FX.co ★ South Korean Shares Advance on Tech Stock Gains

The benchmark KOSPI climbed more than 1% to around 5,510 on Tuesday, extending its advance for a third consecutive session, buoyed by a sharp rally in technology stocks and improving global risk appetite. Investor optimism centered on Samsung Electronics, which gained 2.0% after reporting record first-quarter operating profit, driven by strong demand for AI-related memory chips. The upside earnings surprise reinforced expectations of a sustained semiconductor upcycle, lifting SK hynix by 3.3% and providing firm support to the broader index. Market sentiment also benefited from overnight gains on Wall Street and signs of continued US-Iran dialogue despite elevated geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Donald Trump indicating ongoing engagement amid renewed threats. Hopes for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz further eased concerns over potential energy supply disruptions, even as oil prices remained high. Gains were broad-based, with notable advances in Hyundai Motor (1.1%), Hanwha Aerospace (1.4%), SK Square (3.9%), and KB Financial Group (2.2%).