FX.co ★ KOSPI Closes Higher Lifted by R&D Optimism

On Tuesday, the benchmark KOSPI index increased by 0.41%, closing at 3,215 points. This increase was largely driven by advancements in technology and energy sectors, buoyed by positive sentiment surrounding South Korea’s innovation-focused industrial strategy. A key element bolstering this optimism is a governmental initiative aimed at enhancing research and development collaborations with global companies and public entities via tax incentives up to 75%. As part of this strategy, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy committed KRW 484 billion through 2032 to foster the micro-LED display industry, which is anticipated to grow to $320 billion by 2035. Further boosting market confidence, June saw a surge in container shipping costs from South Korea to the United States. The average cost of a 40-foot container climbed 16.6% to KRW 6.09 million for West Coast destinations and 23.3% to KRW 6.77 million for the East Coast, underscoring robust trade activity despite prevailing tariffs. Within the corporate arena, Doosan Enerbility led with an 8.14% gain, followed by Samsung Electronics at 1.92% and LG Energy Solution at 0.63%.