Seoul shares plunge over 5 pct on AI regulation concerns after U.S. midterms

김보람

2026-11-05 15:38:21

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Financial data is shown on a screen inside the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul on Nov. 5, 2026. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Nov. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks plunged more than 5 percent Thursday as the Democratic Party's landslide in the U.S. midterm elections sparked concerns over tighter regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) investments. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 300 points, or 5.28 percent, to close at 5,383.80.

After opening 1.82 percent lower, the index extended losses in the morning, and the bourse operator activated a sell-side sidecar at 10:16 a.m. to suspend program trading for the KOSPI-listed shares for five minutes.

The Democrats' victory, dubbed a "blue wave," raised concerns that the new Congress that takes control in January could tighten regulations on AI data centers, potentially affecting investment in the sector.

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