the session.

Which stocks and investor groups moved the Seoul market on Thursday morning?

Tech stocks led the gains, with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Hyundai Motor, and LG Energy Solution advancing. Foreigners and individuals were net sellers, while institutions bought a net 17.79 billion won in stocks.

Seoul shares extend gains late Thursday morning as oil prices ease

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Summary

Seoul shares extended gains late Thursday morning as oil prices eased after U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the prospect of a prolonged conflict with Iran. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 1.4 percent to 6,654.76 at 11:20 a.m. after opening 1.33 percent higher. Tech stocks led the advance, while the won strengthened slightly against the U.S. dollar.

Key Facts

The KOSPI was up 92.04 points, or 1.4 percent, at 6,654.76 as of 11:20 a.m. Thursday.
The index had plunged 3.99 percent in the previous session amid tensions in the Middle East and concerns about further U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes.
Foreigners sold a net 300.38 billion won in stocks, individuals sold 319.95 billion won, and institutions bought a net 17.79 billion won.
Samsung Electronics rose 1.4 percent, SK hynix climbed 0.99 percent, Hyundai Motor gained 1.46 percent, and LG Energy Solution jumped 4.89 percent.
The Korean won was quoted at 1,358.60 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., up 0.6 won from the previous stock trading session's close.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 3, 2026 9:26 am KST
Updated Sep 3, 2026 11:37 am KST

A screen at the dealing room of Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul shows the KOSPI and the Kosdaq index, Thursday. Yonhap

Seoul shares extended their gains late Thursday morning as oil prices eased after U.S. President Donald Trump played down the prospect of a prolonged conflict with Iran.

After opening 1.33 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was up 92.04 points, or 1.4 percent, at 6,654.76 as of 11:20 a.m.

The main index plunged 3.99 percent in the previous session amid concerns about tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of further U.S. Federal Reserve rate hikes.

Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.56 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite gained 0.45 percent.

Trump said renewed U.S. attacks on Iran would likely be short-lived, easing concerns about inflation.

Foreigners and individuals sold a net 300.38 billion won (US$221 million) and 319.95 billion won worth of stocks, respectively. Institutions bought a net 17.79 billion won.

In Seoul, tech stocks led the gains.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 1.4 percent, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix climbed 0.99 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor gained 1.46 percent, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution jumped 4.89 percent.

Among decliners, leading wireless services provider SK Telecom fell 1.86 percent and Lotte Shopping declined 0.57 percent.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,358.60 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 0.6 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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