FX.co ★ South Korean Stocks Gain on De-escalation Signals

The benchmark KOSPI advanced 1.22% to around 5,546 on Thursday, extending its winning streak as easing geopolitical tensions bolstered risk appetite. Sentiment improved after Donald Trump signaled that the monthlong conflict in the Middle East may be approaching a resolution, raising expectations of lower global risk. Trump suggested the US could pull back from Iran in the near term while preserving the option for limited military strikes if required. He also asserted that Iran’s leadership had requested a ceasefire, a claim the Iranian foreign ministry dismissed as baseless. Investors remained cautious ahead of a scheduled public address by Trump later in the day. On the corporate front, gains were driven by LG Energy Solution (up 3.07%), Hanwha Aerospace (up 7.50%), and KB Financial (up 3.30%). Technology shares were mixed, with Samsung Electronics unchanged and SK Hynix slipping 0.67%.