Shipbuilding and marine equipment-related stocks are broadly showing strength. TMC hit the upper price limit, while Samyang M-Tech, Oriental Precision & Engineering, HD Hyundai Marine Engine, and Korea Carbon are also on the rise.

◆ TMC Soars 29.95% to Hit Upper Limit

According to the market, TMC rose 4,250 won (29.95%) from the previous trading day to 18,440 won, reaching its daily price limit. Opening at 14,570 won, the stock climbed to 18,440 won during the session, with trading volume recorded at 5,833,870 shares.

◆ Marine Equipment and LNG Carrier Insulation Material Stocks Also Rise

Samyang M-Tech gained 230 won (3.31%) to 7,180 won, having risen as high as 7,470 won intraday amid expanded volatility.

Oriental Precision & Engineering rose 90 won (2.00%) to 4,590 won, and HD Hyundai Marine Engine climbed 850 won (1.76%) to 49,050 won.

Korea Carbon, classified as an LNG carrier insulation material-related company, rose 350 won (1.72%) to 20,650 won, and Dongsung Finetek gained 250 won (1.55%) to 16,380 won. S&S Tech rose 1.49% to 23,800 won, KS Industry 1.20% to 1,518 won, and Daechang Solution 1.12% to 1,901 won.

◆ Ship Engine Stocks Mostly Strong

STX Engine rose 250 won (1.11%) to 22,750 won, and Hanwha Engine gained 100 won (0.21%) to 48,600 won. KSP climbed 0.61% to 3,320 won.

Dayang Electric Industries rose 0.80% to 18,790 won, Cape 0.63% to 7,930 won, Sejin Heavy Industries 0.50% to 10,020 won, and Hyundai Himse 0.46% to 13,090 won. SK Ocean Plant also rose 0.50% to 12,030 won.

◆ Some Stocks Decline

Meanwhile, some stocks are showing weakness. HD Hyundai Marine Solution fell 2,500 won (-1.05%) to 234,500 won, Taekwang dropped 1.40% to 28,100 won, and Seongkwang Bend 1.13% to 30,550 won. Bumhan Fuel Cell slid 1.57% to 25,050 won, and S&L 2.84% to 1,402 won.

◆ South Gyeongsang Designated as Defense Industry Specialized Complex… Attention on Industrial Ecosystem Investment

The government's advanced industry promotion policy is also cited as a factor raising interest in the shipbuilding and defense industry ecosystem.

On September 30, the government held the ninth National Advanced Strategic Industry Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and newly designated national advanced strategic industry specialized complexes in the robot, defense, and secondary battery sectors. Among them, the defense sector specialized complex was designated in South Gyeongsang Province. The government announced that about 13 trillion won in investment is planned through 2042, centered on leading companies, in the three specialized complexes.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Han stated that advanced industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, batteries, and robotics are creating new markets and industries, bringing major changes to national economic growth and industrial structure. He emphasized the importance of nurturing advanced industries as future growth engines and strengthening investment and industrial ecosystems.

In particular, the government takes the position that the designation of these specialized complexes is meaningful for enhancing the global competitiveness of advanced industries, expanding the industrial foundation supporting corporate investment and innovation, and promoting regional industrial ecosystem development and balanced growth.

While the designation of the South Gyeongsang defense specialized complex is not directly the same policy as shipbuilding support, the region hosts a dense concentration of shipbuilding, machinery, and defense-related manufacturing supply chains, so whether investment in the related industrial ecosystem expands could draw market attention.

◆ Rally Difficult to Attribute to a Single Policy Effect

However, it is difficult to attribute today's rise in marine equipment stocks solely to the government's specialized complex policy. Individual companies' order intake and earnings outlooks, shipbuilders' vessel ordering trends, LNG carrier and specialized vessel demand, raw material prices, and exchange rates can all affect share prices of individual stocks.

[This article was written based on publicly available government data and market data and does not constitute a recommendation to invest in any specific stock. Share prices may fluctuate depending on supply and demand, industry conditions, and corporate performance, and investment decisions and responsibilities rest with the investor. AI assisted in the writing of this article.]