KOSPI, 6,800선 돌파하며 새 역사 쓰다
Daily Market Brief: Essential Updates for Local Stocks|16 min read8.7AI quality score — automatically evaluated based on accuracy, depth, and source quality
On May 4, 2026, the KOSPI surged past 6,800 for an all-time high, fueled by a semiconductor rally led by SK Hynix (+6%) and Samsung Electronics (+3%). The KRW/USD exchange rate plummeted by 20.5 won following President Donald Trump’s promise to support shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, boosting risk appetite. Meanwhile, KOSDAQ saw a broad uplift in semiconductor equipment and materials stocks.
Korea Stock Market Emergency Briefing — 2026-05-04
Market Snapshot
- KOSPI: Around 6,800 (Hit intraday all-time high, up over 3% from yesterday)
- KOSDAQ: Closed higher (Led by semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment)
- KRW/USD Rate: 1,472.9 KRW — Down 20.5 won from yesterday (closing price)
- Market Sentiment: Risk-on sentiment strengthened sharply; strong buying concentrated on semiconductors; bio and banking stocks relatively neglected.
Supply & Demand Trends (KOSPI)
- Foreigners: Large-scale net buying from early trading, focused on major semiconductor stocks like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics.
- Institutions: Joined in net buying, focused on semiconductor equipment and materials.
- Retail: Profit-taking sentiment prevailed; net selling observed in rapidly surging stocks.
(Specific net buying/selling amounts subject to official KRX verification after market close)
Today's Top 5 News
1. KOSPI breaches 6,800 — Setting a new all-time high
- What happened?: On May 4, the KOSPI touched 6,800 during the session, marking a new record. SK Hynix jumped over 6%, while Samsung Electronics rose by more than 3%, leading the index. According to Herald Economic, "The 'big two' semiconductor stocks, which have driven the domestic market, led the explosive rally."
- Market Impact: Overall strength in the semiconductor sector; expectations for the total market cap to sustain above 6 quadrillion won.
2. KRW/USD rate drops by 20.5 won — Boosted by Trump’s Hormuz support
- What happened?: After U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to support vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the exchange rate plunged by more than 20 won during the session. It closed at 1,472.9 won, down 20.5 won. Reduced tension in the Middle East bolstered the Korean Won.
- Market Impact: Stronger Won → boosted risk-on sentiment → increased foreign buying in stocks.
3. Semiconductor rally spreads to KOSDAQ — Betting by institutions and foreigners
- What happened?: According to Financial News, institutions and foreigners focused on KOSDAQ, pouring money into semiconductor equipment, materials, and parts. However, experts noted that "a long-term KOSDAQ rally requires a concurrent rise in bio stocks, which carry the largest market weight."
- Market Impact: Strength in small-to-mid cap semiconductor stocks; bio sector remains sidelined.
4. May Outlook — Semiconductor focus vs. volatility concerns
- What happened?: Business Chosun pointed out that while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) saw its biggest rally since the dot-com bubble, its 18-day winning streak ended. They warned about the risks of volatility in the Korean market due to over-reliance on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, mentioning a potential downturn for semiconductors in May.
- Market Impact: Possible opportunities for bargain hunting in non-semiconductor sectors like finance, secondary batteries, and bio.
5. Bio and banking stocks remain sidelined — The 'semiconductor bias' side effect
- What happened?: Reports from Financial News suggest that despite the rally, bio and banking stocks remain neglected. While bank stocks looked defensive early in the Middle East crisis, concerns over prolonged oil price hikes—leading to economic slowdown and deteriorating loan quality—have weakened their momentum.
- Market Impact: Continued weakness in bio and banking; sector rotation monitoring recommended.
Leading Sectors & Themes
Semiconductor Large Caps (Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix)
- Trend: SK Hynix up over 6%, Samsung Electronics up over 3%. Linked to the global semiconductor rally, they propelled the KOSPI to record highs.
- Key Stocks: SK Hynix (+6%), Samsung Electronics (+3%)
Semiconductor Equipment, Materials, & Parts (KOSDAQ)
- Trend: Joint buying by institutions and foreigners. Gains spreading across the KOSDAQ. Overall gains limited due to the absence of a rally in bio stocks.
- Key Stocks: Various semiconductor equipment and materials companies.
KRW Decline Beneficiaries — Domestic & Consumer Goods
- Trend: Expectations of lower import prices due to the sharp drop in the KRW/USD rate. Indirect benefits expected for airlines, travel, and consumer sectors.
- Key Stocks: Check individual stocks in these sectors.
Top Movers
Top 3 Gainers
- SK Hynix — +6% — Global rally and AI memory demand expectations.
- Samsung Electronics — +3% — Super-cycle benefits, joint foreign/institutional buying.
- KOSDAQ Semiconductor stocks — General strength — Spread of semiconductor optimism.
Top 3 Decliners
- Large-cap Bio — Weakness — Continued outflow of funds during the semiconductor rally.
- Banking Stocks — Weakness — Loan quality concerns due to long-term oil price hikes.
- Secondary Battery stocks — Sluggish — Relatively neglected compared to semiconductors.
Global Market Links
① Trump’s Hormuz Support → Eased Middle East Risk Trump’s promise to support vessels in the Strait of Hormuz temporarily eased geopolitical tensions, acting as the primary catalyst for the 20.5-won drop in the KRW/USD rate and attracting foreign investors.
② Global Semiconductor Rally — Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) Strength Although the SOX index entered a consolidation phase after its post-dot-com bubble record, domestic semiconductor stocks remained strong on May 4, supported by AI memory demand expectations.
Tomorrow's Checkpoints
- KOSPI 6,800 settlement: Will the index stay above 6,800 at close? Watching for profit-taking absorption.
- Foreign flow direction: Closely monitor early morning trading to see if foreigners continue their net buying trend.
- SOX and U.S. Big Tech earnings: The direction of the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index and upcoming Big Tech earnings will dictate whether domestic semiconductor stocks continue to rise or adjust.
Investor Action Items
- Monitor foreign inflows: Observe 9 AM – 10 AM trading to see if foreign buying in semiconductors holds.
- Screen KOSDAQ semiconductor stocks: Look for small-to-mid cap stocks with improved performance that were previously left behind.
- Search for bio/secondary battery entry points: Keep an eye on sector rotation if semiconductor overheating concerns increase; check valuations for undervalued bio and secondary battery large caps.
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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