South Korean KOSPI Hits New Heights as Rally Extends Into Twelfth Day

Updated 2026-01-19 05:07:44+00:00 (24 articles)

KOSPI Extends Record-Breaking Winning Streak The benchmark index logged its 12th consecutive gain on Jan. 19, continuing a daily series of fresh highs that began the year [1][2]. Earlier in the week the market celebrated an 11‑day surge, each session closing higher than the previous one [2][3][4]. Analysts attribute the sustained momentum to strong investor confidence despite earlier intraday volatility [1].

Index Breaches Milestone Levels Amid Fresh Highs On Jan. 19 the KOSPI rose above the 4,900‑point mark for the first time intraday, reaching a peak around 1:57 p.m. [1]. The week prior saw the index open above 4,800 for the first time and close at a record 4,840.74, while market capitalization surpassed the 4,000‑trillion‑won threshold at 4,004.9 trillion [2][3][4]. These milestones underscore a broad‑based uptrend that has lifted the market to unprecedented levels this year.

Auto, Tech, and Chip Stocks Power Rally Gains were led by automobile and technology shares, which helped reverse an early‑session dip and push the index higher [1]. Semiconductor giants also drove the market, with Samsung Electronics up 3.47% and SK Hynix gaining 0.93% on Jan. 16, reinforcing the rally’s reliance on chip demand [2][3]. Hyundai Motor added modest strength, while other auto‑related firms showed mixed performance, reflecting sector‑specific investor focus [3].

Heavy Trading, Foreign Buying, and Won Weakening Trading volume remained robust, with 701.2 million shares exchanged for a value of 26.6 trillion won on Jan. 16 [2]. Foreign investors net bought 405 billion won and institutions added 338.5 billion won, while retail participants sold a net 938 billion won, indicating divergent participant sentiment [2]. The Korean won softened to roughly 1,472 per dollar, contributing to the market’s overall dynamics [3][2].