The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) opened significantly higher on Friday following positive US economic data. The Kospi rose by 52.43 points, or 1.98 percent, in the early trading session, with major US indexes also experiencing gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq composite all rallied, contributing to improved market sentiment. Additionally, the release of the US consumer price index for July further strengthened expectations of potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. In response to these developments, various Korean stocks saw notable increases, including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, Hyundai Motor, Kia, KB Financial, Shinhan Financial, Hana Financial, and Samsung C&T. Meanwhile, the local currency was trading at 1,363.2 won against the US dollar. The South Korean stock market, particularly the Kospi, opened on a strong note on Friday, driven by positive economic indicators from the US. The rally in major US indexes following encouraging retail sales data helped alleviate concerns about an economic slowdown. This positive sentiment extended to the Korean market, with various stocks seeing notable gains. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics, chipmaking rival SK hynix, battery makers LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI, automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia, as well as financial firms such as KB Financial, Shinhan Financial, Hana Financial, and trading firm Samsung C&T, all saw increases in their stock prices. Additionally, the local currency traded at 1,363.2 won against the US dollar, marking a slight decrease from the previous session's close.