The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.49% to close at 4,910 on Wednesday, rebounding from the previous session and setting a fresh record high, as investors returned to large-cap leaders. The index recovered earlier losses amid bargain hunting, as lingering geopolitical and tariff uncertainty linked to US-Europe tensions failed to derail demand for structurally strong names. Meanwhile, the lack of immediate policy action helped stabilize risk appetite, while President Lee Jae Myung downplayed the likelihood of punitive US chip tariffs, easing concerns around Korea’s key export sector. Gains were led by Samsung Electronics (2.96%) on expectations of a sustained semiconductor upcycle, alongside sharp advances in autos including Hyundai Motor (14.61%) and Kia Corporation (5.00%) on optimism around robotics and autonomous driving initiatives. Additional support came from KB Financial Group (2.78%), Hyundai Mobis (8.09%), and Hanwha Aerospace (0.46%).
