The domestic stock market is drawing investors' attention as it shows strong upward momentum, buoyed by the U.S. stock market rally and expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East.

KOSPI Breaks the 8,430 Mark, KOSDAQ Surpasses 1,040 In the financial market on the 13th, the KOSPI surpassed the 8,400 mark intraday and rose to the 8,430 level, demonstrating a robust trend. The KOSDAQ also stably traded above the 1,000 mark and broke through the 1,040 level, indicating a clear trend of risk-asset preference. This is interpreted as the result of an overall favorable environment in the global stock market, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 Index, and the Nasdaq Composite Index all closed higher.

Buying Interest Expands Centered on AI and Semiconductor Sectors The key factor driving the recent market sentiment is the observation that the conflict surrounding the U.S. and Iran could ease compared to before. Consequently, a capital shift is occurring from safe-haven assets to risk assets such as equities. In particular, as expectations for the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry persist, interest in domestic and international technology stocks is rising again. Following the continued strength of U.S. Big Tech companies, buying interest has expanded in the domestic market as well, centered on major semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, driving the market higher. In the KOSDAQ market, supply and demand are also concentrating on semiconductor equipment and materials companies, AI-related mid- and small-cap growth stocks, and select biotech stocks.

Possibility of Short-Term Correction and Future Variables However, some market participants do not rule out the possibility of a correction following the recent sharp gains. Changes in the monetary policy of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), the release of major economic indicators, and international oil price movements are cited as key variables that will dictate the future direction of the stock market. In particular, some analysts note that if inflationary pressures expand again or geopolitical risks resurface, investor sentiment could be shaken.

Experts note that while the mid- to long-term trend of the current stock market is relatively sound, the magnitude of the short-term gains was significant, so they are keeping an eye on the possibility of deepening differentiation among individual stocks. Capital is expected to flow into companies that confirm earnings improvements going forward. The domestic stock market is projected to be heavily influenced by the future direction of the U.S. stock market and the recovery of the semiconductor industry. If the strength of global technology stocks and the expansion of AI investments continue, further upside potential can be expected; however, the possibility of increased volatility due to changes in interest rates and international affairs must also be taken into account.

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