Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today: South Korean stocks opened lower on Thursday as rising crude oil prices and escalating tensions in the Middle East increased inflation concerns and pushed investors into a cautious mode. The KOSPI opened 0.18% lower and extended its decline during the morning session.
The benchmark index fell 1.28% to 6,961.23 as of 11:20 a.m. KST, giving up the 7,000 level it reclaimed in the previous session. Selling pressure was visible across major technology and battery stocks, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both trading lower.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): Why is the Korean Stock Market Down Today?
The main trigger behind Thursday’s weakness was a sharp rise in oil prices amid intensifying Middle East tensions. Brent crude moved above $100 per barrel, raising concerns that higher energy costs could keep inflation elevated and complicate expectations around interest rates.
The rise in crude prices came as the conflict in the Middle East continued to threaten shipping and energy supplies. Investors are also watching upcoming US inflation data for fresh clues about the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.
Wall Street also provided a negative cue. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.77% overnight, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.64%. The weakness in US equities added to the selling pressure in Seoul.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): KOSPI Down By 0.8% – 0.9%
The KOSPI opened at 7,038.85, down 0.18%, before extending its losses. By 11:20 a.m., the index had fallen 90.41 points, or 1.28%, to 6,961.23.
Institutional investors were net sellers of around 1.01 trillion won, while foreign investors sold a net 496.38 billion won. Retail investors bought stocks worth a net 871.89 billion won.
The decline came just one day after the KOSPI closed above 7,000 for the first time since July 23. On September 9, the index gained 1.40% to close at 7,051.64, supported by strong semiconductor stocks.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): KOSDAQ Up By 2.28%
The 2.28% gain belongs to the KOSDAQ’s September 9 closing performance, when the secondary index jumped 18.49 points to 830.37. The KOSDAQ opened September 9 at 815.06 and ended the session 2.28% higher as investors increased their exposure to technology and growth stocks.
For September 10, the KOSDAQ figure should be updated with the latest live or closing data before publication rather than carrying forward Wednesday’s 2.28% gain.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): Samsung Electronics Down By 0.74%
Samsung Electronics came under selling pressure on Thursday after opening lower. The stock was down 1.3% at 11:20 a.m. KST, according to the latest market update. Earlier, Samsung shares had fallen 0.74% at 9:15 a.m. as investors reacted to the broader market weakness and rising oil prices.
The decline followed a mixed performance on September 9, when Samsung Electronics closed unchanged at 269,500 won even as SK Hynix posted a strong gain.
Despite the short-term weakness, the broader semiconductor outlook remains positive. AI-related demand continues to support expectations for stronger memory-chip sales, while OpenAI’s latest AI developments have added to optimism around future demand for advanced chips.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): SK Hynix Down By 1.08%
SK Hynix also turned lower during Thursday’s session. The stock was down 0.59% at 11:20 a.m. KST, after initially moving higher at the opening of trade.
At 9:15 a.m., SK Hynix was still up 0.05%, showing how quickly sentiment changed during the morning session. The stock had gained 3.51% on Wednesday and closed at 1.856 million won, making it one of the biggest contributors to the previous day’s KOSPI rally.
The longer-term AI story remains supportive for SK Hynix. The company is among the major memory-chip suppliers expected to benefit from increasing demand for high-bandwidth memory and AI data-centre infrastructure.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10) Performance
- KOSPI: -1.28% at 11:20 a.m.
- KOSDAQ: September 9 close: +2.28%
- Samsung Electronics: -1.30% at 11:20 a.m.
- SK Hynix: -0.59% at 11:20 a.m.
- Hyundai Motor: -1.55% at 11:20 a.m.
- LG Energy Solution: -2.83% at 11:20 a.m.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): Top Gainers
- Some stocks managed to buck the broader decline despite the negative market sentiment.
- LIG Defense & Aerospace gained 0.45%, while Korea Gas rose 1.11% at 11:20 a.m.
- Hyundai Motor was also higher at the opening, gaining 0.52% at 9:15 a.m., although it later reversed into negative territory.
The relative strength in defence and energy-linked stocks reflects investor interest in companies that could benefit from continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated energy prices.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): Top Losers
Technology, battery and other large-cap stocks faced heavier selling pressure.
LG Energy Solution fell 2.83%, while Hyundai Motor declined 1.55% by 11:20 a.m. Samsung Electronics was down 1.3%, while SK Hynix lost 0.59%.
Earlier in the session, Korea Electric Power Corp. fell 1.93% and S-Oil declined 1.02%. Samsung SDI was also down 1.05% at 9:15 a.m.
Korea Stock Market (KRX) Today (September 10): What Should Investors Know?
Investors should watch three factors closely on Thursday: oil prices, Middle East developments and upcoming US inflation data.
Brent crude moving above $100 has become a major concern because prolonged higher energy prices could increase inflation and influence expectations for global interest rates. US Treasury yields have also remained elevated, adding another source of pressure for risk assets.
At the same time, the semiconductor sector continues to provide an important source of support for Korean equities. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix remain major beneficiaries of the global AI investment cycle, with demand for advanced memory expected to stay strong.
