KOSPI lands above 6,400 at fresh peak on earnings prospect

▲ A security official stands guard outside a hotel expected to host a second round of U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 19, 2026. (Yonhap)

stocks-summary

KOSPI lands above 6,400 at fresh peak on earnings prospect

SEOUL, April 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks rose to a fresh record high Wednesday, settling above the 6,400 level, as sound corporate earnings outlook outshined lingering uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran peace talks. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 29.46 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at a new record high of 6,417.93, surpassing its previous record of 6,388.47 set on Tuesday.

The index opened slightly lower as investors remained cautious about developments in the Middle East, even after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would extend the ceasefire until Tehran submits a "unified proposal."

On Wall Street, U.S. stocks fell after U.S. Vice President JD Vance called off a trip to Pakistan, where Washington and Tehran had been expected to hold negotiations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.59 percent, and the Nasdaq composite declined 0.59 percent.

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved