Samsung Electronics Drives Kospi Index to Second Straight Gain

The benchmark Kospi index of South Korea rose approximately 0.6% to 6,338.61 on Tuesday, marking its second consecutive session of gains. Samsung Electronics drove the rally with a share price increase of roughly 3.6%, which offset losses from other major firms including SK Hynix and LG Energy Solution.

Market sentiment benefited from trade data showing a 45.3% jump in exports during the first ten days of August compared to the previous year. Foreign investors were net buyers of shares worth approximately 148 billion won, and the South Korean won strengthened to around 1,416 per US dollar.

Despite the gains, investors remained cautious due to Middle East tensions. This volatility followed demands from US President Donald Trump for compensation related to deaths during wars and protests regarding Iranian peace conditions. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol stated that authorities are prepared to take further policy steps to contain market volatility, noting that trading in single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds has already declined following government measures.