Seoul stocks are opening sharply higher on revived AI optimism and SK hynix earnings. Memory is the cleanest read on AI capex, so watch whether the bid holds after the open. $000660.KS

What happened: South Korean stocks opened sharply higher Wednesday, tracking overnight Wall Street gains as strong AI-driven semiconductor earnings lifted sentiment before the Federal Reserve rate decision. Key numbers: KOSPI rose 183.73 points, or 3.26 percent, to 5,822.07 as of 9:15 a.m. Nasdaq gained 1.18 percent and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index 3.6 percent. Why it matters: The overnight semiconductor rally gave a positive lead to South Korean chipmakers, and SK hynix earnings reinforced AI optimism, though investors stayed cautious ahead of the Fed decision.

Seoul stocks rose on revived AI optimism and SK hynix earnings.

Seoul stocks rose on revived AI optimism and SK hynix earnings. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.