South Korean stock markets KOSPI and KOSDAQ saw their combined market capitalization fall to approximately 6,057 trillion won as of market close on the 14th, according to Korea Exchange. This represents a loss of 1,386 trillion won, or 18.6%, since the end of last month when the combined market cap stood at 7,443 trillion won. The decline was driven by concerns over semiconductor industry peak-out and surging oil prices amid escalating US-Iran geopolitical tensions. The two markets had approached 8,000 trillion won on the 22nd of last month but have since retreated below the 7,000 trillion won level.
As of the 14th market close, KOSPI's market capitalization stood at approximately 5,616 trillion won, while KOSDAQ's reached 440 trillion won. KOSPI market cap decreased by 1,312 trillion won (19%) this month, while KOSDAQ fell by approximately 73 trillion won (14%). On the 14th, KOSPI rose 0.73% while KOSDAQ index closed down 1.92%. The combined market cap briefly dipped below 6,000 trillion won during intraday trading on the 14th.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Lose Over 940 Trillion Won Combined
Samsung Electronics closed at 263,000 won on the 14th, up 3.34%. Its market capitalization stands at approximately 1,538 trillion won, down 21% from 1,953 trillion won at the end of last month. Samsung Electronics surpassed 2,000 trillion won in market cap for the first time on the 1st of last month and reached its all-time high closing price of 362,500 won on the 18th of last month, with market cap expanding to 2,119 trillion won. However, it has remained below 2,000 trillion won throughout this month.
SK Hynix closed at 1,913,000 won on the 14th, up 3.69%. Its market capitalization reached 1,363 trillion won, down approximately 28% from 1,889 trillion won at the end of last month. SK Hynix surpassed 2,000 trillion won in market cap for the first time this year, crossing the threshold on the 22nd of last month based on closing price, briefly falling below before recovering on the 25th of last month. As of the previous day's market close, US market cap tracking site CompaniesMarketCap.com recorded SK Hynix's market cap at 868.9 billion dollars, pushing the company out of the 1 trillion dollar club.
Other Major Companies Record Double-Digit Market Cap Declines
SK Square's market cap fell 30% from approximately 224 trillion won last month to 157 trillion won currently. Samsung Electro-Mechanics declined 42% from 163 trillion won to 94 trillion won. Hyundai Motor decreased 14% from 101 trillion won to 87 trillion won. LG Energy Solution fell over 11% from 85 trillion won to 75 trillion won.
FAQ
What caused Korean stocks to lose 1,386 trillion won in market cap this month?
The decline was driven by concerns over semiconductor industry peak-out and surging oil prices amid escalating US-Iran geopolitical tensions, according to Korea Exchange data as of the 14th.
How much did Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix market cap fall this month?
Samsung Electronics market cap fell 21% from 1,953 trillion won at the end of last month to approximately 1,538 trillion won as of the 14th. SK Hynix market cap fell approximately 28% from 1,889 trillion won to 1,363 trillion won during the same period.
