The benchmark KOSPI Index climbed 1.8% to above 3,880 on Tuesday, scaling new record highs as optimism over US trade talks continued to fuel the rally. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said Monday that the US has shown signs of softening its stance on requiring South Korea to fulfill its entire US$350 billion investment commitment in cash, signaling progress in ongoing trade talks. Kim reported upon returning from Washington that the US has largely accepted Seoul’s position after meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other officials, during which both sides reached broad consensus on key issues including foreign exchange stability, financing, and profit allocation. On the corporate front, additional momentum stemmed from strength in the tech and energy sectors, with notable contributions from SK Hynix (2.99%), Samsung Electronics (1.43%), Doosan Enerbility (2.86%), and LG Energy Solution (0.69%).