US Market Analysis & Korean Market Daily Briefing — 2026-08-29
US stocks fell on Thursday, August 28, due to Federal Reserve Chair comments expressing concern over current inflation trends, though the market managed to hold onto gains for the week. In the Korean market, where the strong semiconductor earnings rally from Thursday, August 27 intersects with the Bank of Korea's base rate hike, investors need to keep a close eye on foreign and institutional supply and demand dynamics.
Previous US Market Summary
Major US indices closed lower yesterday as Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh voiced concerns over the current inflation trajectory, diverging from expectations. The S&P 500 dipped 0.25% to 7,711.76, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.52% to 26,402.42. Even with this pullback, the market maintained a positive tone for the entire week.
Earlier on Thursday, August 27, NVIDIA's robust revenue outlook drove a broad-based rally across semiconductors and tech shares, lifting overall market sentiment. Strong earnings from companies like NVIDIA and Salesforce spearheaded the tech gains, pushing the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.20% to 53,568 and the Nasdaq up 1.14% to 26,541.

Key Korean Market Themes and Issues
1. Semiconductor Sector: The NVIDIA Effect and Global AI Demand On August 27, the KOSPI finished above the 6,910 level, powered by optimism surrounding NVIDIA's strong earnings and strength among leading semiconductor stocks, confirming net buying from foreign and institutional investors. NVIDIA's upbeat outlook on AI is having positive spillover effects on domestic chipmakers and component suppliers.

2. Macroeconomics: Impact of Bank of Korea's Rate Hike The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee raised the base rate on August 27, which somewhat capped the stock market's upside. This reflects ongoing monetary policy normalization amid persistent global inflation pressures, potentially acting as a headwind for rate-sensitive sectors.
3. Foreign and Institutional Supply & Demand Volatility Early in the session on Friday, August 28, despite the tech rally in the US, selling pressure from foreign and institutional investors pushed the KOSPI down to 6,866.38, widening market volatility. This coincided with profit-taking desires triggered by global macro events (such as remarks from Fed officials), requiring close monitoring of supply and demand trends in today's trading session.
Stocks to Watch Today
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NVIDIA (NVDA) and Related Value Chain: NVIDIA's strong revenue forecast reaffirmed that the AI infrastructure investment cycle remains fully intact. Domestically, semiconductor design and manufacturing stocks integrated into the NVIDIA ecosystem warrant attention for potential upside.
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SK바이오팜 (SK Biopharmaceuticals): Highlighted as a stock to watch in the August 27 Helloty Report, setting the stage for individual stock momentum within the biotech sector.
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현대차 (Hyundai Motor): Backed by steady growth in the global automotive sector and selected as a focus stock on August 27, making it a candidate for incoming institutional and foreign capital inflows.
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Disclaimer: This briefing is for reference only, and investors bear full responsibility for their investment decisions.
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