The Korean stock market (KOSPI) is showing signs of recovery after a sharp 20% drop caused by energy shocks and leverage unwinding. The temporary easing of tensions in the Iran conflict has lowered oil prices, improving Korea's profit margins, currency strength, and investor sentiment. Korea's strong position in the AI supply chain, with key companies like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, positions it well to benefit from the growing AI capital expenditure cycle. However, risks remain if geopolitical tensions flare up again or oil prices rise sharply.
SK Hynix, South Korea's second most valuable company, debuted on the Nasdaq on July 10, 2026, with its shares rising about 14% on the first day. This listing allows U.S. investors direct access to the chipmaker, which supplies memory chips to major t...
The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) has entered a bear market, largely due to its heavy concentration in Samsung and SK hynix, making it sensitive to AI hardware sector volatility. Despite recent reforms and increased index weight, South Korea's m...
