As the KOSPI index topped the 5,900 level intraday for the first time ever, shares of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, Korea's leading semiconductor stocks, were also strong early on the 23rd.
As of 9:16 a.m., Samsung Electronics was trading at 196,400 won, up 6,300 won (3.31%) from the previous session. SK hynix was up 2.11% at 969,000 won at the same time. Both stocks hit fresh record highs early in the session, rising to 197,600 won and 980,000 won, respectively.
Over the weekend, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs illegal, which is seen as having lifted stock prices by putting the brakes on the tariff policy.
Jung Hae-chang, a researcher at Daishin Securities, said, "The president's negotiating leverage is weakening, and momentum is building to strengthen checks on the administration," adding, "Although a Plan B has been declared, the preconditions and limits for imposing a tariff are clear."
Jung added, "Policy momentum that reinforces the KOSPI's uptrend and earnings expectations continues," and noted, "Because Trump's tariff noise and the possibility of the use of force against Iran can stir investor sentiment and supply-demand volatility, it is necessary to maintain and strengthen caution against short-term volatility."