[Sumi Lee's Money Watch] Signs of Resumed U.S.–Iran Talks…Expectations...

Photo = Gemini

| NewsWatch = Reporter Sumi Lee | The KOSPI rebounded sharply amid growing expectations that geopolitical risks would ease, as prospects for a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran became visible. Optimism over Middle East reconstruction projects and expanded investment in artificial intelligence(AI) infrastructure also contributed, reviving risk-on sentiment across the market.

Amid this trend, Hansol Technics recorded the highest gain in the KOSPI over the past five trading days, soaring 57.68%.

Namseon Aluminum saw the highest trading volume, while in the ETF market, U.S. quantum computing-related products showed strong performance.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 19th, Hansol Technics(57.68%) posted the largest increase in the KOSPI between the 13th and 17th. It was followed by Shinpoong Pharm Preferred(54.75%), Genexine(43.24%), Jusung Corporation(41.08%), and Gaon Cable (38.36%).

In terms of trading volume, Namseon Aluminum ranked first, followed by Shinsung E&G, Korea Line Corporation, Choil Aluminum, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction.

The top stocks net bought by individual investors were LS ELECTRIC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, LIG Nex1, Daewoo E&C, and Hanmi Semiconductor. Meanwhile, the most net sold stocks included Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Doosan Enerbility, Samsung Electronics Preferred, and Hyundai Motor.

In the ETF market, SOL U.S. Quantum Computing TOP10(24.66%), TIGER 200 IT Leverage(22.58%), KoAct Global Quantum Computing Active(22.55%), PLUS U.S. Quantum Computing TOP10(21.43%), and TIGER U.S. AI Data Center TOP4 Plus(20.14%) ranked among the top performers.

On the 17th, as the KOSPI closed at 6191.92, a dealer stands in front of a screen. Photo = Shinhan Bank

On the 17th, the KOSPI closed at 6191.92, up 34.13 points(0.55%) from the previous trading day.

Recent reports indicate that a second round of ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran is becoming more likely. President Trump also stated that the war may end soon, while Iran is reportedly preparing for negotiations through communication with mediating countries. The market is increasingly interpreting this as a sign that the end of the conflict may be approaching.

Kang Jin-hyuk, Senior Researcher at Shinhan Securities, said, "The KOSPI has rebounded since early April, recovering about 87% of the losses following the Iran situation," adding, "Expectations for Middle East reconstruction, combined with rising electricity demand driven by AI, are creating positive momentum across related industries."

Lee Sang-jun, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities, said, "The market’s focus is expected to continue shifting from war to corporate earnings," explaining, "In the AI industry, the shortage of computing power is becoming more prominent, further increasing the need for infrastructure investment." He added, "This earnings season will serve as an opportunity to reaffirm the underlying growth trend that had been overshadowed by external risks."

Lee So-eun, an analyst at KB Securities, said, "Optimism surrounding the U.S. and Iran has led to a broad rise in global stock markets," noting, "While fears over the Middle East conflict have somewhat eased, international oil prices remain elevated." She added, "Some Arab and European leaders have suggested that it may take around six months to reach a peace agreement."

Reporter Sumi Lee newswatch@newswatch.kr