The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.1% to around 4,125 on Thursday, breaking through record highs, supported by optimism over the newly agreed Korea-US trade and investment pact and solid corporate earnings. Seoul and Washington reached terms on a USD 350 billion investment package during the APEC summit, including a USD 200 billion in cash-based funding and USD 150 billion for shipbuilding projects. Tariffs on Korean autos were also reduced to 15% from 25%, easing potential losses for Hyundai and Kia. Adding to the upbeat tone, Samsung Electronics reported Q3 operating profit of KRW 12.2 trillion, citing strong memory and foundry demand amid AI expansion. Tech, auto, and shipbuilding stocks led the rally, with notable gains from Samsung Electronics (3.3%), SK Hynix (0.3%), Hyundai Motor (5.0%), Kia Corporation (3.1%), Hanwha Ocean (9.6%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (1.2%).
