Daily Briefing · 2026-10-06

Despite interest rates at their highest level in 24 years, the AI investment boom appears to be overwhelming the market. In contrast, the domestic market showed mixed results. Amid heavy net selling by foreign investors and a simultaneous decline in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the KOSPI fell below the 7000 line, closing at 6941. With the end of Samsung Electronics' and SK Hynix's share buybacks approaching and rumors of a Solidigm listing adding to the pressure, tens of trillions of won in market capitalization evaporated. On the other hand, the KOSDAQ regained the 900 line for the first time in three months as trading in semiconductor equipment/materials/parts and bio sectors recovered. In the financial sector, hacking incidents are spreading on all fronts. Welcome Savings Bank was hacked for 120 minutes but only became aware of it 5 days later, while Shinhan Bank had the personal information of 25,000 people leaked, prompting the Financial Supervisory Service to conduct an on-site inspection. Financial authorities declared a one-month special response period and launched an emergency response. In the space industry, the Nuri rocket's 5th launch vehicle completed launch preparations carrying 15 satellites. With expanded participation from private companies such as Hanwha Aerospace, the space industry's self-sufficiency is gaining momentum in earnest. Elon Musk reclaimed the title of world's richest person after SpaceX's stock price surged 7% in a single day, pushing his net worth to $1.0400 trillion. In the retail industry, Shinsegae Group is investing 1.4 trillion won to acquire Warner Bros., pursuing a transition into an entertainment platform combining content and retail. In the bio industry, Samsung Biologics faces a shortfall in construction funds for its 6th plant due to reduced proceeds from a rights offering, and the union has announced a second strike. Meanwhile, Alteogen has attracted 200 billion won in investment and is shifting its business structure toward direct sales of its own new drugs. The Fair Trade Commission has launched an on-site investigation into price-fixing allegations against three fried chicken franchises — BHC, BBQ, and Kyochon. In the business world, the stock assets of the chairs of 48 conglomerates fell by 18.6 trillion won over three months, with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong posting a personal loss of 13.2 trillion won. In the real estate market, Seoul apartment prices have set a record for the longest consecutive rise in history, raising concerns about overheating. In the securities market, individual investors who invested in leveraged ETPs tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix were found to have incurred losses exceeding 2.3 trillion won. Lastly, concerns are being raised that the expansion of the U.S. trade deficit in August to 141 trillion won, driven by increased imports tied to AI investment, could drag down U.S. economic growth in the third quarter.