South Korea passes UK to become world's eighth-largest stock market
South Korea's stock market has surpassed the UK's to become the world's eighth-largest, with a 45% surge in market capitalization to $4.04 trillion this year, driven by AI-linked technology companies. The rally is led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which account for over 40% of the Kospi index.
South Korea has become the world's eighth-largest stock market, overtaking the UK, due to a significant rally in its AI-linked technology sector. The total market capitalization of Korean-listed companies has risen 45% to $4.04 trillion this year, while the UK's has increased 3% to $3.99 trillion. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the country's two largest listed companies, have driven the surge, accounting for over 40% of the Kospi index. President Lee Jae Myung's push for corporate governance reforms and pro-market policies has also supported the rally. Wall Street strategists remain bullish on Korean stocks, citing earnings upgrades from AI demand and favorable valuations. Goldman Sachs has raised its Kospi target to 8,000, driven by a projected 200% increase in 2026 earnings growth.
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