The benchmark KOSPI climbed more than 1% to around 6,995 on Monday, rallying for a second straight session amid strong global semiconductor momentum. Gains were led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, advancing nearly 4% and more than 1%, respectively, after US semiconductor stocks rallied, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising 2.78% on Friday. Additionally, South Korea’s exports surged 78% year-on-year in the first 20 days of September, driven by a 259% jump in semiconductor shipments to $34.1 billion, highlighting continued strength in chip demand and a strong earnings outlook for chipmakers. Other notable performers included SK Square (4.1%), KB Financial Group (1.1%), Samsung C&T Corp (4.4%), Shinhan Financial Group (2.3%), and Hana Financial Group (1.7%). Meanwhile, Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel amid ongoing Middle East tensions, keeping inflation and broader macroeconomic concerns in focus.