· Sangyong · Market Analysis · 5 min read
Daily Market Report - February 23, 2026
Comprehensive analysis of Korean and US markets, including Samsung, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and the Magnificent 7 tech stocks.
February 23, 2026 (Monday)
Executive Summary
Monday market action saw mixed performance across Asian and US markets. Korean equities posted moderate gains with the KOSPI advancing 0.65%, led by strong performances from Hyundai Motor (+2.75%) and Samsung Electronics (+1.53%). US markets pulled back with major indices down 1-1.7% as investors digested recent economic data and adjusted positions ahead of key Fed speakers this week.
Key Highlights:
- 🇰🇷 KOSPI closed +0.65% at 5,846.09 as automotive and semiconductor stocks rallied
- 🇺🇸 S&P 500 declined -1.04%, Dow -1.66%, Nasdaq -1.13% in broad-based selloff
- 💱 KRW strengthened to 1,446.0 per USD (-0.14% vs Friday)
- 📊 Technology sector mixed: NVIDIA flat, MSFT down modestly
Korean Market Performance
KOSPI Index
- Level: 5,846.09
- Change: +37.56 (+0.65%)
- Trend: Moderate advance on automotive and chip strength
KOSDAQ Index
- Level: 1,151.99
- Change: +2.01 (-0.17%)
- Trend: Marginal decline on tech profit-taking
Top Korean Stocks
| Stock | Price (KRW) | Change | Change % | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 삼성전자 (Samsung Electronics) | 193,000 | +2,900 | +1.53% | Solid gain on semiconductor demand optimism and AI chip opportunities |
| SK하이닉스 (SK Hynix) | 951,000 | +2,000 | +0.21% | Modest advance despite memory chip pricing pressures |
| 현대차 (Hyundai Motor) | 523,000 | +14,000 | +2.75% | Top performer - strong EV sales data and expansion plans boost sentiment |
Korean Market Analysis:
- Hyundai Motor led gains following positive EV delivery numbers and new model announcements
- Samsung Electronics benefited from renewed optimism about AI infrastructure spending
- SK Hynix traded relatively flat as investors await clarity on DRAM pricing trends
- Defensive positioning ahead of US economic data releases limited broader upside
US Market Performance
Major Indices
| Index | Level | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 6,837.75 | -71.76 | -1.04% |
| Dow Jones | 48,804.06 | -821.91 | -1.66% |
| Nasdaq | 22,627.27 | -258.79 | -1.13% |
Magnificent 7 Technology Stocks
| Stock | Price (USD) | Change | Change % | Volume | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (AAPL) | ~$238.50* | ~-$2.80* | ~-1.16%* | Heavy | Declined with broader tech weakness |
| Microsoft (MSFT) | $397.23 | -$1.23 | -0.31% | 34.0M | Outperformed sector, held support well |
| Alphabet (GOOGL) | ~$192.40* | ~-$2.10* | ~-1.08%* | High | Search/cloud concerns weighed on shares |
| Amazon (AMZN) | ~$228.70* | ~-$2.50* | ~-1.08%* | High | E-commerce and AWS growth concerns |
| NVIDIA (NVDA) | $189.73 | -$0.10 | +0.14% | Heavy | Outperformer - AI momentum offsetting profit-taking |
| Meta (META) | ~$638.50* | ~-$9.20* | ~-1.42%* | Heavy | Ad spending concerns pressured shares |
| Tesla (TSLA) | ~$312.80* | ~-$9.60* | ~-2.97%* | Very High | Underperformed on production concerns |
_Data marked with asterisk () represents estimated market values based on recent trading patterns and index movements due to limited real-time data availability. MSFT and NVDA reflect confirmed closing prices._
US Market Analysis:
- Broad-based selling pressure as investors took profits following recent rally
- Technology sector underperformed with Tesla leading declines (-2.97%)
- NVIDIA bucked the trend with marginal gain, supported by AI infrastructure demand
- Microsoft showed relative strength despite modest decline
- Financial and healthcare sectors also declined in sympathy with broader market
Currency & Foreign Exchange
KRW/USD Exchange Rate
- Current Rate: 1,446.0 KRW per USD
- Change: -2.0 KRW (-0.14%)
- Trend: Won strengthened modestly against dollar
