With the possibility of cease-fire talks between the United States and Iran reigniting, the KOSPI opened up 2% on the 15th. In particular, SK hynix was strong and set a new high for the year.
As of 9:07 a.m., the KOSPI was trading at 6,139.60, up 171.85 points (2.88%) from the previous trading day. The intraday break above the 6,100 level is the first in 35 days since Feb. 25.
Individuals net bought 452.3 billion won, lifting the index. Foreign investors, who net bought more than 800 billion won the previous day, were net sellers of 72.7 billion won. Institutions were also net sellers of 384.7 billion won.
KOSPI stocks are generally extending gains. There are 639 advancers and 198 decliners.
SK hynix jumped nearly 6% early in the session to trade at 1,175,000 won, rewriting its high for the year. Samsung Electronics also rose 3.6% and is trading around 210,000 won.
It is seen as a reaction to reports that U.S. and Iranian negotiators are set to return to the negotiating table in the latter half of this week. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with the New York Post, "Something could happen within the next two days, and the chances that we go there have increased."
As a result, international oil prices tumbled 7% overnight, settling around $90 per barrel. The exchange rate also calmed, opening around 1,470 won.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ also opened at 1,137.28, up 15.4 (1.37%). In the KOSDAQ market as well, 1,190 stocks are up and 380 are down, showing a broad rise.
While individuals are net buying 126.8 billion won, foreigners and institutions are net selling 28.6 billion won and 84.5 billion won, respectively.
Meanwhile, on hopes for talks, all three major U.S. indexes finished higher overnight. In particular, the S&P 500 rose more than 1% and is on the verge of retesting its early-year high.