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Kospi opens higher on hopes for end to Middle East conflict

Published: 02 Apr. 2026, 09:50

KIM MIN-YOUNG
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A trading room at Woori Bank in central Seoul on April 2. [YONHAP]

Korean stocks opened higher Thursday as U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that an end to the monthlong war in the Middle East could be near.

After opening 1.33 percent higher, the benchmark Kospi rose 63.11 points, or 1.15 percent, to ent, to in the first 15 minutes of trading.

Trump said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday that the United States would be "out of Iran pretty quickly" and could return for "spot hits" if necessary.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also said Iran's "new regime president" has asked for a cease-fire, though Iran's foreign ministry dismissed the claim as "false and baseless."

Trump was scheduled to deliver a public address at 10 a.m. on the Middle East conflict.

Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.48 percent, while the Nasdaq composite advanced 1.16 percent. The S&P 500 went up 0.72 percent.

The conflict, which began in late February following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has driven up global oil prices amid supply disruptions, rattling financial markets and fueling concerns over inflation and a potential economic slowdown.

A 3D-printed miniature model depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and map showing the Strait of Hormuz, also known as Madiq Hurmuz, are seen in this illustration taken March 26, 2026. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

In Seoul, most big-cap shares opened higher.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 0.47 percent, while chip giant SK hynix added 0.67 percent.

Top automaker Hyundai Motor gained 0.72 percent, while its affiliate Kia advanced 1.42 percent.

Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution surged 2.58 percent, and artificial intelligence investment firm SK Square climbed 1.4 percent.

Bio giant Samsung Biologics soared 3.82 percent, while Celltrion remained unchanged.

Defense giant Hanwha Aerospace spiked 8.4 percent, and nuclear power plant builder Doosan Enerbility increased 0.8 percent.

Leading financial firm KB Financial jumped 3.57 percent, and major steelmaker Posco rose 3.61 percent.

Shipbuilders gathered ground, with local industry leader HD Hyundai Heavy adding 2.44 percent and its rival Hanwha Ocean surging 3.62 percent.

The won weakened 10.6 won from the previous session to trade at 1,511.9 won against the greenback at 9:15 a.m.

Yonhap