The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.53% to around 3,332 on Thursday, extending its week-long rally and reaching a new record high as large-cap technology and semiconductor stocks gained in step with Wall Street’s AI-driven advance. The recent release of US August producer price index data, showing its first decline in four months, bolstered investor expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut the following week. Futures now price in a solid probability of a 25-basis-point reduction, with some positioning for a deeper 50-bp move. Amid these developments, market participants are closely anticipating Thursday’s CPI release, which is regarded as a critical indicator of inflation momentum and the Federal Reserve’s prospective policy trajectory. Notable gains were from Hanwha Aerospace (3.52%) and SK Hynix (1.48%), while Samsung Electronics (-0.14%) posted losses.