Stock Market Strategy: Guidance for Key Stocks — April 27, 2026
On Monday, April 27, 2026, the KOSPI index hit an all-time high, breaking through the 6,600 mark for the first time during intraday trading. The rally, driven by a 5.56% surge in SK Hynix and overall semiconductor momentum, pushed the total market capitalization of South Korean stocks past the historic 6,000 trillion won milestone. Investors should keep a close watch on upcoming US big tech earnings, the status of the Middle East ceasefire, and whether the semiconductor sector has room for further growth.
Stock Market Strategy: Guidance for Key Stocks — April 27, 2026
Daily Market Snapshot
- KOSPI: 6,591.41 (up ~1.79%, reaching an all-time intraday high of 6,603.01)
- KOSDAQ: Maintaining levels above 1,200 (continuing the streak, the first time since 2000)
- Market Flow: Strength in semiconductor and materials sectors led by foreign and institutional net buying (refer to post-market confirmed data for specific figures)
- Exchange Rate/Treasury Bonds: KRW/USD and 3-year Treasury notes — closing data not yet finalized; please check current figures directly.
- Trading Volume: KOSPI/KOSDAQ — closing data not yet finalized; please check current figures directly.

Global Context — Overnight US Market
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq Hit All-Time Highs on Friday (4/24): Fueled by a semiconductor rally led by Intel and hopes for progress in US-Iran peace talks, both indices rose for four consecutive weeks. The Dow Jones saw its three-week winning streak come to an end.
- Oil Prices Decline: Signs of progress in Iran peace talks pushed oil prices lower, easing energy cost burdens and supporting tech valuations.
- Key Variable This Week: Whether the US-Iran ceasefire holds. Potential for renewed tension following reports of oil tanker seizures over the weekend; Asian markets started the week absorbing these developments.

Leading Sectors & Themes
1st Priority: Semiconductors (HBM & AI Memory)
- Movement: SK Hynix jumped +5.56%, emerging as the 17th largest company by global market cap and acting as the sole engine for the KOSPI.
- Leading Stocks:
- SK Hynix (000660) — +5.56%, highlighted by growth engines like HBM4 and SOCAMM2. Nomura Securities set a target price of 2.34 million won, with multiple brokerages raising targets above 2.1 million won.
- Samsung Electronics (005930) — Rose on expectations of a semiconductor industry recovery; some brokerages (BNK Investment & Securities, as of March) have set a target price of 250,000 won.
- Checkpoints: Confirmation of an earnings surprise for SK Hynix’s Q1 (last week) led to a cascade of target price hikes. Visibility for HBM4 and AI data center demand is confirmed for over 6 months.
2nd Priority: Materials & Secondary Batteries (Leading KOSDAQ 1,200 breakout)
- Movement: The KOSDAQ continues to hold above the 1,200 mark, with strength in materials and secondary batteries.
- Leading Stocks: Buying interest concentrated in large-cap secondary battery material stocks (Ecopro group, POSCO Future M, etc.).
- Checkpoints: Monitor if foreign and institutional inflows continue after the KOSDAQ's historic move above 1,200 last Friday (April 24).
3rd Priority: General Korean Market — Geopolitical Risk Easing
- Movement: Sentiment favoring risk assets has strengthened due to the extended Middle East ceasefire and expectations for US-Iran talks, driving sustained foreign net buying.
- Leading Stocks: General KOSPI large-caps (Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, etc.).
- Checkpoints: Despite reports of renewed US-Iran tensions over the weekend, the market absorbed the news and opened higher. The sustainability of the ceasefire is the core variable for this week’s mood.
Guide to Key Stocks
This guide provides reference price ranges based on brokerage reports and public filings; investment decisions remain the responsibility of the individual.
SK Hynix (000660)
- Today's Close / Percentage Change: Near all-time intraday highs (+5.56% or more, please confirm final close).
- Market Flow: Foreign net buying (estimated passive fund inflows as it became the 17th largest global market cap), accompanied by institutional buying.
- Fundamental Trigger: Q1 earnings surprise confirmed. Growth momentum from next-gen products like HBM4/SOCAMM2. Nomura Securities raised 2026/2027 operating profit forecasts by 9% and 4%, respectively.
- Brokerage Targets / Support & Resistance: Nomura (2.34 million won), domestic brokerages (~2.1 million won). Refer to historical lows (700k–800k won) for long-term support.
- Risks: ① Foreign outflow if US-Iran tensions reignite; ② Intensified competition if Samsung Electronics regains HBM market share.
- Scenarios: Favorable (Ceasefire holds + AI demand confirmed) → Observe if it secures the 2.1–2.34 million won range / Unfavorable (Geopolitical worsening) → Check support at 2 million won.
Samsung Electronics (005930)
- Today's Close / Percentage Change: Rose in tandem with SK Hynix (check final close).
- Market Flow: Interest from foreign and institutional investors; attractive relative valuation compared to SK Hynix.
- Fundamental Trigger: Improving semiconductor conditions. Potential variable: response to the labor union's general strike. Q2 momentum depends on HBM3E mass production and foundry orders.
- Brokerage Targets / Support & Resistance: BNK Investment & Securities (250,000 won). 52-week range typically 55,000–80,000 won (check updated data).
- Risks: ① Production disruptions from the labor strike; ② Continued delay in HBM market share recovery.
- Scenarios: Favorable → Observe if it reaches 250,000 won target upon early resolution of strike / Unfavorable → Possible short-term adjustment if strike prolongs.
KOSPI Large-Caps (Index ETFs & Blue Chips)
- Today's Close / Percentage Change: KOSPI +1.79%, 6,591.41 (6,603.01 intraday high).
- Market Flow: Potential for structural foreign inflows due to expectations of increased weighting in global passive indices following the 6,000 trillion won market cap milestone.
- Fundamental Trigger: Reduced geopolitical risk + AI/semiconductor cycle upturn + corporate value-up program.
- Brokerage Targets / Support & Resistance: 52-week range low ~5,600–5,800, high now at 6,600.
- Risks: ① Rapid risk aversion if US-Iran ceasefire breaks; ② Renewed uncertainty regarding US Fed policy.
- Scenarios: Favorable → Check for further upside after settling above 6,600 / Unfavorable → 6,400–6,500 is the key support level.

Events to Watch Tomorrow
- US Big Tech Earnings (April 28–29): Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple. AI investment guidance will directly impact semiconductor demand forecasts.
- Middle East Ceasefire (Ongoing): Monitor US-Iran agreement status.
- Korean Export/Import Data (May 1): Semiconductor export growth rate is a leading indicator for the KOSPI.
- Samsung Electronics Labor Strike (This week): Potential volatility depending on strike duration and intensity.
Strategic Memo
Today's KOSPI 6,600 breakthrough and the 6,000 trillion won market cap milestone have reinforced a "risk-on" atmosphere. Maintain positions in semiconductors and AI-related large-caps, but closely monitor the Middle East situation and US big tech earnings. These will dictate whether the current momentum continues or if it triggers profit-taking. Use the 6,400–6,500 range as your primary risk management/support level.
This material is a market briefing based on news, disclosures, and brokerage reports. It does not constitute investment advice or guarantee profits; all trading decisions are the responsibility of the investor.
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.