Seoul’s benchmark KOSPI index opened higher on Friday, driven by a wave of buying in the technology sector that overshadowed concerns over renewed geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors moved to capitalize on bargain-hunting opportunities in tech stocks, pushing the index up despite the backdrop of escalating risks in one of the world’s most vital energy trade routes.
The market’s resilience highlights a divergence between regional equity sentiment and global shipping risk.
While the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for geopolitical anxiety, with potential disruptions to oil flows and freight rates, Korean investors appeared focused on domestic sector rotation and valuation plays.
The technology sector, a heavyweight in the KOSPI, led the advance, suggesting that local fundamentals and sector-specific momentum are currently outweighing broader macro risks.
The Strait of Hormuz tensions have persisted as a key variable for global energy markets, with shipping insurers and freight operators closely monitoring the situation.