The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.7% to around 4,875 on Monday, extending gains to fresh record highs, led by strength in auto stocks. Hyundai Motor and Kia surged 7.4% and 3.4%, respectively, after posting a record combined 11.3% share of the US auto market in 2025. Sentiment was supported by evidence that the group has remained resilient to US tariff pressures, aided by expanded local production capacity, a flexible manufacturing strategy, and rapidly growing hybrid vehicle sales. The index also benefited from strong momentum following last week’s record close, underpinned by institutional and foreign positioning, optimism over upcoming earnings, and spillover strength across cyclical sectors. Additional gains were seen in SK Hynix (0.7%), Hanwha Aerospace (2.2%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (2.9%), Hyundai Mobis (2.7%), and Hanwha Ocean (1.0%). Meanwhile, semiconductor shares were mixed, reflecting profit-taking at elevated levels and lingering uncertainty over potential US chip tariffs.
