The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.52% to close at 4,525 on Tuesday, setting a fresh record high after opening lower on profit-taking. The early weakness was attributed to foreign investors turning net sellers following about KRW 2.8 trillion in purchases over the past two trading days, but sentiment quickly improved as institutional and retail investors stepped in to buy technology and other large-cap shares. This lifted the index above the 4,500-point mark for the first time, extending the rally after breaking above 4,400 a day earlier. Buying was concentrated in sectors linked to AI and semiconductor innovation. Tech stocks led the rebound, with SK hynix turning sharply higher and climbing 3.3% as the company debuted its next-generation 16-layer HBM4 AI memory chips at CES 2026. Additionally, Samsung Electronics rose 0.72%, alongside gains in LG Energy Solution (1.48%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (7.02%), SK Square (3.61%), and Doosan Enerbility (3.00%).
