Business · Markets · 57 mins ago
KOSPI faces a volatile week as Fed decision and tech earnings loom
South Korea’s KOSPI closed at 5,550.3 on Oct.
23, after falling back from an early-week rise.
Analysts expect swings to continue, with forecasts for the index ranging from 5,100 to 6,400 at one brokerage and 5,300 to 5,800 at another.
The US Federal Reserve meets on Oct.
27 and 28, and investors are expected to focus less on the likely rate decision than on hints about future policy.
Results from Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and other major technology companies will test whether heavy AI spending can produce profits.
South Korean chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are due to report results on Oct.
28 and 29, with investors also watching for possible share buybacks or other returns to shareholders.
The results could influence demand for Korean shares, while higher oil prices and Middle East tensions may add to inflation and economic concerns.
The KOSPI is expected to face volatility this week as investors assess a US Federal Reserve meeting and earnings reports from major technology companies.
The index closed at 5,550.3 on Oct. 23 after falling from an early-week high of 5,768.01.
The Fed is due to meet on Oct. 27 and 28, with markets focused on its outlook for monetary policy amid inflation concerns.
Microsoft and Alphabet are scheduled to report earnings on Oct. 29, followed by Amazon, Intel and Sandisk on Oct. 30.
SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are due to report results on Oct. 28 and 29, with investors watching for further shareholder returns.
- Who
- South Korean stock market investors, and companies including SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics and major US technology firms.
- What
- The KOSPI faces a potentially volatile week as markets assess the Fed’s decision and corporate earnings.
- When
- The week of Oct. 26, 2026. The Fed meets Oct. 27–28, and company earnings are due from Oct. 28 to 30.
- Where
- South Korea’s KOSPI market, with key developments also coming from the United States.
- Why
- Investors are assessing inflation and interest-rate risks, whether AI investment will generate profits, and the impact of possible additional shareholder returns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The KOSPI moved between 5,305.98 and 5,816.43 during the previous week.
The KOSPI closed at 5,550.3, up 16.53 points, or 0.30%, from the previous trading day.
The US Federal Reserve is scheduled to hold its Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics and several major US technology companies are scheduled to report earnings.
- KOSPI close
- 5,550.3 on Oct. 23
- NH Investment & Securities forecast range
- 5,100–6,400 points
- Kiwoom Securities forecast range
- 5,300–5,800 points
- Fed meeting
- Oct. 27–28
- SK Hynix earnings
- Oct. 28
- Samsung Electronics earnings
- Oct. 29
What people are saying
Already released inflation indicators exceeded market expectations, and international oil prices remain high, so concerns about inflation are unlikely to ease early.
In big tech earnings, it is necessary to focus not only on the growth of AI businesses but also on whether investment can continue.
We are watching whether SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics announce additional share buybacks.
Rather than a rebound in the index, this is likely to lead to bottom-building through broader participation.