Global Market Trends — 2026-04-22

Global Indices at a Glance

Based on Korean market close on April 21 (Tue). U.S./Europe sessions as of April 21. Japan as of intraday April 22. Please verify exact figures via exchange websites or Yahoo Finance.

🇰🇷 Korean Market

KOSPI / KOSDAQ Overview

On Tuesday, April 21, the KOSPI index closed at a record high of 6,388.47, up 169.38 points (+2.72%). Buying was concentrated in large-cap stocks, driven by dual expectations for earnings and future growth. Foreigners and institutions led the rally, and the KOSPI continued its upward trend on Wednesday, April 22, even as other Asian markets remained mixed.

Market Flow

• Foreigners: Net buyers (in tandem with institutions)
• Institutions: Net buyers (led by chips and battery stocks)
• Individuals: Relative net sellers

Leading Sectors & Stocks (Top 3)

• SK Hynix: Surpassed 1.2 million won ("1.2 Million Hynix") — fueled by supercycle expectations and concentrated institutional/foreign buying.
• IT & Semiconductors (including Samsung Electronics): Up — Reflecting hopes for a U.S.-Iran ceasefire and export recovery.
• Battery (Secondary Cell) Sector: Strong — Institutional buying and expectations for a global EV supply chain recovery.

🇺🇸 U.S. Market

Major Indices Close (April 21 Session)

The three major U.S. indices closed lower on Tuesday, April 21. Sentiment was dampened by uncertainty over potential U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, and the Nasdaq's 13-day winning streak came to an end. Factors included the CEO transition at Apple, the confirmation hearing for Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh, and the unclear status of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. This week is a "Mega Earnings Week," with 90 companies including Tesla, Intel, and United Airlines reporting.

Key Movements (Top 3)

• Apple (AAPL): Down — Uncertainty following the announcement of CEO Tim Cook's replacement.
• Tesla (TSLA): Volatile — Investors remained cautious ahead of this week's earnings.
• Energy Sector: Strong — International oil prices spiked due to renewed U.S.-Iran tensions.

Sector Trends

The energy sector gained as oil prices surged following renewed tensions and the seizure of an Iranian tanker. Meanwhile, tech stocks faced pressure due to fatigue from the Nasdaq’s record streak and uncertainty surrounding CEO changes. Individual stock momentum dominated the market as the earnings season moved into full gear.

🌏 Asia & Europe Markets

Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong)

On Wednesday, April 22, Japan’s Nikkei 225 hit a record high despite mixed performances across the rest of Asia. While President Trump announced an extension of the temporary U.S.-Iran ceasefire, persistent uncertainty kept the Hong Kong Hang Seng and mainland Chinese indices mixed. The KOSPI continued to trend upward.

Europe (U.K., Germany, France)

On Monday, April 20, European markets (Stoxx 600, FTSE, DAX, CAC40) generally trended lower while processing news of renewed U.S.-Iran tensions. Reports over the weekend of U.S. forces seizing an Iranian vessel sparked risk-off sentiment, though energy and defense stocks showed relative resilience.

📊 Market Drivers

• U.S.-Iran Tensions & Ceasefire Uncertainty: Tensions escalated after U.S. forces seized an Iranian oil tanker. While President Trump extended the temporary ceasefire, the prospect of a permanent peace deal remains unclear, driving up oil prices and pressuring risk assets.
• Earnings Season Begins: 90 companies, including Tesla, Intel, and United Airlines, are set to report this week. Investors are watching to see if earnings can justify high valuation concerns.
• KOSPI Hits All-Time High: The record high was driven by strong institutional/foreign buying and gains in semiconductors and batteries. SK Hynix reaching "1.2 Million Hynix" symbolizes expectations for an industry recovery.
• Kevin Warsh Fed Chair Confirmation Hearing: Markets are focused on the hearings for Kevin Warsh, with investors gauging the potential direction of monetary policy. His stance as a hawk or dove could significantly shift rate paths.

🔭 Key Watch Points

Key Events This Week

• Tesla (TSLA) Earnings: Scheduled for April 22 (Wed) after market close. Attention on AI and autonomous driving outlooks.
• Intel (INTC) & United Airlines (UAL) Earnings: Crucial signals for semiconductor and aviation industry trends and global economic direction.
• Kevin Warsh Fed Hearing: A catalyst for reassessing Fed policy and interest rate paths.
• U.S.-Iran Negotiations: The possibility of a permanent agreement will have a decisive impact on energy and risk assets.
• Foreign Inflows to KOSPI: Monitoring whether foreign buying continues after the record-high milestone.

Investor Checklist

• Watch for progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations and oil price trends.
• Prepare for Nasdaq volatility following tech earnings reports.
• Monitor for potential profit-taking in the KOSPI following the record-high breakout.

💬 Insight in a Nutshell

Despite the shared headwind of Middle East instability, the record highs in Korea and Japan prove that the rally in global semiconductor and tech stocks still has plenty of energy—but keep a close eye on the risk-off potential should U.S.-Iran negotiations break down.