South Korean stocks turnover falls to lowest level this year

South Korean stocks: South Korean stocks refers to shares listed on South Korea’s main equity markets, primarily the KOSPI and KOSDAQ, which have been heavily influenced by an earlier boom in artificial intelligence–related companies. In the news, turnover in these stocks has fallen to the lowest level this year as investor enthusiasm has faded, leaving the AI‑heavy market in a subdued state and making it harder for the market to revisit its prior highs. Sentiment: Analysts and local media report that a severe pullback following an AI‑driven rally has cooled retail enthusiasm, with many rookie investors nursing losses and broader sentiment shifting from euphoria to caution and despair. Structure: The Korean equity market is dominated by the KOSPI benchmark and operates through venues such as the Korea Exchange and alternative platform Nextrade, and recent turnover declines across both venues underscore how widespread the trading slowdown has become. Market_activity: Average daily trading value and turnover ratios on South Korea’s main exchanges have dropped sharply from their mid‑year peaks, with recent September figures described as the lowest of 2026 amid stagnant KOSPI trading ranges.