글로벌 증시 동향 — 한국·미국·세계
South Korea's KOSPI hit an all-time high of 6,388.47 (+2.72%), with SK Hynix breaking through 1.2 million won per share for the first time. Meanwhile, U.S. markets opened slightly lower on Monday (4/21) as U.S.-Iran tensions resurfaced following the weekend seizure of an Iranian tanker by U.S. forces. The incident reignited Middle East uncertainty, snapping Nasdaq's 13-day winning streak, though losses remained contained.
Global Stock Market Trends — 2026-04-21
🇺🇸 U.S. Markets
| Index | Close | Change (%) | Change (pt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | Below 7,100 | ▼Slight decline | — |
| NASDAQ | — | ▼Down (13-day streak ends) | — |
| Dow Jones | — | ▼Slight decline | — |
※ U.S. market data for April 21 (Mon) still being compiled. Only major direction confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Over the weekend, U.S. forces seized an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, raising uncertainty about whether the U.S.-Iran 2-week ceasefire would be extended. This triggered early weakness as markets reassessed geopolitical risk.
- News of Apple CEO Tim Cook's replacement also weighed on investor sentiment, though futures markets attempted a modest rebound.
- After three consecutive weeks of gains and record highs, major indexes are showing some pullback. This week is shaping up as a major earnings week with 90 companies set to report.
🇰🇷 South Korean Markets
| Index | Close | Change (%) | Change (pt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 6,388.47 | ▲+2.72% | — |
| KOSDAQ | — | — | — |
Key Takeaways
- KOSPI set a new all-time record on April 21, closing at 6,388.47. The index has fully recovered pre-war levels and hit fresh highs. Goldman Sachs has set a 1-year KOSPI target of 8,000.
- SK Hynix led the rally, breaking through 1.2 million won per share for the first time. Strong demand for AI memory has been driving the semiconductor sector.
- Institutional investors led the buying, and foreign investors also participated, with large-cap semiconductor and battery plays rallying together. Stable won/dollar exchange rates and expectations for corporate governance reforms are supporting foreign capital inflows.
🌍 Global Major Indexes
| Index | Close | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nikkei 225 | — | Mixed |
| Hang Seng | — | Mixed |
| Shanghai Composite | — | — |
| FTSE 100 | — | — |
| DAX | — | — |
※ Asian markets on April 21 show KOSPI strength while other indexes remain mixed amid uncertainty over Middle East ceasefire deadlines. For precise closing levels, refer to primary sources.
📊 Sector Watch
Strong Sectors (at least 3)
- Semiconductors — SK Hynix +5% and beyond; AI memory demand surging with institutional and foreign buyers piling in
- Batteries/Secondary Batteries — Riding institutional flows alongside semiconductors as twin drivers of KOSPI strength
- Defense/Energy — Benefiting from renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and rising crude prices; WTI sustaining strength
Weak Sectors (at least 3)
- U.S. Tech Stocks — Apple CEO change and Middle East jitters weighing on Nasdaq
- Shipping/Logistics — Strait of Hormuz control risks reviving supply chain concerns
- U.S. Consumer Discretionary — Cyclical demand facing headwinds as Middle East uncertainty lingers
🔑 Macro Issues & Market Drivers
- U.S.-Iran Tensions Flare: U.S. forces seized an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt on whether the 2-week ceasefire (deadline April 21 local time) will be extended. While Iran claims the strait remains "fully open," markets are staying on alert.
- Apple CEO Transition: Tim Cook's exit as CEO has rippled through Nasdaq futures volatility, though losses have been limited.
- S&P 500 Earnings Momentum: Corporate profit growth projections for 2026 have been raised from 15% pre-war to 19% currently. This week features earnings from 90 major companies.
- Foreign Capital Returning to Korea: Foreign buyers are trickling back into Korean capital markets. AI memory trades, corporate governance reform hopes, and Middle East stability expectations are lifting both equities and bonds.
Commodities & Currency
| Item | Current | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| WTI Crude | Sustained rise | ▲Up (Strait of Hormuz risk) |
| Gold | — | — |
| USD/KRW | — | — |
| EUR/USD | — | — |
| U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield | — | — |
※ For precise figures, real-time tracking via CNBC, Reuters, and other primary sources is recommended. WTI faces upward pressure from renewed Middle East tensions.
📈 This Week's Key Events
- U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Deadline (April 21, local time): Whether it's extended will be a defining market event, directly driving volatility in crude and global stocks — investors are watching closely for negotiation outcomes.
- U.S. Earnings Week (this week): 90 S&P 500 companies reporting earnings concentrated this week; this will be the key variable shaping index direction.
- SK Hynix Earnings: SK Hynix results—which led KOSPI to all-time highs—will be a bellwether for HBM demand and the broader AI memory landscape, drawing intense scrutiny from global investors.
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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