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KOSPI Surges to New High on AI Buzz
8 Jan
Summary
- KOSPI reached an all-time high, doubling in nine months.
- Foreign investors drove the rally with significant net purchases.
- AI advancements showcased at CES 2026 spurred market gains.
The KOSPI has extended its impressive rally, marking a new all-time high for the fourth consecutive trading session of 2026. This benchmark index has shown extraordinary performance, doubling in value within a nine-month period since falling below 2,300 in April 2025. On January 7, the KOSPI closed at 4,551.06, with a brief surge past 4,600 during morning trading, largely propelled by foreign investors' significant net purchases.
This market surge mirrors gains on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average also reaching a historic high above 49,000. The optimism is fueled by major South Korean companies unveiling their artificial intelligence strategies at CES 2026. Hyundai Motor Group affiliates saw substantial increases, with Hyundai Motor jumping 14 percent following the debut of its AI-powered humanoid robot.
While heavyweight semiconductor stocks led the advance, some market watchers cautioned about potential short-term overheating, as the KOSDAQ experienced a decline. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix also posted gains, surpassing previous trading milestones. The broader market sentiment remains positive, driven by technological innovation and investor confidence in future growth prospects.
