The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.80% to around 3,472 on Monday, reversing losses from the previous session as the index tracked Wall Street’s rally. Domestically, gains were led by strength in technology and auto stocks, with notable contributions from Samsung Electronics (3.89%), LG Electronics (2.15%), Hyundai Motor (1.17%), and Kia Corporation (0.20%), while SK Hynix (-1.70%) and Hanwha Aerospace (-1.37%) weighed on the index. Reinforcing the advance, investor sentiment improved after data showed South Korea’s exports expanded 13.5% year-on-year in the first 20 days of September to US$40.12 billion. Imports rose 9.9% to $38.22 billion over the same period, producing a trade surplus of $1.9 billion. The latest figures followed a 1.3% rise in August exports to $58.4 billion, driven largely by strong semiconductor demand.