2025 Stock Market Close: Samsung Electronics & SK Hynix Hit Record Highs, KOSPI Ends at 4,214

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Achieve Best Returns of the Year

On the last trading day of the year, December 30th, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both hit new all-time highs. Samsung closed at 119,900 won, up 0.33%, marking a 124.5% gain since the start of the year. [1][3]

SK Hynix finished at 651,000 won, up 1.72%, with an incredible 279% return for the year. Both companies led the memory chip sector’s recovery, fueling a rally in the second half of the year. [1][3]

KOSPI Slightly Down for the Year, Still Up 75%

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) ended the year down 0.15% at 4,214.17. Earlier in the day, it briefly reached 4,226.36, aiming for a new record high, but profit-taking pulled it back. [3][5]

Foreign investors and institutions sold a combined 4.87 trillion won, while individual investors bought 8.21 trillion won, helping offset the declines. The KOSDAQ index rose 0.76% to close at 925.47. [3]

• KOSPI Year-to-Date Gain: 75%
• Market Holiday: December 31st, reopening January 2nd

Job Market Shows Signs of Cooling; Hiring Expected to Drop 12% Early Next Year

According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s “2025 Second Half Industry-Specific Business and Workforce Survey,” companies plan to cut hiring by 12% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to this year. Overall job openings are decreasing compared to last year. [6]

Small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 300 employees saw even sharper declines, with job openings dropping 8.4% to 1.032 million and new hires down 7.3% to 945,000. The unmet vacancy rate fell slightly to 8.4%. [6]

ETFs Reach a New Milestone of 300 Trillion Won

Data from the Korea Exchange shows that the total net assets of domestic ETFs surged to 297.2 trillion won, a significant increase from last year. The number of listed ETFs also surpassed 1,000, reflecting rapid market growth. [7]

This growth is driven by increased investor interest, with the market closing out the year on a high note.

Government Policies and Currency Trends Continue to Influence Markets

Reforms in corporate governance and amendments to the Commercial Act helped boost stock valuations. The won-dollar exchange rate closed around 1,430 won, with a high exchange rate environment benefiting export-focused companies. [2][4]

Looking ahead, the stock market is optimistic about the semiconductor sector, with some analysts suggesting the KOSPI could break through 5,000 points next year. [2]