KOSPI Jumps 1.95% to 6,971.35 as Record Chip Exports Lift Samsung, SK Hynix

South Korean shares closed nearly 2% higher on Thursday, led by chipmakers after domestic trade data beat forecasts and set a record. The benchmark KOSPI rose 133.31 points, or 1.95%, to 6,971.35, recovering from a 1.1% intraday drop. September exports surged 83.5% year-on-year to a record $120.9 billion, topping the median estimate of 62.0%, as semiconductor shipments more than tripled on global AI spending. Factory activity grew at its fastest pace in four months, with export demand the quickest in 15-1/2 years. Samsung Electronics gained 2.79% and SK Hynix rose 3.21%. The data followed Micron Technology's forecast of quarterly revenue above estimates and $32 billion in long-term supply commitments. Foreigners were net sellers of shares worth 547.3 billion won ($402.93 million). The won was quoted at 1,358.4 per dollar, 0.20% weaker than its previous close of 1,355.7.