Why did Seoul shares rise on September 9, 2026 despite Middle East tensions?

Gains in major chipmakers outweighed worries over escalating tensions in the Middle East and higher oil prices. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index also rose overnight on continued artificial intelligence optimism, which supported sentiment toward semiconductors.

What happened to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix in early Wednesday trading?

Samsung Electronics rose 0.37 percent and SK hynix gained 1.78 percent. Their strength helped push the broader market higher even as overseas markets were pressured by geopolitical concerns and rising oil prices.

Seoul shares open higher on chip gains despite Middle East tensions

Q: Why did Hanwha Ocean jump in the Seoul market?

Hanwha Ocean gained 4.18 percent after saying it had been selected as the preferred bidder for a Royal Thai Navy frigate project worth about $500 million. The contract news gave the shipbuilder a separate lift from the chip-led rally.

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Summary

Seoul shares opened higher Wednesday as gains in major chipmakers offset concerns over escalating Middle East tensions and rising oil prices. The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.93 percent to 7,019.5 by 9:15 a.m. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix led the advance. Hanwha Ocean also climbed after being named preferred bidder for a Royal Thai Navy frigate project worth about $500 million.

Key Facts

The KOSPI was up 65.98 points, or 0.93 percent, at 7,019.5 as of 9:15 a.m. after opening 0.26 percent higher.
Samsung Electronics rose 0.37 percent and SK hynix gained 1.78 percent in early Seoul trading.
Hanwha Ocean advanced 4.18 percent after being selected as the preferred bidder for a Royal Thai Navy frigate project worth about $500 million.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 9, 2026 9:19 am KST
Updated Sep 9, 2026 9:34 am KST

The benchmark KOSPI and Kosdaq indices are displayed at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Seoul shares opened higher Wednesday, as gains in major chipmakers offset lingering concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices.

After opening 0.26 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) extended gains, trading 65.98 points, or 0.93 percent, higher at 7,019.5 as of 9:15 a.m.

Overnight, U.S. stocks ended lower amid heightened Middle East tensions and rising oil prices, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index bucked the trend, gaining 1.3 percent on continued artificial intelligence optimism.

Global oil prices extended gains amid concerns over potential supply disruptions following another round of strikes on energy infrastructure in the Middle East.

In Seoul, tech heavyweights led the gains.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 0.37 percent, while chip giant SK hynix went up 1.78 percent.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor increased 0.78 percent, while defense firm Hanwha Aerospace advanced 2.43.

Hanwha Ocean gained 4.18 percent after the shipbuilder said it had been selected as the preferred bidder for a Royal Thai Navy frigate project worth about $500 million.

The Korean won was trading at 1,339.4 won against the U.S. dollar as of 9:15 a.m., up 3.4 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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