South Korea's KOSPI index tops 9,000 as chipmakers hit records

South Korea's KOSPI closed above 9,000 for the first time, driven by record highs among chipmakers amid AI optimism. The index finished at 9,063.84, up 199.60 points, or 2.25%, its highest closing level on record. Samsung Electronics rose 4.62% and SK Hynix jumped 6.51%, with both firms posting record closes as the rally broadens. SK Hynix said it had shipped samples of its latest high-bandwidth memory chips to major customers to strengthen its AI semiconductor position. Apple plans price increases to offset rising memory and storage costs, a move Tim Cook discussed with the Wall Street Journal.

Market caution appeared as the regulator warned on single-stock leveraged products amid the chip-led surge. LG Energy Solution slid 3.85%, while Hyundai Motor and Kia declined 2.75% and 4.51%, respectively. Of the 917 issues traded, 109 advanced and 791 declined, signaling a selective but broad-based pullback. Foreign investors were net buyers of shares worth 1.3 trillion won, underscoring continued foreign demand. The won traded at 1,527.1 per dollar onshore, a 0.76% drop from the previous close. The day highlighted a chip-driven rally with uneven sector performance and currency movement.