KOSPI 4500 Milestone: Retail Investors Drive Market to Record High
KOSPI hits an all-time high of 4,525.48 on Jan. 6, 2026. Driven by retail buying and tech gains, the index crosses the 4,500 milestone for the first time.
The 4,500-point barrier has finally been shattered. On Jan. 6, 2026, the South Korean stock market hit a historic peak as tech and heavy industry shares surged. It's a victory powered by the relentless buying spree of individual investors, who effectively countered a massive sell-off by foreign institutions.
Drivers of the KOSPI 4500 Milestone
According to Yonhap, the benchmark KOSPI closed at 4,525.48, rising 67.96 points or 1.52 percent. Trading volume was massive, with shares worth 25.27 trillion won ($17.4 billion) changing hands. The index didn't just break the record; it crushed the 4,400 threshold established only the previous session.
The day started on a shaky note as the index bucked overnight gains on Wall Street to open lower. However, retail sentiment turned the tide. Individuals bought a net 597.55 billion won in shares, offsetting a combined 687.76 billion won divestment from foreign and institutional players.
Tech Giants and Shipbuilders Lead the Charge
Sector-wise, SK hynix jumped 4.31 percent to 726,000 won, while Samsung Electronics saw a modest 0.58 percent gain. Heavy industry outperformed, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries soaring 7.21 percent on the back of strong earnings projections for 2025.
| Stock | Close Price | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Mirae Asset Securities | 28,700 won | +12.55% |
| Korea Aerospace (KAI) | 136,100 won | +9.41% |
| Hyundai Steel | 29,650 won | -1.33% |
| LG Chem | 328,500 won | -0.45% |
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