Global Stock Market Trends — 2026-05-28

Global Indices at a Glance

Based on the latest trading session — as of 2026-05-28

🇰🇷 Korean Market

KOSPI Overview The KOSPI reached a record high, closing at 8,228.70, up 181.19 points (+2.25%). Expectations for ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran improved market sentiment, while semiconductor-led strength drove the index higher. However, spot trading on the 28th saw some profit-taking, with the index at 8,157.11 (-71.59 points from the previous close).

Flow Trends

• Foreigners: Switched to net buying after 12 consecutive trading days of net selling.
• Institutions: Maintained net buying.
• Individuals: Data unavailable.

Leading Sectors & Stocks

• Semiconductors: Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix now account for over 50% of the KOSPI's market capitalization, driving the index. The combined market cap of these two stocks has surpassed half of the KOSPI for the first time in history.
• Robotics/Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Foreign capital is shifting from semiconductors into these sectors as part of portfolio rebalancing.
• Market Polarization: Despite the KOSPI gain, market polarization is deepening, with 826 stocks falling while only 77 advanced.

🇺🇸 US Market

Three Major Indices The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at record highs. Optimism regarding US-Iran peace talks and falling oil prices boosted sentiment, led by tech-heavy gains. The Nasdaq Composite rose 1.19% (+312.21 points) to 26,656.18, and the S&P 500 gained 0.61% (+45.65 points) to 7,519.12. The Dow Jones fell slightly by -0.23% (-118.02 points) but remains near historic highs.

Key Movements

• Micron Technology: Led the semiconductor strength, driving the broader chip sector upward.
• Technology Stocks: Fueled the record highs for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, maintaining market momentum.
• Energy Stocks: Experienced weakness as oil prices dipped (Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel).

Sector Trends The technology sector is the main engine of market growth, with semiconductor-led structures confirmed in both the US and Korea. The energy sector is weakening in correlation with falling oil prices.

🌏 Asian & European Markets

Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong) Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed almost flat at 64,999.41 (+0.01%). China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1.25% to 4,093.73, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.31% to 25,264.75. Among Asian markets, China and Hong Kong underperformed, while Japan remained relatively stable.

Europe (UK, Germany) European markets closed with slight gains. The German DAX recorded 25,344.78 (+0.63%), while the UK’s FTSE 100 finished nearly flat at 10,475.15 (-0.15%). While Europe is also feeling the impact of Iran peace optimism, its lower tech weighting compared to the US has capped growth.

📊 Market Drivers

• US-Iran Ceasefire Expectations: Despite the US defensive strike on Iranian naval vessels last weekend, optimism for peace negotiations persists, contributing to lower oil prices (Brent near $100/barrel) and improved global market sentiment.

• Semiconductor Sector Strength: Gains in chip leaders like Micron Technology are pushing major indices like the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Korea’s KOSPI to record highs. Dependence on semiconductors is intensifying, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix now making up over 50% of the KOSPI's market cap.

• Foreign Capital Inflow: Foreigners in the Korean market have transitioned from 12 days of net selling to net buying, while simultaneously rebalancing portfolios from semiconductors toward robotics and ESS sectors.

🔭 Things to Watch

Events This Week

• Progress on US-Iran peace negotiations and specific agreement status.
• Earnings reports and guidance from major companies.
• Monetary policy signals from the US Federal Reserve (Fed).
• Stability of global oil and energy markets.

Investor Checklist

• Monitor portfolio risks due to increased reliance on the semiconductor sector (especially in Korea).
• Watch for potential profit-taking: Keep an eye on adjustment pressure after KOSPI’s record highs.
• Analyze the weakness in China and Hong Kong: Check for diverging economic signals by region.

💬 One-Line Insight

While peace expectations and semiconductor momentum have pushed global markets to new records, polarized sector structures and potential profit-taking remain key risk factors that could increase volatility moving forward.