Kospi

• South Korea's Kospi and other Asian markets declined following a period of US tech rallies, with MSCI’s Asia Pacific gauge sliding 0.7%. • Market performance was mixed across the region: Japan’s Topix fell 0.3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.5%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.3% and the Shanghai Composite gained 0.2%. • The downturn was widespread, with eight of the 11 industry groups tracked by MSCI posting losses.

• South Korea's KOSPI index surged over 5% on Wednesday, bringing its two-day recovery to a total of 7% after a significant selloff in July. • The rally was driven by record highs on Wall Street tied to AI earnings, strong demand for semiconductor leaders like Samsung, and falling oil prices. • Lower energy costs were attributed to ongoing peace deal negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, boosting investor confidence.

• The KOSPI index experienced a significant surge as foreign investors shifted their strategy from selling to buying. • The rally was triggered by the collapse of a hedge fund, which effectively ended a period of forced asset liquidations. • Market stability was further bolstered by reduced leverage and strategic currency interventions, making South Korean assets more attractive to international capital.

• Asian stock markets tumbled, with the KOSPI extending losses and the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite falling 0.6% and 0.5% respectively. • AI-related shares dragged down regional markets, though Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.1% as Alibaba surged over 5% following the launch of a new flagship AI model. • Energy producers faced pressure from falling crude prices after President Donald Trump announced that negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz would begin on Monday.

• Asian markets retreated as a broad selloff in AI-related stocks overshadowed optimism regarding the situation in Iran. • South Korea's KOSPI experienced the steepest decline, sinking 4%, while China's CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite fell 0.6% and 0.5% respectively. • Hong Kong's Hang Seng index bucked the trend, edging 0.3% higher driven by a 5% surge in Alibaba following the launch of a new flagship AI model.

• Over 50% of South Korea's listed companies surpassed market expectations in their second-quarter earnings reports. • These strong financial results indicate that corporate fundamentals remain resilient despite significant volatility currently affecting the Kospi. • The trend is critical as it bolsters investor confidence in the underlying strength of the Korean economy amidst market instability.

• South Korea’s Kospi index experienced a historic record surge on July 31, 2026, soaring 17.91% to reach 6,595.45 points. • The benchmark index jumped by 1,001.89 points in a single day, while the KOSDAQ also saw a significant increase of 11.63%. • This rally signals a return to "buying mode" for global investors, coinciding with a geopolitical shift as Donald Trump reverses his stance on Iran to pursue peace.