The benchmark KOSPI fell more than 1% to around 6,620 on Monday, extending losses from the previous session as weakness in US technology stocks continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The decline followed another selloff on Wall Street, with investors staying cautious ahead of major US technology earnings and this week’s Federal Reserve policy decision, which could offer fresh clues on AI spending and interest rates. Samsung Electronics (-0.7%), SK Hynix (-1.4%), SK Square (-4.9%), Hyundai Motor (-1.1%), and Hanwha Aerospace (-7.7%) were among the notable decliners. Meanwhile, easing geopolitical tensions after the US paused strikes on Iran over the weekend pushed oil prices sharply lower and improved global risk sentiment. Markets also found support from a series of AI cooperation agreements between South Korean firms and global technology companies, including a long-term semiconductor supply deal involving SK Group and Nvidia, as well as Nvidia’s investment in Naver.
