South Korea's Kospi Plunges Over 6% Amid Semiconductor Selloff and Inflation Fears

Key Facts

1South Korea's Kospi index fell more than 6% to below the 6,000 mark, reaching its lowest level since July 31.

2Asian markets were pressured by Brent crude trading near two-week highs following attacks on Saudi energy facilities and inflation concerns.

South Korea's Kospi index fell more than 6% to below the 6,000 mark, reaching its lowest level since July 31, 2026. Reuters reported that Asian markets were pressured by a sharp decline in technology shares and renewed inflation concerns linked to rising energy costs.

Market sentiment was weighed down by Brent crude trading near two-week highs following attacks on Saudi energy facilities, which heightened fears of persistent inflation. In related equity movements, NDAQ closed at $94.29 on October 12, 2026, amid investor anxiety over the longevity of the AI-driven rally and rising US Treasury yields.