Why did Seoul stocks rise late Friday morning despite the previous session’s steep decline?

Investors went bargain hunting for large-cap technology shares after the KOSPI had tumbled more than 7 percent in the previous session. Higher overnight U.S. stock indexes also supported the rebound, although major artificial intelligence shares on Wall Street declined.

How did major Seoul-listed companies perform during Friday morning trading?

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix each gained more than 2 percent, while LG Energy Solution rose 0.99 percent. Hyundai Motor climbed 6.77 percent and Hanwha Aerospace advanced 9.1 percent.

How could September U.S. producer-price data affect Federal Reserve rate expectations?

The U.S. Producer Price Index increased 1.3 percent in September, led largely by energy-price increases connected to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The rise fueled expectations that the Federal Reserve would maintain a hawkish stance on interest rates.

Seoul stocks extend gains late Fri. morning on bargain hunting

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Summary

The KOSPI extended gains in Seoul late Friday morning as investors bought large-cap technology shares. The index rose 154.88 points, or 2.79 percent, to 5,709.1 as of 11:20 a.m. after falling more than 7 percent the previous session. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix gained more than 2 percent, while Hyundai Motor and Hanwha Aerospace posted stronger advances.

Key Facts

The Korean won traded at 1,345.7 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., down 3.7 won from the previous session.
The U.S. Producer Price Index rose 1.3 percent in September, its largest gain in 4 1/2 years, largely because of higher energy prices linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
LG Energy Solution advanced 0.99 percent, Hyundai Motor jumped 6.77 percent and Hanwha Aerospace surged 9.1 percent.
Major U.S. stock indexes closed higher overnight despite declines in major artificial intelligence shares.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 16, 2026 9:21 am KST
Updated Oct 16, 2026 11:51 am KST

The benchmark KOSPI is displayed at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks extended gains late Friday morning as investors went bargain hunting for large-cap tech shares.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was up 154.88 points, or 2.79 percent, to 5,709.1 as of 11:20 a.m.

The index had opened higher after tumbling over 7 percent the previous session amid concerns over the sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) trade.

Overnight, major stock indexes on Wall Street closed higher, despite declines in major AI shares, while investors kept a close watch on the latest producer price data, which posted the largest gain in 4 1/2 years in September.

The U.S. Producer Price Index surged 1.3 percent last month, led largely by energy price increases stemming from the ongoing war in the Middle East, fanning expectations the Federal Reserve is likely to maintain a hawkish stance on rates.

In Seoul, chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix both added over 2 percent.

Battery maker LG Energy Solution advanced 0.99 percent, auto industry leader Hyundai Motor jumped 6.77 percent and defense giant Hanwha Aerospace vaulted 9.1 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,345.7 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., down 3.7 won from the previous stock trading session.

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