How much did the KOSPI fall when Seoul stocks opened Friday?

The benchmark KOSPI opened at 5,263.26, down 120.54 points, or 2.24 percent.

Why did US midterm results raise concerns about AI-related stocks and data centers?

Investors feared a Democratic sweep in Congress could slow investment in data centers and the rollout of new facilities, which had faced widespread public opposition. The concern weighed on US stocks tied to artificial intelligence.

What overnight losses did major US stock indexes record after the midterm results?

The S&P 500 fell 4.36 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 5.52 percent. The article said the midterm results weighed heavily on US stocks amid fears about AI-related sectors.

Seoul stocks open sharply lower on AI fears after US midterms

Listen

Summary

Seoul stocks opened sharply lower Friday, with the KOSPI down 120.54 points, or 2.24 percent, at 5,263.26, as investors reacted to an overnight Wall Street sell-off after the U.S. midterm elections. Investors feared a Democratic sweep could slow data center investment and construction amid public opposition. Rising oil prices after Iranian forces said at least five tankers had been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz added to concerns.

Key Facts

The S&P 500 fell 4.36 percent overnight, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 5.52 percent.
The KOSPI’s opening level was 5,263.26.
Iranian forces said at least five tankers had been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.
The article linked investor concerns to the possibility that a Democratic sweep in Congress could decelerate data center development.

By Yonhap

Published Nov 6, 2026 9:22 am KST

Financial data is shown on a screen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

Seoul stocks opened sharply lower Friday, tracking an overnight rout on Wall Street as investors feared a Democratic sweep in Congress could decelerate the data center build-out.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) opened down 120.54 points, or 2.24 percent, at 5,263.26.

Major U.S. stock indexes tumbled overnight as the midterm election results weighed heavily on U.S. stocks amid fears over sectors related to artificial intelligence (AI).

The S&P 500 fell 4.36 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq plummeted 5.52 percent.

The Democrats' sweeping victory could slow down investments in data centers and the rollout of such facilities, which have faced widespread opposition from the public.

Adding further concerns is a rise in oil prices after Iranian forces said at least five tankers have been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.

Explore More