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Kospi breaches 6,000 to hit highest level in a month as analysts bet on further gains

Published: 14 Apr. 2026, 18:35

JIN MIN-JI
[email protected]

An electronic display board shows Korea’s financial market at Hana Bank’s dealing room on April 14. The benchmark index Kospi touched above 6,000 points during trading for the first time in a month. [YONHAP]

The Kospi surged nearly 3 percent Tuesday to touch the 6,000 mark for the first time in a month, buoyed by renewed hopes for U.S.-Iran negotiations. Analysts turned upbeat and projected a further climb toward 7,500.

The benchmark index added 159.13 points, or 2.74 percent, to close at 5,967.75, after reaching as high as 6,026,52. The index swerved over and under the 6,000-point mark, marking the first such move since March 3, when the index traded at 6,180.45, the first trading day after the United States and Israel carried out air strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Trading volume was moderate at 881.9 billion shares worth 26.7 trillion won ($18 billion), with gainers beating losers 669 to 197. Foreigners and institutions scooped up a net 830 billion won and 1.25 trillion won, respectively, while individuals sold a net 2.4 trillion won.

The U.S. military began a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after a breakdown of weekend talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, between Washington and Tehran. However, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran wants to reach a deal with the United States, raising hopes that the two sides could return to negotiations.

"Investors anticipate a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran after Trump's comments," said Kang Jin-hyuk, an analyst at Kyobo Securities. "The Wall Street Journal also reported that the two sides have exchanged detailed terms on uranium enrichment, raising further hopes for a deal."

Analysts are expecting a further acceleration of the index.

“The Kospi is entering a phase where 7,500 points becomes a realistic target,” said senior managing director and head of research at KB Securities in a report released on Tuesday. “It is poised to emerge as an attractive investment destination for global investors.”

Kim said foreign investors are expected to return to the Korean market as they shift their focus to earnings and fundamentals once tensions in the Middle East ease in April, as expected. The Kospi currently offers the lowest valuation relative to its profitability among global equities, he added, noting its 12-month forward Price-to-Book Ratio of 1.4 and a 12-month forward Return On Equity of 22 percent.

Tech and financial shares led the rally.

The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at the company's store in Seoul on April 15. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Tech giant Samsung Electronics rose 2.74 percent to 206,500 won and SK hynix jumped 6.06 percent to 1.1 million won ahead of its first quarter earnings report next week.

Major banking group Hana Financial Group increased 0.67 percent to 120,800 won and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance added 3.82 percent to 489,500 won.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor advanced 2.72 percent to 491,500 won and major game maker NC climbed 3.97 percent to 248,500 won.

Leading mobile carrier SK Telecom gained 3.24 percent to 95,500 won and retail giant Shinsegae rose 1.02 percent to 346,500 won.

However, defense shares went south as industry leader Hanwha Aerospace fell 0.46 percent to 1.52 million won and LIG D&A, formerly LIG Nex1, declined 0.53 percent to 934,000 won.

The local currency traded at 1,481.2 won against the greenback as of 3:30 p.m., rising 8.1 won from the previous session.

BY JIN MIN-JI, YONHAP [[email protected]]