▲ Financial data is displayed on a screen at Hana Bank's dealing room in central Seoul on Sept. 21, 2026. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- Seoul stocks rose Monday as investors scooped up semiconductor shares, offsetting concerns over renewed tensions in the Middle East and elevated oil prices. The Korean won strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained 113.49 points, or 1.65 percent, at 7,007.72.

The index extended its winning streak for the third consecutive session, buoyed by improving investor sentiment toward artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor stocks.

Still, elevated crude oil prices remained a source of concern amid persistent inflationary and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Brent crude traded over US$100 a barrel.

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