South Korean Shares End Lower
The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.44% to close at 6,009 on Wednesday, extending its losing streak to six sessions as renewed concerns over AI spending and a weaker-than-expected sales outlook from ASML erased early gains. The Dutch chipmaking equipment supplier reported strong third-quarter earnings, but its 2026 sales forecast fell short of market expectations, despite its shares having surged 84% over the past year. The disappointing outlook weighed on investor confidence across the semiconductor sector, erasing the KOSPI’s early gains. Investors also remained cautious ahead of US inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. Losses were recorded in SK hynix (-1.66%), SK Square (-0.58%), Samsung Biologics (-1.99%), Samsung C&T Corp (-2.83%), KB Financial Group (-1.97%), Shinhan Financial Group (-4.71%), Doosan Enerbility (-1.14%), and Hana Financial Group (-2.25%), while Samsung Electronics ended flat.
44% to close at 6,009 on Wednesday, extending its losing streak to six sessions as renewed concerns over AI spending and a weaker-than-expected sales outlook from ASML erased early gains. The Dutch chipmaking equipment supplier reported strong third-quarter earnings, but its 2026 sales forecast fell short of market expectations, despite its shares having surged 84% over the past year. The disappointing outlook weighed on investor confidence across the semiconductor sector, erasing the KOSPI’s early gains. Investors also remained cautious ahead of US inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.
25%), while Samsung Electronics ended flat.