Asian markets mixed as KOSPI slips after earlier gain on semiconductor strength

Graphics by AJP Song Ji-yoon

SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) - Asian markets opened mixed on Wednesday, as South Korean shares rose on early semiconductor and energy gains but slipped amid broader caution across the region.

In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI was down 0.4 percent at 4,673 and the tech-heavy KOSDAQ also fell 0.8 percent to 941.4 as of around 11 a.m., as initial gains shortly after trading began earlier in the day gave way to selective profit-taking.

Semiconductor shares traded mixed, with Samsung Electronics rising 1 percent to 139,000 won ($94.8) while SK hynix slipped 0.7 percent to 733,000 won after recent gains.

Hanmi Semiconductor surged 3.0 percent to 178,300 won, extending gains after the company announced the appointment of a former Apple semiconductor executive as vice president and disclosed a new supply contract with SK hynix. The company also revealed a 9.65 billion won contract to supply TC bonder equipment used in high-bandwidth memory production, with delivery scheduled for early April.

Energy and industrial shares also remained strong. Doosan Enerbility jumped 2.8 percent to 89,400 won, as investors continued to favor nuclear- and power-related stocks amid expectations of sustained global energy investment.

Auto-related shares traded mixed, with Hyundai Motor falling 1.2 percent to 401,000 won, giving back some of its recent gains following a strong rally earlier in the week.

The South Korean won weakened to 1,475.2 per dollar, extending the greenback's ongoing strength.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 1.4 percent to 54,320.1, supported by gains in exporters and technology shares. China's Shanghai Composite Index also climbed 0.3 percent to 4,150.2.
Yoo Joonha Reporter joonhayoo94@ajupress.com

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