The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.26% to around 3,834 on Wednesday, extending gains for the fifth session as investors assessed policy developments and global market cues. Sentiment was supported by the government’s move to extend fuel tax cuts through December. Under the latest adjustment, the reduction will be trimmed to 7% for gasoline and 10% for diesel and LPG, from the previous 10% and 15%. The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated that the move aims to cushion households against rising energy costs while reflecting uncertainty in oil markets. Adding to optimism, expectations rose that the Bank of Korea would leave rates unchanged for a third meeting to safeguard financial stability amid housing and trade concerns, with economists pricing in a possible rate cut as early as November. Leading the gains were LG Energy Solution (3.32%) and Samsung Biologics (3.50%), while SK Hynix (-1.04%) and Samsung Electronics (-0.82%) posted losses.