# South Korea's KOSPI Index Poised for Rebound After 4% Slump

Seoul's main stock gauge is catching its breath. After bleeding nearly 160 points over two consecutive sessions, the KOSPI is hovering just below the 3,850 mark—but Tuesday could tell a different story.

Here's what went down Monday:
- Index slipped 7.20 points (0.19%) to close at 3,846.06
- Trading range: 3,838.20 to 3,917.16
- Volume: 363.4 million shares (20.3 trillion won)
- Losers dominated with 576 decliners vs 306 gainers

**The pain points:**
Financial stocks took the hit hardest—Shinhan Financial (-0.91%), Hana Financial (-1.65%), KB Financial (-0.17%). Chemical names got hammered too, with Lotte Chemical plunging 4.49% and LG Chem down 2.32%. Auto sector wasn't spared: Hyundai Motor (-0.77%), Kia Motors (-2.54%).

**The bright spot:**
Tech was mixed but Samsung Electronics managed a solid +2.00% rally, offering some counterbalance.

**Why the rebound might stick:**
Wall Street came roaring back Monday—NASDAQ surged 2.69%, S&P 500 up 1.55%, Dow +0.44%. Semiconductor stocks led the charge globally (+4.4% for the Philadelphia Semi Index), with investors hunting bargains after last week's valuation concerns eased. Ukraine-Russia peace talks progress also lifted sentiment.

Crude oil jumped $0.73 (+1.26%) to $58.79/barrel on stronger demand expectations, which could support energy plays.

**The setup:** Asian markets typically follow the U.S. lead, and with tech + oil sectors firing, the KOSPI could finally arrest its losing streak. Watch whether yesterday's buyers hold the line.