Seoul Market Wire — Korean stocks, the won and the economy

KOSPI falls 5.28% as chip stocks slide

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix fell sharply as the KOSPI lost 5.28%. NAVER, Celltrion, Hyundai Motor and Kia rose.

The KOSPI fell 5.28% to 5,383.80 at the close on Nov. 5.
SK hynix dropped 9.46% and Samsung Electronics common shares fell 7.57%.
Hana Bank's USD/KRW reference rate was 1,341.6 won per dollar at 15:38 KST, down 0.07%.

Nov 5, 2026

Korean brokers weigh US data-centre risks for chip suppliers after the midterms

Post-election notes from Kiwoom, iM and SK Securities assessed US data-centre policy risks for AI suppliers. A Daishin note written ahead of the vote focused on how big technology companies fund AI spending.

Nov 5, 2026

Research

How we recap Korean broker research

This guide sets out the format we use for research recaps.

Nov 5, 2026

Stocks

Samsung Electronics common and preferred shares: what is the difference?

The two listed classes of Samsung Electronics stock carry different voting rights and dividend terms. Here is how to tell them apart.

Nov 5, 2026

Stocks

Samsung Electronics common and preferred shares: what is the difference?

The two listed classes of Samsung Electronics stock carry different voting rights and dividend terms. Here is how to tell them apart.

Nov 5, 2026

FX & Rates

How the Bank of Korea sets its base rate

The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Board sets the base rate. Its decisions feed through to the won, government bond yields and bank lending.

Nov 5, 2026

Explainers

KOSPI and KOSDAQ explained: Korea's main stock markets and indices

The Korea Exchange runs two main equity markets, each with its own benchmark index. Here is what each one measures.

Nov 5, 2026

Seoul Market Wire: Korean stock market and economy news in English