KOSPI reclaimed the 6,900 level, driven by Micron's "surprise earnings" announcement for June to August and strong September exports from South Korea. Not only did Samsung Electronics rise by 2% to 3%, but the strength also extended to semiconductor materials, components and equipment stocks in the KOSDAQ market.
On the 1st, KOSPI closed at 6,971.35, up 133.31 points (1.95%) from the previous trading session. Although it dipped slightly in early trading, it rebounded and ended on an upward trend, bolstered by news of strong exports.
Micron announced that its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 (June to August) was $33.42. This figure exceeded market expectations of $31.72. Revenue also surpassed the forecast of $51 billion, reaching $54 billion, a 379% increase from the same period last year. The revenue guidance for September to November was also set at $61.5 billion, exceeding the market outlook of $57 billion.
The KOSPI index gained momentum as South Korea's September export results were released during trading hours. September exports increased by 83.5% year-on-year to $120.9 billion, with semiconductors in particular recording a 262.8% increase to $60.3 billion.
Lee Kyung-min, head of FICC at Daishin Securities, stated, "Micron's strong earnings report and South Korea's robust September exports led to semiconductor buying," adding, "Micron's expansion of capital investment reaffirmed confidence in the memory industry cycle, as it represents an investment aimed at expanding medium- to long-term production capacity."
In the KOSPI market (based on Korea Exchange data) on this day, institutional investors bought a net amount of 334.5 billion won. Retail and foreign investors sold net amounts of 1 trillion 430.5 billion won and 544.1 billion won, respectively.
Among KOSPI sectors, medical and precision instruments closed with strong gains in the 5th% range. Pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronics, securities, and manufacturing rose by more than 2%. Analysts note that pharmaceuticals and biotechnology generally showed strength due to their undervaluation relative to earnings. Metals, textiles and apparel, machinery and equipment, and IT (information and communications) services rose in the 1st% range. Electricity and gas, general services, distribution, transportation and warehousing, real estate, and telecommunications ended with slight gains. Insurance, finance, and construction remained slightly lower. Chemicals fell by more than 1%.
Among top KOSPI market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rose in the 2nd% and 3% ranges, respectively. Samsung SDI gained in the 3rd% range, while Samsung Biologics rose in the 2nd% range. SK Square, Samsung C&T, and Hyundai Motor increased by more than 1%. Samsung Life Insurance and LG Energy Solution closed with slight gains. Among stocks ranking in the top 10 by market capitalization, only KB Financial Group fell in the 1st% range.
KOSDAQ closed at 894.29, up 38.38 points (4.48%) from the previous trading session.
In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors made net purchases of 230.7 billion won and 568.1 billion won, respectively. Retail investors made net sales of 776.1 billion won.
Among KOSDAQ sectors, machinery and equipment surged in the 6th% range. Manufacturing, electrical and electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical and precision instruments, chemicals, and finance rose by more than 4%. Distribution, transportation equipment and parts gained in the 2nd% range, while IT (information and communications) services, construction, and others rose in the 1st% range. Food and tobacco closed with slight gains, while entertainment and culture ended with slight losses.
Among top KOSDAQ market capitalization stocks, Rino Industrial surged in the 10th% range, and Wonik IPS jumped in the 9th% range. Iotech and HPSP also rose by more than 8%. Simmtech and Jusung Engineering showed strength, rising by more than 5% and 4%, respectively. It is interpreted that the strength of materials, components and equipment stocks, which have relatively greater room for price appreciation compared to large-cap KOSPI semiconductor stocks, was prominent.
EcoPro, EcoPro BM, and RAINBOW Robotics closed with strong gains in the 5th% range. Alteogen rose by more than 4%.
In Seoul's foreign exchange market on this day, the won-dollar exchange rate ended daily trading at 1,358.4 won, up 5.6 won from the previous trading session.
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