Why were Seoul stocks rising on Friday morning?

Stocks gained after U.S. Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller signaled a cautious stance on further rate hikes, which revived risk appetite. The move also came as Korea reported another monthly account surplus, supported by strong exports from the AI boom.

How did Samsung Electronics and SK hynix trade in Seoul on Friday?

Samsung Electronics added 1.8 percent and SK hynix gained 2.57 percent as chip stocks strengthened in late morning trade. The article says most market top caps were trading higher.

What was the July account surplus and why did it matter?

Korea extended its account surplus into July, making it the 39th consecutive month in the black. Bank of Korea data linked the surplus to strong exports from the artificial intelligence boom.

Seoul stocks trade higher late Fri. morning on risk appetite

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Summary

Seoul stocks were trading higher late Friday morning after remarks from U.S. Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller eased concerns over further rate hikes. The benchmark KOSPI rose 81.74 points, or 1.24 percent, to 6,661.22 at 11:20 a.m. Korea also posted an account surplus in July, marking the 39th straight month in the black. Chip shares led gains, while the won weakened slightly against the U.S. dollar.

Key Facts

The KOSPI was up 81.74 points, or 1.24 percent, to 6,661.22 at 11:20 a.m. Friday.
Korea posted an account surplus in July for the 39th consecutive month, according to Bank of Korea data.
Samsung Electronics rose 1.8 percent and SK hynix advanced 2.57 percent, while Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solutions and KB Financial fell.
The Korean won was quoted at 1,358.1 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., down 0.6 won from the previous stock trading session.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 4, 2026 9:40 am KST
Updated Sep 4, 2026 12:51 pm 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 were trading higher late Friday morning as remarks from a U.S. Federal Reserve governor eased concerns over further rate hikes.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was trading up 81.74 points, or 1.24 percent, to 6,661.22, as of 11:20 a.m.

Risk appetite revived after Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller signaled a cautious stance on further rate hikes.

Korea also extended its account surplus in July, driven by strong exports from the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, Bank of Korea data showed.

July was the 39th consecutive month the balance has remained in the black.

Most market top caps were trading higher.

Chip giant Samsung Electronics added 1.8 percent, while industry rival SK hynix advanced 2.57 percent.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor slid 0.26 percent, while battery maker LG Energy Solutions fell 1.64 percent, and financial firm KB Financial dipped 2.53 percent.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,358.1 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., down 0.6 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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