Seoul shares surge record 18% to reclaim 6,500-point level on chip rally

South Korean stocks skyrocketed by a record 18 percent to reclaim the 6,500-point level Friday, driven by robust semiconductor gains as better-than-expected Microsoft earnings eased concerns over artificial intelligence spending. The local currency rose sharply against the US dollar. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock

Chip stocks fell for a fourth straight day, dragging the Nasdaq, as investors rotated into consumer staples and financials