Global Stock Market Trends — 2026-04-21
The South Korean KOSPI reached a record high of 6,388.47 (+2.72%), fueled by SK Hynix breaking the 1.2 million won mark. Meanwhile, U.S. markets opened slightly lower on Monday (4/21) due to renewed U.S.-Iran tensions. Following the U.S. seizure of an Iranian tanker over the weekend, the Nasdaq’s 13-day winning streak came to an end, though the decline remained limited.
Global Stock Market Trends — 2026-04-21
🇺🇸 U.S. Market
| Index | Close | Change (%) | Change (pt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | Below 7,100 | ▼Slight drop | — |
| NASDAQ | — | ▼Down (13-day streak ended) | — |
| Dow Jones | — | ▼Slight drop | — |
※ Data for Monday, April 21, is currently being aggregated. Only major trends are available.
Key Points
- Markets opened lower as geopolitical uncertainty flared up after the U.S. military seized an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, casting doubt on the extension of the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
- News regarding the replacement of Apple CEO Tim Cook also impacted investor sentiment, though futures markets attempted a slight rebound.
- Following a three-week rally, major indices are pulling back from all-time highs as the market enters a major "earnings week" with 90 companies scheduled to report results.
🇰🇷 South Korean Market
| Index | Close | Change (%) | Change (pt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 6,388.47 | ▲+2.72% | — |
| KOSDAQ | — | — | — |
Key Points
- The KOSPI hit a record high on April 21, closing at 6,388.47. The index has fully recovered to pre-war levels and set a new milestone, with Goldman Sachs projecting a target of 8,000 for the KOSPI within one year.
- SK Hynix led the rally, breaking the 1.2 million won per share mark for the first time, driven by strong demand for AI memory.
- Institutional net buying drove the gains, with foreign investors joining in to boost large-cap semiconductor and battery stocks. Stability in the KRW/USD exchange rate and expectations for corporate governance reform are further supporting the inflow of foreign capital.
🌍 Global Indices
| Index | Close | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nikkei 225 | — | Mixed |
| Hang Seng | — | Mixed |
| Shanghai Composite | — | — |
| FTSE 100 | — | — |
| DAX | — | — |
※ On April 21, the KOSPI showed strength, while other Asian indices were mixed amid uncertainty regarding the Middle East ceasefire deadline. We recommend checking original sources for final closing prices.
📊 Sector Trends
Top Performers
- Semiconductors — SK Hynix up over 5%, driven by surging AI memory demand and combined buying from foreign and institutional investors.
- Batteries/Secondary Cells — The second pillar leading the KOSPI rally alongside semiconductors amid institutional net buying.
- Defense/Energy — Expected to benefit from rising oil prices due to renewed U.S.-Iran tensions; WTI continues to show strength.
Laggards
- Tech (U.S.) — Nasdaq under pressure from Apple CEO succession news and Middle East instability.
- Shipping/Logistics — Supply chain concerns reignited by risks of potential control over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Consumer Goods (U.S.) — Downward pressure on economically sensitive consumer sectors due to prolonged uncertainty in the Middle East.
🔑 Macro Issues & Market Drivers
- Renewed U.S.-Iran Tensions: Uncertainty surrounds the extension of the two-week ceasefire (due April 21, local time) after the U.S. seizure of an Iranian tanker. Although Iran declared the strait "fully open," the market remains on edge.
- Apple CEO Succession: News regarding Tim Cook’s departure impacted Nasdaq futures, though the impact remained limited.
- S&P 500 Earnings Momentum: The 2026 earnings growth projection for S&P 500 companies has been upgraded from 15% (pre-war) to 19%, with 90 companies set to report earnings this week.
- Foreign Capital Inflow to Korea: Foreign buying is returning to the Korean market, supported by the AI memory trade, corporate governance reforms, and expectations for Middle East stability.
Commodities & Currency
| Item | Price | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| WTI Crude Oil | Ongoing rise | ▲Up (Hormuz risk) |
| Gold | — | — |
| USD/KRW | — | — |
| EUR/USD | — | — |
| U.S. 10-year Treasury | — | — |
※ For precise data, please refer to real-time sources such as CNBC or Reuters. WTI is facing upward pressure due to Middle East tensions.
📈 Key Schedule for This Week
- U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Deadline (4/21, local time): A critical event that could trigger volatility in oil prices and global markets—the market is closely watching the negotiation outcomes.
- U.S. Earnings Week: Concentration of earnings reports from 90 S&P 500 companies, which will act as a key variable in determining market direction.
- SK Hynix Earnings Release: The results of SK Hynix, which led the KOSPI to record highs, will be a key indicator for global investors regarding HBM demand and the broader AI memory sector.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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