South Korea’s benchmark Kospi index, once among the world’s top-performing markets with a 36% annual surge and nearly 50% gains at its peak this year, has plunged into turmoil. After recently climbing 3% to a record high of 5,677.25, the index tumbled as much as 13% on Wednesday, following a 7.2% drop in the previous session as escalating Middle East tensions triggered a global risk-off wave. The sharp sell-off was led by heavyweight stocks that had driven the AI-fuelled rally, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor. Losses were so steep that trading in Kospi and Kosdaq shares was halted for 20 minutes after declines breached 8%, activating circuit breakers. Breaking It DownPowered via AIHow are geopolitical tensions affecting the Indian rupee?What sectors are being impacted by the stock market crash?What are the predictions for the Indian stock market amid tensions?Rising oil prices have compounded concerns for import-dependent South Korea, the world’s eighth-largest crude consumer.
