The benchmark KOSPI fell more than 2% to around 5,100 on Monday, snapping a record-setting rally, as global risk sentiment deteriorated. The decline followed Wall Street losses in technology shares, as AI profitability concerns and Kevin Warsh’s Fed chair nomination fueled fears of a tighter US monetary policy. Sentiment was further pressured by US tariff uncertainty, as President Donald Trump warned of higher duties tied to delays in South Korea’s approval of its US investment bill, despite Seoul signaling the bill could be approved by late February or early March.
Shares of major chipmakers fell even as data showed January exports surged to a record high on robust semiconductor demand, underscoring the gap between strong fundamentals and near-term risk aversion. Samsung Electronics dropped 1.9% and SK hynix slipped 3.6%, while Hyundai Motor (-1.0%), LG Energy Solution (-1.8%), SK Square (-5.1%), Doosan Enerbility (-1.2%) also declined.
