South Korea’s Kospi index surged more than 16% on Friday, extending a strong move in Asian markets as artificial intelligence-related stocks bounced back from losses earlier in the week. The advance followed gains on Wall Street, with investors returning to technology names tied to the global AI and semiconductor trade.
Chipmaking shares were at the center of the rally. Samsung Electronics was among the major gainers, helping lift the broader market as traders focused on renewed demand for large technology stocks in South Korea.
The rebound came as U.S. futures moved slightly higher ahead of the next trading session, suggesting a steadier tone in global markets. Oil prices also slipped, adding to a broader backdrop in which investors were weighing growth expectations, corporate performance and risk sentiment.
The jump in the Kospi highlights how strongly South Korea’s market can react to swings in AI and semiconductor stocks. After a weak patch earlier in the week, Friday’s move pointed to a sharp recovery in confidence around chipmakers and other technology shares.
