Global Stock Market Trends — 2026-04-28

Global Indices at a Glance

KOSPI closing price is as of the April 28 Korean market close. The three major U.S. indices are based on the April 27 close. European indices reflect the April 27 session.

🇰🇷 Korean Stock Market

KOSPI / KOSDAQ Overview

The KOSPI closed at 6,641.02 on April 28, up 25.99 points (+0.39%) from the previous day. This marks a new all-time high for two consecutive days. During the session, the index touched 6,672.32, setting a new intraday record. Large-cap semiconductor stocks led the rally, with SK Hynix recovering to the 1.3 million won mark. Some domestic securities firms have begun raising their KOSPI targets to as high as 8,500.

Trading Trends

• Individuals: Net buying of 268.5 billion won (intraday basis, driving the market to new highs).
• Foreigners: Continued net selling amid the recent rally (approaching record monthly highs).
• Institutions: Figures not yet confirmed.

Top Sectors & Stocks to Watch (Minimum 3)

• SK Hynix: Bullish — Rebounded to the 1.3 million won level and returned to the top 17 global market cap ranking, reflecting optimism for the semiconductor sector.
• Large-cap KOSPI Stocks: +0.39% — Benefiting from hopes of easing Middle East tensions and expanded global AI investment.
• KOSDAQ Small-caps: Continued upward momentum, maintaining a steady rise near the 1,200-point level.

2 sources

mk.co.kr

mk.co.kr

mk.co.kr

mk.co.kr

🇺🇸 U.S. Stock Market

3 Major Indices Close (As of April 27)

On April 27, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both closed at record highs. According to reports from Reuters and CNBC, the market remained strong despite a slight rise in oil prices, following Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and suggestions of a delay in nuclear negotiations. However, investors maintained a cautious stance ahead of the major tech earnings season and the Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting later this week. Nvidia hit an all-time high, leading the tech rally.

Key Movements Today (Minimum 3)

• Nvidia (NVDA): Hit a record high — Sustained demand for AI semiconductors and expectations for increased infrastructure investment by big tech companies.
• S&P 500 Overall: Record high — Supported by a "triple threat" of strong corporate earnings, the AI investment boom, and hopes for an accommodative Fed.
• Tech Sector General: Bullish — Buying interest ahead of earnings reports from big tech giants (Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, etc.) expected this week.

Sector Trends Technology and AI-related sectors led the gains, while the energy sector saw a slight rise due to climbing oil prices. Defensive stocks also attracted some capital as geopolitical uncertainty regarding Iran remains unresolved.

🌏 Asian & European Stock Markets

Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong)

Asian markets showed mixed results on April 27. While the Korean KOSPI broke through the 6,600 level to reach an all-time high, markets in Japan, China, and Hong Kong remained largely flat due to the deadlock in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. Although Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz signaled potential de-escalation, the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of talks left investors hesitant.

Europe (U.K., Germany, France)

European markets started the week with modest gains on April 27. Major indices like the FTSE and DAX followed the positive sentiment from the U.S. market while keeping a close watch on the U.S.-Iran stalemate. Higher oil prices supported energy stocks, and market participants are now looking toward the upcoming Fed meeting and U.S. big tech earnings as key variables for future direction.

📊 Market Drivers Today

• Big Tech Earnings Season Begins: A wave of earnings from "Magnificent 7" companies—including Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon—is scheduled for this week. Reuters noted that the "record-breaking U.S. stock rally faces a test in the form of big tech earnings." High market expectations mean that any disappointment could lead to increased volatility.

• FOMC Meeting & Chair Powell's Term: This week's Fed meeting is gaining extra attention amid speculation that it could be Chair Jerome Powell's final meeting. According to Reuters, the market currently expects only a minor rate cut of about 10bp (0.10 percentage points) by December, making Powell's messaging and signals about the leadership succession more critical than the interest rate move itself.

• U.S.-Iran Geopolitical Risk: Peace negotiations have stalled following Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and their indication that they may delay nuclear talks. President Trump's cancellation of plans to attend Iran talks in Pakistan pushed oil prices up, acting as a positive for the energy sector but a general source of geopolitical uncertainty.

• Korean Market Surge: Driven by optimism for improved semiconductor industry conditions and hopes for eased Middle East tensions, the KOSPI hit record highs for two consecutive days. The total market capitalization of the Korean exchange surpassed 6,000 trillion won for the first time, and some securities firms have raised their index targets to 8,500.

🔭 What to Watch Next

Key Events This Week

• Meta and Microsoft earnings reports (mid-week)
• Apple and Amazon earnings reports (late week)
• FOMC interest rate decision and Chair Powell’s press conference
• U.S. employment data (including weekly jobless claims)
• Developments in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and geopolitical news regarding the Strait of Hormuz

Investor Checklist

• Assess whether big tech earnings confirm the continuity of the AI investment cycle.
• Look for signals in the FOMC statement regarding a potential pause in rate hikes and any clues on Powell’s successor.
• Monitor whether the KOSPI can hold the 6,600 line and look for signs of a reversal in foreign investment flows.

💬 One-Line Insight

The Korean stock market continues its record-breaking rally, buoyed by global AI semiconductor tailwinds and expectations of reduced Middle East risk; however, U.S. big tech earnings and the FOMC outcome this week will likely be the pivot points determining the short-term direction of the global market.