breaking

South Korea's Kospi Hits Record 8,000 as Semiconductor Stocks Drive Rally

South Korea's benchmark Kospi index reached an all-time high of 8,000 on Friday, less than a week after crossing 7,000, marking an extraordinary surge in the nation's equities market. The rapid ascent reflects a broad-based rally concentrated heavily in semiconductor manufacturers, which have emerged as dominant forces in regional trading. The concentration of gains among a small group of major chipmakers has raised questions about market depth and sustainability. International investors showed signs of caution, with fund outflows from South Korea-focused equity vehicles reaching record levels. Analysts cautioned that the market's heavy reliance on a handful of large-cap technology stocks creates vulnerability to volatility as global conditions shift.