KOSPI Surges as Retail Investors Snap Up Samsung Electronics Shares

## KOSPI Surges as Retail Investors Snap Up Samsung Electronics Shares October 30, 2025 – The KOSPI index is experiencing an upward trend, propelled by strong buying from retail investors. After briefly relinquishing some gains earlier in the morning, the index regained its upward momentum, signaling a recovery in investor sentiment. Samsung Electronics shares, in particular, have seen a notable increase, driving the KOSPI's overall rise. This is largely attributed to growing optimism about South Korea's economic recovery, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. Individual investors have been aggressively buying since the start of trading, leading the market's upward trajectory. Foreign investors' activities are also contributing positively, according to analysts. However, it's worth noting that battery-related stocks are showing a general decline, increasing market volatility, and requiring caution from investors. Experts suggest that the KOSPI is likely to continue its short-term upward trend but caution that adjustments are possible at any time due to external factors such as global economic conditions and exchange rate fluctuations. They advise investors to adopt a cautious approach. Recent diplomatic activity surrounding the Korean peninsula, following the APEC summit in Busan, is also noteworthy. Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping met in Busan, reaffirming their commitment to improving relations. Lee Jae-myung also highlighted South Korea's open stance and the importance of international cooperation in a special address at the APEC summit's opening ceremony. In his special address at the APEC CEO Summit opening ceremony held at the Gyeongju Arts Center Hwarang Hall on October 29, 2025, President Trump reiterated the strong relationship between the U.S. and South Korea, calling South Korea a valued friend and ally. Furthermore, President Trump expressed optimism about ongoing US-Korea trade agreement talks, stating they will soon conclude. President Xi Jinping is expected to visit South Korea tomorrow, and a US-China trade agreement is also expected to be reached, signaling a potential turning point in the international situation surrounding the Korean peninsula. Experts anticipate that the APEC summit and subsequent meetings between key world leaders could positively impact the Korean Peninsula peace process. Progress in the US-Korea trade negotiations is expected to further solidify the economic relationship between the two countries. The negotiations have resulted in a $20 billion annual cap on US cash investments, and the US is expected to lower tariffs on Korean automobiles from next month to 15%. This is expected to contribute to expanding Korean companies' investments in the US and strengthening their export competitiveness. In particular, the reduction in automobile tariffs is expected to positively impact the domestic automobile industry, contributing to increased exports and growth in related industries. Furthermore, the establishment of a limit on cash investment in the US is expected to prevent domestic capital outflow and promote domestic investment. Experts assess that the outcome of this US-Korea trade negotiation will bring mutually beneficial results to both economies and emphasize the need to further develop the economic relationship through continuous cooperation in the future. Against the backdrop of the strengthening US protectionist trade stance, this agreement is expected to act as a positive signal for the stable growth of the Korean economy. President Xi Jinping assessed that US-China relations are generally maintaining stability and emphasized his willingness to cooperate with the United States. President Xi Jinping expressed optimism about improving relations, stating that China is ready to cooperate with the United States and that the US and China should be friends. He also explained that China's development goes hand in hand with the 'Make America Great Again' vision, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation and common prosperity between the two countries. This statement comes amid signs of easing trade tensions between the US and China, drawing attention to whether the relationship between the two countries can reach a new turning point. Experts assess that President Xi Jinping's remarks are a positive sign for easing tensions and expanding cooperation between the two countries, and they expect that the relationship between the two countries can move in a more progressive direction in the future. In particular, considering that China's economic growth and the US economic recovery are interconnected, cooperation between the two countries could contribute to global economic stability.