The benchmark KOSPI Index jumped 2% to above 4,020 on Monday, breaching the 4,000 mark for the first time on record as optimism over progress in US–China trade talks and strong demand for semiconductor shares lifted sentiment. Confidence grew ahead of the confirmed meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi at the APEC summit in Korea later this week, after reports that US and Chinese negotiators outlined a preliminary framework that could avert planned US tariffs and include a delay in China’s export controls on rare earth materials. The upbeat tone tracked firm gains on Wall Street and other Asian markets, amid hopes easing trade tensions could bolster regional growth. Domestically, heavyweight chipmakers Samsung Electronics (+2.4%) and SK Hynix (+3.6%) extended their rally on sustained AI-driven demand, while Hyundai Motor (+1.6%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (+6.1%), and KB Financial Group (+2.7%) also advanced, reflecting broad-based strength across major sectors.
