Friday morning, August 28, 2026. Last night on Wall Street, semiconductors alone rallied. Despite Nvidia crushing market expectations, the Dow managed just 0.20% higher.
The KOSPI had already jumped to 6,912.37 (+1.53%) yesterday afternoon (8/27), pricing in Nvidia hopes before the market. But once the earnings hit overnight, New York stayed subdued. Here's what happened—and what to track in Korean markets today.
U.S. Big Three: Essentially a Nasdaq-Only Rally
August 27 (ET) U.S. market heat map (S&P 500 snapshot) · green=gainers/red=losers (finviz convention)
On August 27, the Dow closed at 53,569.44, +0.20%; the S&P 500 at 7,730.99, +0.72%; and the Nasdaq Composite at 26,541.35, +1.57%.
On the surface, all three rose. But look deeper and the story shifts. The Nasdaq jumped 1.57% while the Dow eked out 0.20%. That was the exact headline U.S. financial media led with: "Tech alone lifted the S&P 500."
In plain terms, Nvidia and the semiconductor-plus-software names threw a private party. Everything else stayed quiet. The Russell 2000 also lagged.
August 27: U.S. big-three indices and Russell 2000 performance
Nvidia Beat Everything—So Why Didn't Markets Break Out?
Nvidia's fiscal 2026 Q2 revenue (May–July) hit $96.22 billion, doubling year-over-year and beating consensus forecast of $92.17 billion by more than $4 billion. Data-center revenue alone came in at $89 billion, topping expectations of $85.8 billion.
Earnings per share of $2.22 also beat the $2.10 forecast. This marked a 13th consecutive quarter of record revenue. Forward guidance of $108 billion also beat consensus of $104 billion.
On paper, nothing to criticize. Nvidia's stock jumped over 7% intraday after the release.
Nvidia Q2 data-center revenue, actual vs. consensus forecast
Yet the broader market didn't break out. The answer is simple: expectations were already stratospheric. A company that beats estimates for 13 straight quarters has trained the market to expect exactly that—another beat. Add caution ahead of Jackson Hole, and the appetite to chase faded.
Korean Semiconductors and Power Equipment Already Priced It In Yesterday
Korean markets moved first. Nvidia earnings dropped after New York's close (early 8/27 Seoul time), and the KOSPI had already risen +1.53% that morning, factoring in the news ahead.
The real surprise lay elsewhere: power equipment and battery stocks outpaced semiconductors. HD Hyundai Electric jumped 12.01%, Samsung SDI 10.27%, Hyosung Heavy Industries 10.08%, and LS Electric 8.93%. The logic: more AI data centers mean higher power-grid demand, amplified by reports that President Trump issued an executive order restricting foreign power-equipment imports, bolstering domestic suppliers.
Chip leaders, meanwhile, gained less ground. Samsung Electronics rose +1.72% and SK Hynix +2.49%, suggesting semiconductor upside was already baked into their valuations.
August 27 KOSPI movers: AI infrastructure and semiconductor-related stocks riding Nvidia momentum
Tonight's Real Variable Isn't Nvidia—It's Jackson Hole
The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium runs August 27–29. Tonight (Seoul evening/early tomorrow morning), Fed Chair Kevin Washton will deliver his first Jackson Hole address since taking office.
Markets essentially held their breath. They confirmed Nvidia's results, then waited. If Washton sounds hawkish, interest-rate headwinds intensify. If he acknowledges moderating inflation and signals flexibility, risk appetite could ignite.
Crude oil drifted sideways through the churn. WTI futures closed near $83.54 per barrel, essentially flat.
Asia's Markets Split on Nvidia—and Jackson Hole Jitters
Same catalyst, different outcomes. Japan's Nikkei 225 closed at 66,131.98 yen, -0.20%, as caution ahead of Washton's speech outweighed semiconductor strength.
China's Shanghai Composite rose to 3,956.57, +1.13%. Taiwan's TAIEX climbed to 45,975.22, +0.31%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell -0.34%.
August 27: Major Asian markets performance
What to Watch Today
| Key Point | What to Track |
|---|---|
| Washton's Jackson Hole speech | Tonight (Seoul time). Hawkish tone = rate headwinds; dovish signals = risk appetite recovery |
| Chips vs. power equipment | Will yesterday's power/battery surge extend, or does momentum fade? Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix lagged—follow whether that gap widens or closes |
| Hyundai Motor Group | CEO investor day disappointed yesterday (Hyundai Motor -2.45%, Kia -4.03%). Recovery attempt today or continued pressure |
| Bank of Korea rate decision spillover | After the 3.00% hike, retail selling pressure has persisted. Does it ease today or accelerate |
The KOSPI already priced in heavy Nvidia enthusiasm yesterday, so today's real question is whether momentum holds or markets pause like Wall Street did. The next inflection point arrives tonight with Washton's speech, then early next week in New York.
Stocks that surged yesterday—power equipment, batteries—warrant close watching on volume and investor flows to determine whether the rally has staying power.
This article is for informational purposes and does not recommend buying or selling any security. Investment decisions and their outcomes rest with you.
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