KOSPI: seasonality, event history and insights
In October, KOSPI has averaged -0.43% and risen in 45% of 29 years (1997 to 2025). We rate the October pattern as no clear pattern.
Last close 6,941.39 on October 6, 2026: -0.89% on the day, +64.72% this year, +1.51% so far in October.
Month by month
| Month | Average | Median | Up years | Last 10 years | Best | Worst | Years | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +3.28% | +1.89% | 63% | +3.49% | +48.83% | -14.36% | 30 | moderate |
| February | +0.30% | +0.43% | 53% | +1.71% | +19.52% | -12.24% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| March | +0.42% | +0.52% | 57% | -2.09% | +19.02% | -19.08% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| April | +3.18% | +2.86% | 63% | +5.21% | +30.61% | -15.74% | 30 | moderate |
| May | +0.69% | +1.17% | 53% | +3.60% | +28.45% | -20.08% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| June | +0.59% | -0.06% | 50% | +1.54% | +19.97% | -13.15% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| July | +0.88% | +1.53% | 60% | -1.18% | +15.26% | -22.19% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| August | -0.83% | -0.65% | 43% | -0.39% | +9.28% | -11.86% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| September | -1.21% | +0.17% | 57% | -0.86% | +12.71% | -12.81% | 30 | no clear pattern |
| October | -0.43% | -0.32% | 45% | +0.28% | +23.98% | -27.25% | 29 | no clear pattern |
| November | +2.91% | +0.83% | 59% | +2.11% | +19.72% | -12.51% | 29 | weak |
| December | +2.01% | +2.03% | 59% | +2.04% | +24.47% | -13.42% | 29 | weak |
What drives KOSPI
- South Korea's benchmark, dominated by memory chips and autos, so it tracks the semiconductor cycle and US trade policy.
Sell in May for KOSPI
From 1998 to 2025, the November to April half averaged +10.83% and the May to October half +1.02%. The winter half did better in 64% of 28 years. Compare all markets.
How KOSPI reacted to events
Average move from the close before each event. Day 1 is the close on the event day.
| Event | Cases | Day 1 | Day 5 | Day 20 | Up after 20 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff escalation headlines | 8 | -0.73% | -3.22% | -0.50% | 50% |
Year by year
Latest insights on KOSPI
Tariff threats of up to 300%: what past tariff headlines did to markets
A rally speech named South Korea, China, Japan and Canada. Past escalation headlines have hit Asian exporters and oil hardest within a week.
Questions
What is the best month for KOSPI?
Since 1997, January has had the highest average move for KOSPI at +3.28%, rising in 63% of 30 years. January has the highest share of positive years (63%).
What is the worst month for KOSPI?
September has had the weakest average move at -1.21%, rising in 57% of 30 years.
How does KOSPI usually do in October?
KOSPI has averaged -0.43% in October (median -0.32%), rising in 45% of 29 years. We rate the pattern as no clear pattern.
Get alerts for KOSPI
Free during launch. Pick your markets and topics; we email when something relevant happens, with sources and history attached.
Build a free watchlistNot investment advice. Market Seasonality publishes historical statistics, news summaries and scenario analysis for information and education. Past patterns do not guarantee future results. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any asset, and scenarios describe possible paths without predicting them. See the disclaimer and methodology.