Overview

• The index climbed to 3,339.97 in early trade, topping Wednesday’s all-time intraday high of 3,314.53.
• By late morning in Seoul it was nearly unchanged at 3,317.51 as early momentum faded.
• Semiconductor and battery bellwethers led the advance, with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and LG Energy Solution posting early gains.
• Defense and shipbuilding stocks were firm, and food makers like Nongshim and Samyang Foods logged sharp intraday jumps.
• Overnight U.S. equity gains and a PPI decline supported sentiment, and the won hovered around 1,388–1,389 per dollar as traders awaited the U.S. CPI release.