Why did Seoul stocks rise at the open on Friday?

Investor concerns over further U.S. interest rate hikes eased after dovish remarks from Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller. The rally also followed overnight gains on Wall Street, which improved market sentiment in Seoul.

Which major stocks moved higher in Seoul trading on Friday?

Samsung Electronics rose 1.8 percent and SK hynix gained 2.32 percent. Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution and Hanwha Aerospace also traded higher in the morning session.

What were the KOSPI and won trading levels in early Seoul trading?

The benchmark KOSPI was up 96.9 points, or 1.47 percent, at 6,676.38 as of 9:16 a.m. The Korean won was quoted at 1,356.7 won against the U.S. dollar, 0.8 won stronger than the previous stock trading session.

Seoul stocks open higher on eased US rate-hike woes

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Summary

Seoul stocks opened higher Friday as eased U.S. rate-hike worries lifted investor sentiment in early trading in Seoul. The benchmark KOSPI was up 96.9 points, or 1.47 percent, at 6,676.38 at 9:16 a.m. Gains on Wall Street overnight and dovish remarks from Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller helped drive the advance. Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution and Hanwha Aerospace all traded higher, while the won strengthened to 1,356.7 against the U.S. dollar.

Key Facts

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18 percent overnight, while the S&P 500 gained 1.06 percent and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.4 percent.
Samsung Electronics rose 1.8 percent and SK hynix added 2.32 percent in early Seoul trading.
Hyundai Motor was up 1.17 percent, LG Energy Solution climbed 1.92 percent, and Hanwha Aerospace advanced 1.34 percent.
The Korean won was quoted at 1,356.7 won against the U.S. dollar, up 0.8 won from the previous stock trading session at 9:16 a.m.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 4, 2026 9:40 am KST

The benchmark KOSPI and won-dollar exchange rate are displayed on a screen at Hana Bank's dealing room in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks opened higher Friday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street as investor concerns over further U.S. interest rate hikes eased following dovish remarks from a Federal Reserve official.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was trading 96.9 points, or 1.47 percent higher, at 6,676.38, as of 9:16 a.m.

Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18 percent, while the S&P 500 gained 1.06 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.4 percent.

Investor sentiment improved after Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller signaled a cautious approach to further monetary tightening, easing concerns that the U.S. central bank could resume rate hikes.

In Seoul, most market top-caps were trading higher.

Chip giant Samsung Electronics rose 1.8 percent, while rival SK hynix added 2.32 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor was up 1.17 percent, battery maker LG Energy Solution climbed 1.92 percent, and defense giant Hanwha Aerospace advanced 1.34 percent.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,356.7 won against the U.S. dollar, up 0.8 won from the previous stock trading session, as of 9:16 a.m.

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