S.Korean shares hit record on Samsung Electronics rally, pension fund boost

South Korean equities closed at a record, led by Samsung Electronics as the KOSPI jumped 290.86 points, 3.55%, to 8,476.15. The market surged 8% this week after a 4.7% gain last week, and monthly gains reached 28% following a 31% rise the prior month. The National Pension Service decided to raise its domestic stock holdings, supporting the rally amid AI-driven optimism. Samsung rose 5.84% on HBMs shipments, with SK Hynix up 1.92%, LG Energy Solution up 3.62%, Hyundai Motor 6.79%, and Kia 2.98%. Foreigners sold 1.04 trillion won, and the won traded around 1,506.5 per dollar onshore.