Overview

• The KOSPI rose 8.14 points, or 0.25 percent, to 3,232.51 in the first 15 minutes of trading on Aug. 14.
• The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite climbed to record highs after milder US inflation data renewed calls for Federal Reserve rate cuts.
• LG Energy Solution and POSCO Future M advanced 1.67 percent and 1.38 percent, respectively, leading gains in battery stocks.
• Defense firm Hanwha Aerospace jumped 1.37 percent after securing a $250 million K9 self-propelled howitzer export deal to Vietnam.
• The won strengthened to 1,380.1 per US dollar, gaining 1.6 won as investors reacted to growing easing expectations.