Key facts
- Seoul stocks opened higher on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- The KOSPI index rose 1.36 percent at the open.
- The gains were fueled by a continued chip stock rally and positive Wall Street performance.
- Investors are awaiting the National Pension Service's stock portfolio rebalancing, set to commence on Wednesday.
Seoul stocks commenced trading higher on Wednesday, buoyed by an ongoing rally in the semiconductor sector and positive overnight performance on Wall Street. The benchmark Korea Composite Stocks Price Index (KOSPI) opened up 115.02 points, or 1.36 percent, at 8,591.5.
The upward momentum in the KOSPI follows similar gains on U.S. markets, where chip stocks have been leading the advance. Additionally, the continued validity of peace talks between the United States and Iran, with fresh discussions anticipated in Qatar this week, contributed to investor sentiment.
Market participants are also closely observing the National Pension Service (NPS), which is set to begin rebalancing its stock portfolio starting Wednesday. This rebalancing activity is a key factor investors are monitoring.