{
  "id": 6356497,
  "title": "Seoul shares open higher on chip gains despite Middle East tensions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/seoul-shares-open-higher-on-chip-gains-despite-middle-east-tensions-6356497",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-09T00:57:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20260909/seoul-shares-open-higher-on-chip-gains-despite-middle-east-tensions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seoul shares started the trading day on a positive note on Wednesday, with gains in prominent chip manufacturers helping to counter the worries stemming from the ongoing Middle East tensions and the surge in oil prices. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), which serves as the benchmark, saw an increase of 65.98 points, or 0.93 percent, bringing the index to 7,019.5 by 9:15 a.m.\n\nDespite U.S. stocks ending on a downward trajectory due to the escalating Middle East tensions and the rising oil prices, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index defied the market sentiment, experiencing a 1.3 percent gain fueled by ongoing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence. The surge in oil prices continued to gain momentum due to concerns over potential supply interruptions resulting from fresh strikes on energy infrastructure in the Middle East.\n\nThe tech giants played a significant role in driving the market upwards in Seoul. Samsung Electronics, the market bellwether, witnessed a rise of 0.37 percent, while chip leader SK hynix increased by 1.78 percent. Automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motor also contributed to the upward movement, with its shares going up 0.78 percent. Furthermore, defense firm Hanwha Aerospace experienced a notable surge of 2.43 percent. Additionally, Hanwha Ocean, a shipbuilder, reported a 4.18 percent gain after being designated as the preferred bidder for a Royal Thai Navy frigate.",
  "summary": "Seoul shares opened higher Wednesday, as gains in major chipmakers offset lingering concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices. After opening 0.26 percent higher, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) extended gains, trading 65.98 points, or 0.93 percent, higher at 7,019.5 as of 9:15 a.m. Overnight, U.S. stocks ended lower amid heightened Middle…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "(URGENT) Seoul shares open higher on chip gains despite Middle East tensions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/urgent-seoul-shares-open-higher-on-chip-gains-despite-middle-east",
        "published": "2026-09-09T00:03:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul shares open higher on chip gains despite Middle East tensions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/seoul-shares-open-higher-on-chip-gains-despite-middle-east-tensions-6354821",
        "published": "2026-09-09T00:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}