South Korea’s KOSPI index doubled in value, driven by semiconductor stocks amid surging AI infrastructure demand.
South Korea’s KOSPI index emerged as the top performer in the first half of 2026, surging 100% as AI-driven demand propelled memory-chip heavyweights like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The rally defied broader market volatility, including a June pullback, to deliver historic gains for the benchmark.
Taiwan’s TAIEX index followed with a 59% rise, led by TSMC’s 55% gain, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 39%. Both markets benefited from global demand for AI server hardware and semiconductor components. The first-half gains contrast sharply with late 2025 concerns over tech resilience, which were overshadowed by the sector’s rebound.
The shift in market leadership reflects a broader rotation toward AI-related equities, as investors pivoted from early-year bets on precious metals and Fed policy expectations. The rally underscored the sector’s dominance despite macroeconomic uncertainties.