Semiconductor Stocks Rally on Big Tech's Surprise Earnings... KOSPI Hits Intraday Record High (Comprehensive)

The KOSPI index hit an intraday record high despite external uncertainties such as a surge in international oil prices and a hawkish rate freeze. Expectations that global big tech companies will continue their artificial intelligence (AI) investment cycle, combined with Samsung Electronics posting record-breaking results for the second consecutive quarter, drove the index upward. However, the early gains have somewhat slowed, and the KOSPI is currently hovering around flat territory. On April 30, the KOSPI opened at 6,739.39, up 0.72% from the previous trading day, and climbed as high as 6,750.27 during the session. As of 10 a.m., the KOSPI was trading at 6,688.34, down 0.04%, while the KOSDAQ was at 1,210.12, down 0.83%. Notably, Samsung Electronics led gains in semiconductor stocks after announcing operating profit from its semiconductor division approaching 54 trillion won. At the same time, Samsung Electronics was trading at 227,000 won, up 0.44% (1,000 won) from the previous sess