The one market where volatility is rising even as stocks surge
MarketWatch·2026-02-04 10:07
Core Viewpoint - South Korea's stock market has experienced significant gains in 2026, with the Kospi Composite rising 27% year-to-date, driven by strong performances in memory chip and defense stocks [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The Kospi Composite index increased by 1.6% on a recent Wednesday, contributing to a total gain of 27% for the year [1] - The iShares MSCI South Korean ETF (EWY), which is U.S.-listed, has surged by 28% in 2026 [1] Group 2: Volatility Trends - Despite the stock market rally, volatility in South Korea's market has also risen unusually [1]