KOSPI 4500 Milestone 2026: Chip Giants Drive Korea's Stock Market to Historic High
On Jan. 6, 2026, the KOSPI index hit a historic milestone of 4,500. Driven by record-high prices for Samsung and SK hynix, analysts project the rally to continue toward 5,200.
It's a new year, and South Korea's stock market is wasting no time. The KOSPI gained nearly 6% in just the first two trading sessions of 2026, shattering the 4,500 mark for the first time in history. This rally signals a robust confidence in corporate earnings and favorable policy shifts.
KOSPI 4500 Milestone Fueled by Semiconductor Giants
On Tuesday, the benchmark index jumped 67.96 points, or 1.52%, to close at a record 4,525.48. According to Yonhap, this comes just a day after the index crossed the 4,400 level. The charge was led by the nation's two largest chipmakers: Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.
Samsung Electronics reached an all-time high of 138,900 won ($96), while SK hynix closed at 726,000 won. The AI-led semiconductor boom that started last year hasn't lost its steam, as both giants continue to rewrite record books almost daily.
Targeting 5,000: Analysts Eye Strong Earnings Outlook
Market analysts are increasingly bullish. Yuanta Securities recently raised its KOSPI target to a range of 4,200 to 5,200, citing massive earnings momentum. Global investment banks estimate the combined operating profit of Samsung and SK hynix could exceed 300 trillion won this year, an unprecedented figure for the South Korean market.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Global markets rally as TSMC's strong earnings and a landmark $250 billion US-Taiwan trade deal boost Nvidia and Samsung. KOSPI hits a record high on Jan 16, 2026.
KOSPI hits a historic 4,800 record high on Jan 16, 2026, marking an 11-session winning streak. Samsung Electronics leads the semiconductor rally as market cap tops 4,000 trillion won.
The KOSPI index hit a record 4,840.74 on Jan 16, 2026, as South Korea's market cap topped 4,000 trillion won. Discover the factors behind this 11-day rally.
Trip.com stock plummeted 19% after China's SAMR launched an antitrust investigation. The probe threatens the travel giant's global expansion plans and profit margins.
Global markets rally as TSMC's strong earnings and a landmark $250 billion US-Taiwan trade deal boost Nvidia and Samsung. KOSPI hits a record high on Jan 16, 2026.
KOSPI hits a historic 4,800 record high on Jan 16, 2026, marking an 11-session winning streak. Samsung Electronics leads the semiconductor rally as market cap tops 4,000 trillion won.
The KOSPI index hit a record 4,840.74 on Jan 16, 2026, as South Korea's market cap topped 4,000 trillion won. Discover the factors behind this 11-day rally.
Trip.com stock plummeted 19% after China's SAMR launched an antitrust investigation. The probe threatens the travel giant's global expansion plans and profit margins.