KOSPI Consolidates After Breaking 6500; Oil, Exchange Rate Fluctuations in Focus

South Korea's stock market is taking a breather after briefly surpassing the 6500 mark for the first time during trading on April 24, 2026. Although the KOSPI index achieved a milestone by breaking through 6500 on the day, it narrowed its gains to close at 6475.81, up 57.88 points (0.90%) from the previous trading day.

The next trading day may see a lower opening, influenced by a decline in New York stocks and heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Overnight, major US stock markets closed lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.36%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.41%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.89%, reflecting a trend of profit-taking, particularly in tech stocks.

AI analysis indicated that the domestic market experienced short-term adjustments or limited fluctuations, with performance momentum centered on the semiconductor sector and abundant liquidity providing support at the lower end of the index. Short-term volatility may increase, with rising international oil prices due to Middle East risks, exchange rate movements, and changes in foreign investor flows identified as key variables determining the market's direction for the day.

As stock-specific differentiation widens with the ongoing earnings announcement season, analysis suggests it is advisable to focus on sectors with high earnings visibility, such as semiconductors, power equipment, and shipbuilding, rather than the index itself.