SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean shares extended their winning streak to a fourth session Wednesday as investors scooped up major semiconductor stocks, tracking the Nasdaq Composite's back-to-back record closes.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 63.01 points, or 1.21 percent, to end the day's regular trading session at 7,080.92.
After opening nearly 2 percent higher, the KOSPI pared its earlier gains as foreign and individual investors sold tech heavyweights to lock in profits.
On Tuesday (local time), U.S. stocks ended mixed, led by a persistent rally in technology shares that propelled the Nasdaq Composite 0.45 percent higher to another record close. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.36 percent, while the S&P 500 declined 0.06 percent.
Investor sentiment improved sharply, backed by an extended rally in stocks related to artificial intelligence (AI), as well as hopes for easing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Diplomatic efforts are under way to end the Middle East standoff, which helped to lower global oil prices.
Financial data is displayed on a screen at Hana Bank's dealing room in central Seoul on Sept. 23, 2026. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
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