Today's Stock Market Briefing — 2026-05-30

The KOSPI has hit a new all-time high of 8,476.15, breaking its record from just two days ago. The market continues its rally, led primarily by major semiconductor stocks, supported by hopes for U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and expected AI collaboration during NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's visit to Korea.

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"Sell in May" didn't happen: KOSPI records a historic 24% gain in May

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Key Market Issues

1. Semiconductor-led record high for KOSPI The KOSPI reached 8,476.15 thanks to a strong performance in the semiconductor sector, spearheaded by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. However, the number of advancing stocks remained limited, and the KOSDAQ faced significant selling pressure, with the exception of the bio sector.

2. A historic rally in May 2026 defies Wall Street wisdom The market adage "Sell in May and go away" completely missed the mark in the domestic market this year. The KOSPI saw a historic rally, gaining approximately 24% over the month of May.

3. U.S.-Iran truce hopes and intensified AI investment Expectations for U.S.-Iran truce negotiations are back in focus, and the market is being driven by anticipation of AI and semiconductor collaborations ahead of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s visit.

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Rising Themes and Notable Stocks

1. Strength in secondary batteries and energy storage Momentum for secondary batteries linked to AI data centers and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) continues. Investment experts are recommending increasing positions in Samsung SDI, L&F, and HanJungNCS.

2. Global AI servers and cloud software stocks In New York, stocks related to AI servers, data infrastructure, and cloud software—such as Dell, Super Micro, Okta, and Snowflake—are showing strength following positive earnings results.

3. Mixed performance for newly listed stocks Within the theme of first-half 2026 IPOs, Inventera (+18.81%) and Axvis (+9.25%) are leading the gains, but the sector as a whole remains mixed.

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Macro Context

1. Record-breaking cumulative gains The KOSPI posted a cumulative gain of 41.32% in the first half of May, with 6-month and 12-month cumulative gains reaching 108.46% and 214.60%, respectively.

2. Easing geopolitical risks and interest rate outlooks The potential for a U.S.-Iran peace deal is easing tensions in the Middle East, leading to expectations of lower global oil prices. This is helping to alleviate inflation concerns and supporting the possibility of U.S. interest rate cuts.

3. Semiconductor super-cycle and corporate earnings The market is being lifted by a semiconductor super-cycle, improving corporate earnings, expectations for the conclusion of U.S.-China and Korea-U.S. trade negotiations, and the anticipation of U.S. rate cuts.

This report is based solely on researched data, and all investment decisions are the responsibility of the investor.