South Korea’s Kospi index entered a technical bull market on Thursday, driven by a revival in the global AI trade, which pushed emerging-market equities higher. MSCI’s developing-nation stocks benchmark rose 0.8% by 9:50 a.m. in London, with four of the top six contributors listed in South Korea. The surge reflected renewed investor confidence in AI-driven growth prospects.

The AI trade revival, centered on demand for semiconductors and tech infrastructure, fueled gains across Asian markets. South Korean stocks, particularly tech-heavy indices, outperformed peers, aligning with broader trends in AI investment. Analysts noted that this momentum could sustain emerging-market rallies if AI-related demand remains strong.

While the Kospi’s rise marked a technical bull market, broader market stability depends on global economic conditions. The article did not specify exact companies or sectors leading the gains, focusing instead on macroeconomic drivers. The date of the report, August 13, 2026, highlights a future outlook for AI’s economic impact.