Key facts
- South Korean stocks opened sharply higher on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
- The KOSPI index rose 1.94% to 7,153.99 at the opening bell.
- Gains were led by tech heavyweights, following the Nasdaq Composite's record closes.
- Investor sentiment improved due to a rally in AI-related stocks.
- Hopes for easing Middle East tensions also contributed to market gains.
- Oil prices fell as diplomatic efforts to end Middle East tensions progressed.
South Korean stocks opened sharply higher on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rising 1.94 percent to 7,153.99 at the opening bell. The gains were primarily driven by technology heavyweights, following the Nasdaq Composite's consecutive record closes. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.45 percent to a new record high on Tuesday (local time), while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.36 percent and the S&P 500 declined 0.06 percent.
Investor sentiment was bolstered by an extended rally in artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks and optimism surrounding de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East situation have contributed to a fall in oil prices.