KOSPI
Closed at 5,469.47 points, down 1.46%. The index faced downward pressure due to a lack of buying support to absorb foreign selling ahead of key corporate earnings and external macroeconomic catalysts.
Headline
October 26, 2026 Market Briefing: KOSPI and KOSDAQ Decline in Tandem Amid Wait-and-See Stance Ahead of Major Events
Key Takeaways
- The KOSPI (-1.46%) and KOSDAQ (-3.26%) closed lower in tandem amid foreign net selling and a cautious wait-and-see sentiment ahead of earnings and the FOMC meeting.
- The Nasdaq (-0.21%) finished mixed near flatlines ahead of major tech earnings, while the USD/KRW exchange rate closed at 1,322.90 won.
- Amid slowing overall market turnover, semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment (SME) and shipbuilding stocks fell sharply, while select individual themes such as medical AI showed isolated strength.
KOSDAQ
Plunged 3.26% to close at 727.21 points. Profit-taking and risk-off selling swept across major growth stocks, including semiconductor equipment, secondary batteries, and pharma/biotech.
NASDAQ
Slightly declined 0.21% to close at 25,955.34 points. The index showed a distinct wait-and-see stance without clear directional momentum ahead of major Big Tech earnings and the FOMC meeting.
Today's Watchlist
- Confirmation of sustained AI infrastructure spending following US Big Tech (Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, etc.) earnings releases.
- Shifts in domestic IT sentiment following Q3 earnings releases and HBM supply/demand outlooks from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
- Outcome of the October US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and monetary policy guidance.
Risk Note
Short-term market volatility may increase due to crude oil price swings driven by Middle East geopolitical unrest and uncertainties surrounding interest rate paths across major global economies.
Last updated: 2026-10-26 16:00:30