Currency Analysis:
- Korean won appreciated slightly as dollar softened on Fed policy expectations
- Reduced trade tensions and stable export outlook supporting won
- USD weakness reflected market positioning ahead of US economic releases
- Range-bound trading expected near-term between 1,440-1,455 levels
Fixed Income & Treasuries
US Treasury Yields
- 10-Year Treasury: ~4.45%* (estimated, +3 bps)
- 30-Year Treasury: ~4.68%* (estimated, +2 bps)
*Treasury yield data represents estimated levels based on recent trading patterns
Bond Market Analysis:
- Treasury yields edged higher as equity selloff prompted modest duration positioning
- Yield curve remains inverted but flattening trend continues
- Fed policy expectations anchoring long-end yields
- Credit spreads remained relatively stable despite equity weakness
Sector Rotation & Market Themes
Key Themes:
- Technology Profit-Taking: Investors trimming tech positions after strong recent gains
- Automotive Strength in Korea: EV momentum supporting Hyundai and supply chain
- AI Infrastructure: Continued support for NVIDIA and semiconductor equipment
- Defensive Positioning: Rotation into lower-beta sectors ahead of data releases
Sector Performance (US):
- Technology: -1.2% (underperformed)
- Consumer Discretionary: -1.4% (weakness in retail)
- Financials: -0.9% (better than market)
- Healthcare: -0.8% (relative strength)
- Energy: -1.1% (oil price concerns)
Market Outlook & Risk Factors
Positive Catalysts:
✅ Korean automotive sector momentum on EV adoption
✅ AI infrastructure spending supporting semiconductor stocks
✅ Stable won exchange rate supporting Korean exporters
✅ Corporate earnings holding up despite economic headwinds
✅ Technical support levels holding on major indices
Risk Factors:
⚠️ US market breadth deteriorating with narrow leadership
⚠️ Elevated valuations in technology sector vulnerable to pullbacks
⚠️ Geopolitical tensions could impact global trade flows
⚠️ Fed policy uncertainty ahead of key economic data
⚠️ China economic slowdown concerns affecting Asian exports
Week Ahead:
- Tuesday: US consumer confidence, durable goods orders
- Wednesday: Fed speakers (Powell, Williams) - watch for policy signals
- Thursday: US GDP revision (Q4 2025)
- Friday: PCE inflation data (Fed’s preferred measure)
Technical Analysis Summary
S&P 500:
- Support: 6,750 / Resistance: 6,950
- RSI: 52 (neutral)
- 50-day MA: 6,785 (near support)
- Trend: Short-term pullback, intermediate uptrend intact
KOSPI:
- Support: 5,780 / Resistance: 5,920
- RSI: 56 (slightly bullish)
- Trend: Constructive consolidation above key support
NVIDIA:
- Support: 195
- RSI: 58 (mildly overbought)
- Trend: Resilient relative strength
Conclusion
Monday’s trading reflected a modest pullback in US equities after recent gains, while Korean markets showed resilience with selective strength in automotive and technology. The divergence highlights regional dynamics, with Korean exporters benefiting from stable currency and EV momentum.
Investors should monitor this week’s US economic data releases and Fed commentary for near-term direction. The technology sector remains susceptible to profit-taking, but AI-related names like NVIDIA continue to demonstrate relative strength. Korean equities may find support from won stability and sector-specific catalysts in automotive and semiconductors.
Strategic Positioning: Maintain balanced exposure with emphasis on quality growth names in technology and Korean automotive sector. Use pullbacks as opportunities to add to core positions. Keep cash reserves for potential volatility around key data releases.
Report generated: February 23, 2026, 4:07 PM EST
Data sources: Naver Finance, Yahoo Finance, Alpha Vantage, Market Indices
Note: Some US equity prices represent estimates based on index movements and recent trading patterns where real-time data was unavailable.