29.01.202601:34:26UTC+00South Korean Shares Retreat from Record High

The KOSPI Composite Index experienced a decline exceeding 1%, dipping below the 5,100 mark on Thursday. This movement follows a period of sustained growth, during which investors began securing their gains. Despite this recent downturn, the index still boasts a performance increase of approximately 20% since the beginning of the year, outshining many international markets. Among the notable movements, Samsung Electronics saw a 1% decrease, and SK Hynix reversed previous advances, slipping by 0.2%. These two corporations have been pivotal in driving the recent surge, largely fueled by a strong demand for semiconductor products and memory solutions in AI servers and data centers. This upward trajectory was further bolstered by impressive earnings, with Samsung Electronics setting a milestone as the first domestic entity to surpass 20 trillion won in a quarterly operating profit. Concurrently, investors remain vigilant of the ongoing trade tensions, exacerbated by tariff threats from US President Donald Trump, although efforts to negotiate and resolve these challenges appear to be progressing.