Seoul: South Korean stocks extended their winning streak to a 12th day to close at a level unseen in history on Tuesday, led by gains in auto and technology shares. The local currency fell against the U.S. dollar. After opening lower, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 63.92 points, or 1.32 percent, to finish at 4,904.66, after hitting an intraday high of 4,917.37.

According to Yonhap News Agency, it marked the 12th consecutive day of gains since the start of the year, and also the longest winning streak since a 13-session rally from Sept. 4 to Sept. 24, 2019. Trade volume was heavy at 564.9 million shares worth 25 trillion won (US$16.9 billion), with decliners outnumbering gainers 487 to 397.

Foreign investors led the rally, buying a net 551.3 billion won worth of local shares. Retail and institutional investors sold a net 750.7 billion won and 24 billion won, respectively. On Friday (local time), major U.S. stock indexes ended lower, as investors reacted to fourth-quarter earnings results from U.S. companies.

In Seoul, most large-cap shares ended higher, with auto and tech shares leading the gain. "Investor expectations for physical artificial intelligence (AI) have shifted toward Hyundai Motor Group and LG Electronics," said Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at Daeshin Securities. He added that the index is now within striking distance of the 5,000-point level.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor jumped 16.22 percent to a record high of 480,000 won, and its affiliate Kia gained 12.18 percent to 169,500 won. The gains followed news that the companies posted a record combined market share in the United States in 2025, supported by expanded local production and strong hybrid vehicle sales.

Semiconductor shares also ended in positive territory, with industry leader Samsung Electronics edging up 0.27 percent to 149,300 won and SK hynix adding 1.06 percent to 764,000 won. The local currency was quoted at 1,473.75 won against the greenback at 3:30 p.m., down 0.15 won from the previous session.