KOSPI Surpasses 4,100 for the First Time Ever on South Korea-US Tariff Deal

The KOSPI has once again reached an all-time high, surpassing the 4,100 mark. The conclusion of tariff negotiations between Korea and the United States served as a positive catalyst.

As the KOSPI index continues to hit record highs day after day, the status board in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, displays the KOSPI and the won/dollar exchange rate on the 30th. On this day, the KOSPI opened at 4,105.95, up 24.80 points (0.61%) from the previous close, and at one point during the session, it reached an all-time high of 4,146.72. October 30, 2025 Photo by Jo Yongjun

As of 9:53 a.m. on October 30, the KOSPI stood at 4,136.16, up 55.01 points (1.35%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 4,105.95, up 0.61% from the previous session, and continued to climb, reaching as high as 4,146.72 during the session.

The previous day, Korea and the United States concluded tariff negotiations centered on a $350 billion investment package in the US. As a result of this agreement, tariffs will also be adjusted. Semiconductor tariffs will be set at levels that are not disadvantageous compared to competitors such as Taiwan. For pharmaceuticals and lumber, most-favored-nation (MFN) status will be applied. In addition, tariffs on automobiles and parts will be reduced to 15%, and mutual tariffs will be maintained at around 15%.

Kim Dooun, a researcher at Hana Securities, stated, "An agreement has been reached on the form of payment for the US-bound investment funds, which was of utmost interest, as well as on tariff rates for automobiles and other items," adding, "This is likely to be perceived as the elimination of negative factors that have weighed on the Korean economy and stock market."

He further emphasized, "Net purchases of Korean stocks by foreign investors are expected to continue, driven by increased liquidity, strong semiconductor performance amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, and pro-market government policies," adding, "With the stabilization of the foreign exchange market, the journey toward the 5,000-point milestone is expected to continue."

By investor type, individuals and foreign investors made net purchases of 171.6 billion won and 36.2 billion won, respectively. In contrast, institutions recorded net sales of 201.6 billion won.

By sector, transportation equipment and parts, as well as entertainment and culture, are up more than 3%. Securities and electrical/electronics are also rising by more than 2%. On the other hand, electric and gas utilities are down 3.53%, while machinery, equipment, and construction are falling by more than 2%.

Among large-cap stocks, those expected to benefit from the resolution of uncertainties related to the tariff negotiations are showing strength.

Samsung Electronics rose 4,200 won (4.18%) from the previous session to 104,700 won. On this day, Samsung Electronics announced its finalized earnings and explained that it is mass-producing and selling HBM3E to all customers. The company also stated that it has shipped samples of the sixth-generation HBM4 to all customers who requested them.

Elsewhere, Hanwha Ocean surged 11.30%, while Hyundai Motor and Kia jumped 6.20% and 3.54%, respectively. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Aerospace are also up more than 1%. In contrast, Doosan Enerbility fell 6.22%, and NAVER declined 2.64%.

The KOSDAQ stood at 898.60, down 2.99 points (0.33%) from the previous session. By investor type, individuals and institutions made net purchases of 13 billion won and 500 million won, respectively, while foreign investors recorded net sales of 5.3 billion won. By sector, paper and lumber, chemicals, textiles and apparel, and non-metallics are all down more than 1%. In contrast, transportation equipment and parts, as well as entertainment and culture, are up more than 1%.

Among large-cap stocks, Alteogen traded at 470,000 won, up 3,500 won (0.75%) from the previous session. HLB and PharmaResearch are both up more than 3%. On the other hand, Peptron, Ecopro BM, Voronoi, and Caregen are each down more than 1%.

Meanwhile, the won-dollar exchange rate started trading at 1,425 won, down 6.7 won from the previous day's close, and is moving around the 1,422-won level. This is interpreted as a result of the resolution of uncertainties following the conclusion of the Korea-US tariff negotiations. Oh Jaeyoung, a researcher at KB Securities, said, "The tariff negotiations also reached an agreement on matters related to the US investment fund," adding, "The sharp rise in the exchange rate may also stabilize in the short term due to the easing of uncertainties."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.