On the 4th, ahead of the weekend, the Korean stock market closed higher as both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ rose simultaneously. On the KOSPI, semiconductors and large-cap tech stocks led the index rebound, while on the KOSDAQ, semiconductor equipment and robotics stocks drove the gains.

The KOSPI finished the regular session at 6,687.21, up 107.73 points (1.64%) from the previous trading day, extending its upward trend for a second consecutive day after rising 0.26% the day before. The KOSDAQ closed at 813.50, up 23.29 points (2.95%) from the previous session. The KOSDAQ had fallen 1.71% in the prior session, slipping to the 790 level, but recouped its losses this day, climbing back above 800 to reach the 810 level.

■ Samsung Electronics Up 2.20%, SK Hynix Up 3.20%... SK Square Surges the Most

Semiconductor-related stocks stood out in both markets. On the Korea Exchange securities market, Samsung Electronics closed up 2.20% at 255,500 won, while SK Hynix rose 3.20% to finish at 1,647,000 won. Samsung Electronics Preferred Shares and Samsung Electro-Mechanics also gained 4.07% and 3.93%, respectively. SK Square surged 6.12% to 1,041,000 won, recording the largest gain among the top 10 KOSPI stocks by market capitalization. Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution fell 1.92% and Samsung Biologics declined 2.03%.

■ Wonik IPS Soars 9.33%... Semiconductor Equipment and Robotics Stocks Strong

Semiconductor equipment stocks also showed strength on the KOSDAQ. Wonik IPS finished trading up 9.33% at 114,800 won, while Jusung Engineering climbed 6.13% and Eotech Technics rose 5.98%. Rainbow Robotics, a robotics stock, closed up 5.15% at 459,000 won. In addition, L&F, HLB, and Alteogen rose 3.58%, 2.90%, and 1.94%, respectively. EcoPro gained 0.86%, but EcoPro BM fell 0.47%, showing mixed movements.

The KOSDAQ's gain outpaced the KOSPI's this day. Attention is focused on whether investor sentiment centered on semiconductor and robotics stocks will continue after the weekend.

■ New York Stock Exchange's Three Major Indices Close Lower

Meanwhile, on the 4th (local time), the three major indices of the U.S. New York Stock Exchange showed weakness. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished trading down 271.86 points (0.51%) at 53,414.25. The S&P 500 index closed at 7,718.60, down 29.11 points (0.38%) from the previous session, and the Nasdaq Composite ended at 26,506.99, down 77.07 points (0.29%).

[※ This article is for investment reference purposes only; investment decisions and responsibilities rest with the investor.]