Bearish
KOSPI drops over 1% to 6,800 as investors take profits ahead of Nvidia earnings.
The KOSPI index declined by more than 1% to approximately 6,800, reversing previous gains. Investors engaged in profit-taking, particularly in semiconductor stocks, ahead of Nvidia's upcoming earnings report. Additionally, rising global bond yields and renewed Middle East tensions contributed to the market's downturn.
Key points
- Profit-taking in semiconductor stocks: Samsung Electronics shares fell over 6%, while SK Hynix gained nearly 2%, as investors remained cautious about the outlook for the AI-driven semiconductor rally.
- Rising global bond yields: The US 30-year Treasury yield reached its highest level in nearly 20 years, pressuring equities.
- Renewed Middle East tensions: Escalating conflicts pushed Brent crude toward $90 per barrel, raising concerns over higher inflation and impacting global risk appetite.
Sources
- South Korean Shares Fall on Profit-TakingTrading Economics · August 24, 2026
- KOSPI falls below 6,300; sell sidecar triggered after one dayDigital Today · August 6, 2026
- South Korea’s KOSPI briefly halts trade after 5% slide as SK Hynix, Samsung tumbleInvesting.com · August 19, 2026
- KOSPI Volatile Amid U.S. Interest Rate Shock; NVIDIA Earnings Next Key FocusAju Press · August 22, 2026
AI-generated from public news sources. Not financial advice.