South Korea’s KOSPI Index continued to rise for a third straight week. The increase came as investors grew more hopeful about trade negotiations with the United States. This optimism supported strong buying in financial and industrial stocks. Although external risks remained, the market gained steady momentum. Investors appeared more confident as the week progressed.
The KOSPI Index finished at 3,196.05 after climbing 0.18 percent. It traded between 3,169.9 and 3,237.97, showing cautious yet persistent gains. Throughout the week, buyers focused on sectors expected to benefit from better trade conditions. The stable movement within this range reflected cautious optimism. Investors responded to progress in talks and improving export forecasts.
Financial stocks played a major role in the KOSPI Index rise. Shinhan Financial, KB Financial, and Hana Financial all gained between 1.7 and 2.7 percent. Buyers targeted these banks due to consistent returns and growing expectations for policy support. As economic conditions remained favorable, confidence in the sector increased. These gains boosted overall market sentiment.
Industrial shares also contributed significantly to the weekly performance. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries surged nearly 6 percent, driven by expectations of stronger shipbuilding orders. Hanwha Ocean advanced more than 1 percent, supported by improved global demand. Together, these companies led the industrial sector rebound. They helped offset losses in weaker segments.
Technology stocks, however, weighed on the broader market. Samsung Electronics dipped 0.2 percent, while SK Hynix dropped more than 1 percent. LG Energy Solution also fell slightly as supply chain concerns returned. Investors worried about future demand due to potential trade restrictions. As a result, tech underperformance limited gains in the KOSPI Index rise.
Market activity remained high, with strong participation across all investor groups. Total turnover reached approximately 9.8 trillion won, with 386 million shares traded. Foreign investors added 269 billion won in net purchases, while institutions added 110 billion won. In contrast, retail investors locked in profits and sold 461 billion won worth of shares. Decliners outnumbered gainers, showing some caution despite overall gains.
Looking forward, analysts expect the index to trade between 3,170 and 3,200. They believe support from institutions and improving exports will maintain upward pressure. However, further gains depend on second-quarter earnings and global trade developments. Investors will watch closely for updates from major tech firms. Market direction could shift quickly if new policy risks emerge.
In conclusion, trade optimism remains a key driver of current market trends. Continued progress in South Korea–US talks could encourage more inflows. Financial and industrial sectors appear well-positioned for near-term growth. Yet, volatility may persist as global conditions evolve. Careful monitoring will guide investor decisions in coming weeks.
