Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Kospi Surges 17% in Record Daily Gain
The Korean stock market, called the Kospi, had a huge jump of more than 17% on Friday, the biggest ever in one day.
This happened because big companies that make computer chips, like Samsung and SK Hynix, are selling a lot of memory chips that help computers do artificial‑intelligence work.
Big U.S. companies like Amazon and Microsoft said they need more of these chips, which made the Korean stocks go up.
The government tried to stop people from borrowing money to buy stocks, but the market still moved a lot.
Some people think the chip makers are doing well and will keep making money, while others worry that the market is too wild.
The whole thing has been nicknamed the “Squid Game” market because it feels like a risky game.
Kospi index rose over 17% on Friday, its biggest daily gain on record.
The rally was fueled by Amazon and Microsoft’s increased memory chip spending, boosting Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Regulators imposed limits on leveraged ETFs and margin financing, yet volatility remains high.
Analysts note strong fundamentals for chip makers, with double‑digit profit growth and pricing power.
The market has been dubbed the “Squid Game” market, reflecting concerns over speculative retail trading.
- Who
- South Korean investors, regulators, and chip makers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix
- What
- The Kospi index jumped over 17%, its largest daily gain on record
- When
- Friday, after a three‑day sell‑off
- Where
- South Korea, on the Kospi stock market
- Why
- Strong demand for AI‑related memory chips and optimistic chip‑maker fundamentals
- Index
- Kospi
- Daily Gain
- 17%+
- Key Companies
- Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix
- Regulatory Action
- Leveraged ETF restrictions, margin limits
- Market Nickname
- Squid Game market