Stock Market's KOSPI Index Potentially Continues Upswing from Thursday
The South Korean stock market, specifically the KOSPI, is forecasted to open around 3052 points on Friday, July 11, 2025, according to recent predictions. The index has the potential to reach a maximum of 3266 points, but may also dip to a minimum of 2838 points, suggesting a range with possible volatility.
This forecast comes amidst a recent positive momentum for the KOSPI. Foreign investors and market-friendly policies under the current administration have been driving rallies, although geopolitical uncertainties, such as Middle East conflicts, have caused some pullbacks.
The recent market gains have been particularly strong in financial shares, technology stocks, and chemical companies. This strength has been buoyed by positive global cues, such as better-than-expected U.S. employment data.
Last Thursday, the KOSPI finished 41.21 points or 1.34 percent higher, reaching 3,116.27. Key performers included Samsung Electronics, which rallied 2.22 percent, Samsung SDI, which soared 3.52 percent, and LG Electronics, which accelerated 2.23 percent. However, SK Hynix sank 0.72 percent, Naver climbed 0.99 percent, LG Chem surged 7.08 percent, and Lotte Chemical expanded 4.76 percent.
Meanwhile, the U.S. employment sector also showed signs of strength. In May, the Labor Department reported an upwardly revised 144,000 jobs added, and in June, U.S. employment increased by 147,000 jobs, exceeding expectations. As a result, traders reacted positively, and the S&P 500 ended 51.93 points higher, at 6,279.35, the Dow finished 344.11 points higher, at 44,828.53, and the NASDAQ closed 207.97 points higher, at 20,601.10.
However, the stronger job growth may reduce the chances of a near-term interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. The U.S. employment data also had a positive impact on the global forecast for the Asian markets.
In South Korea, the volume of shares traded on Thursday was 527.53 million shares worth 14.68 trillion won. Other notable performers included Shinhan Financial, which collected 1.37 percent, KB Financial, which advanced 0.97 percent, and Hana Financial, which jumped 1.98 percent. On the other hand, KEPCO eased 0.14 percent, Hyundai Mobis advanced 0.84 percent, Hyundai Motor shed 0.47 percent, and Kia Motors lost 0.60 percent.
South Korea will provide May figures for the current account later this morning. West Texas Intermediate crude for August delivery closed lower, and crude oil settled lower, down $0.45 to $67 per barrel. There were 607 gainers and 282 decliners in the KOSPI on Thursday. SK Innovation strengthened 1.36 percent, POSCO Holdings skyrocketed 9.72 percent, and SK Telecom fell 0.52 percent.
As the KOSPI prepares to open on Friday, investors should keep in mind the forecasted range and potential volatility, as well as the recent market environment and its risk factors.
The positive global cues, such as better-than-expected U.S. employment data, have contributed to the strength of financial shares, technology stocks, and chemical companies in the South Korean market. The KOSPI's forecasted range for Friday, July 11, 2025, indicates a potential for volatility, making it crucial for investors to consider the industry sectors, including finance, technology, and the overall market environment.
