South Korean shares rise as investors eye Nvidia earnings for AI demand signals

South Korean shares rose Wednesday as investors awaited Nvidia's quarterly earnings for signals on AI industry profitability. The KOSPI gained 0.44%, led by semiconductor stocks. Samsung Electronics rose 0.78% and SK Hynix advanced 0.72%, while LG Energy Solution fell 0.29%. Foreign investors were net sellers of 509.3 billion won. Kia and its union reached a tentative wage agreement, averting planned strikes. The KOSPI has gained 60.71% this year, and the won strengthened 0.07% against the dollar. Government bond yields fell, with the three-year yield down 4.0 basis points to 3.787%.