[Park Su-jin's Money Watch] 'KOSPI Hits 6500 Amid US-Iran Tensions…Powe...

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| News Watch = Reporter Park Su-Jin | Amid ongoing tensions as US-Iran negotiations fail to conclude positively, the KOSPI continues to fluctuate with boosts from semiconductor performance and expanding AI expectations.

In this context, over the recent 5 trading days in the KOSPI market, Solus Advanced Materials recorded the highest stock price gain. KEC had the highest trading volume, while the ETF SOL CS TOP3 Plus Leverage saw the largest rise.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 24th, from the 20th to today, Solus Advanced Materials showed the highest gain in the KOSPI market (up 49.39%). It was followed by OCI (48.47%), Daewon Cable (45.72%), KEC (43.92%), and OCI Holdings (43.55%).

Trading volume was led by KEC, followed by Daewon Cable, H-Line Shipping, Sungsung E&G, and Daewoo Construction.

During the same period, top net buying stocks by individuals were Hyundai Motor, SK Hynix, Korea Aerospace Industries, Samsung Electronics, and Hanwha Ocean. Top net selling stocks were Doosan Enerbility, Isu Petasys, Hyosung Heavy Industries, LG Energy Solution, and POSCO Holdings.

Among ETFs, SOL CS TOP3 Plus Leverage rose 35.14%. It was followed by TIGER 2nd Battery TOP10 Leverage (29.40%), KODEX 2nd Battery Industry Leverage (23.37%), PLUS Solar & ESS (21.93%), and TIGER US Philadelphia Semiconductor Leverage (Synthetic) (21.45%) in terms of gains.

On April 24, KOSPI closed at 6,475.63. Photo = Shinhan Bank

On April 24, the KOSPI closed at 6,475.63, down 0.18 points (0.00%) from the previous trading day.

Amid stalled US-Iran negotiations, the US is taking a wait-and-see approach on Iran's proposal. Despite this atmosphere, the KOSPI broke through the 6500 mark on the previous day (24th). Here's how industry experts are viewing the current situation.

Lee Sang-jun, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "The KOSPI surpassed its previous all-time high and reached 6400 ahead of SK Hynix's earnings release, reflecting expectations for semiconductor performance. The sharp year-over-year increase in semiconductor exports also seems to support these high expectations for semiconductor earnings."

He added, "Although no agreement was reached by the ceasefire expiration deadline, Trump's ceasefire extension declaration has limited the spread of risks. Trump has taken the stance of maintaining the ceasefire until Iran presents a 'unified proposal.' However, news of risks such as the Hormuz Strait blockade and ship seizures has driven oil prices higher."

Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "Even as expectations for interest rate cuts have receded amid the US-Iran ceasefire negotiation process, and oil prices have recovered above $90 per barrel, the KOSPI has hit an all-time high. This is due to President Trump's ceasefire extension declaration and the ongoing validity of negotiations. Although the normalization of the Hormuz Strait supply chain is gradual, increasing ship traffic has eased uncertainties."

Moon Nam-jung, another researcher at Daishin Securities, predicted, "While hawkish monetary policy decisions are expected from major central banks, global stock markets will continue to hit historic highs in response to the US-Iran war's path to resolution, solid US corporate earnings, and AI growth expectations. Growth expectations in the AI sector will also influence the future market rally."

Reporter Park Su-Jin newswatch@newswatch.kr