Local reports linked the downturn to high US inflation figures and debt burdens at CoreWeave. Earlier on October 15, the Korea Exchange halted program selling for five minutes after a sudden 6% drop wiped out $203B in market capitalization. Market observers noted that the pressure could spread to the US, as South Korean investors have moved $69B into US equities including shares in Nvidia and Micron over the past year.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
Kospi Plunges 7% to Hit 40% Decline From June Peak
Global Markets6 days ago
Equity prices in South Korea plummeted nearly 20% over the last five trading days as heavy selling hit the semiconductor sector. The benchmark Kospi index finished Thursday down 7%, extending a slide that has erased 40% of the index's value since its peak on June 19. SK Hynix shares sank 8% amid fears regarding Federal Reserve rate hikes and AI funding in a market where two chip companies comprise more than half of the total index weight.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.