Domestic Stock Market Briefing — April 18, 2026

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Macroeconomic and Policy Trends

① KOSPI opens at 6,149 on peace talk hopes and Nasdaq record

The domestic stock market opened higher on April 16, buoyed by ongoing expectations for U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and the Nasdaq's record-breaking performance. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI index started at 6,149.02, up 57.63 points (0.95%) from the previous trading day.

② Domestic fuel prices continue to rise by over 10 won in a week

As of April 17, 2026, data from Opinet, operated by the Korea National Oil Corporation, shows that domestic gasoline and diesel prices have increased by more than 10 won over the past week. Heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are driving up global oil prices, directly impacting domestic inflation.

③ Middle East oil price surge and South Korean economic risks

An analysis by EBC Financial Group indicates that the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East since the start of the year have caused a surge in global oil prices, presenting new challenges for the world economy. The uncertainty of high oil prices and a high exchange rate, with talk of the KRW/USD exchange rate hitting 1,500, has emerged as a major variable for the South Korean economy.

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Key Corporate and Listed Company Issues

① Local AI semiconductor startup revenue surges 2 to 9 times

Major domestic AI semiconductor companies, including Rebellions, FuriosaAI, DeepX, and HyperAccel, have seen their annual revenues jump by two to nine times compared to the previous year, signaling entry into a full-scale growth phase. Investment momentum centered on the semiconductor and AI sectors is acting as a positive signal for the stock market.

② SK Hynix overtakes Samsung Electronics in net profit for first time in 26 years

In 2025, SK Hynix recorded a net profit of 42.6888 trillion won on a separate basis, surpassing Samsung Electronics, which stood at 33.6866 trillion won. The market interprets this end to Samsung Electronics' 26-year reign as the top net profit earner (since 1999) as a sign that a major shift in the semiconductor market is underway.

③ Lotte Chemical holds IR session for institutional investors on April 16

Lotte Chemical hosted an investor relations (IR) session, including a CEO Investor Meeting, for major domestic institutional investors at NH Financial Tower in Yeouido at 16:00 on April 16. Investors' interest is expected to focus on the company's business recovery status and future management strategy.

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Market Impact Summary and Analysis

① War risk easing leads to recovery from sharp market drops

Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Major stock markets, including those in South Korea and the U.S., experienced drops of around 10% from their peaks last month when war risks were at their height. Since April, however, supported by hopes for a ceasefire, most markets have been recouping those losses." The Korea Fear Index also rebounded, rising 4.21% from the previous session to 51.97.

② KOSPI projected to range 5,600–6,300 in April, dependent on peace talks

With the KOSPI range for April projected between 5,600 and 6,300, the market is expected to attempt to reclaim previous highs depending on the progress of U.S.-Iran negotiations. Given that the drop following the Middle East conflict was among the highest in the world, the pace of recovery is a point of significant focus.

③ High oil prices and exchange rates act as drags on market momentum

The continued rise in domestic fuel prices and the instability of the KRW/USD exchange rate are identified as factors limiting upward pressure on the stock market. Amid the uncertainty of high oil prices and high exchange rates, mixed perspectives remain regarding the market's direction, even as investment vitality in the semiconductor and AI sectors begins to flourish.