South Korea's Kospi moved back toward the 7,000 level on Aug. 14, closing at 6,977.94, up 164.6 points or 2.42%, as stronger U.S. technology stocks and improving risk appetite drew foreign buying of 3.038 trillion won. The index briefly traded above 7,000 for the first time in 15 trading days before trimming gains on profit-taking, while easing U.S. inflation pressure and lower international oil prices helped calm fears of further Federal Reserve tightening. CME FedWatch showed the probability of the Fed holding rates steady in September rose to 67.6% after the producer price index report was released on Aug. 14, from 59.4% a day earlier. Large-cap shares broadly advanced, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, while Hyundai Motor Group and robot-related stocks gained as the physical artificial intelligence theme, AI applied to real-world machines, returned to focus. The Kosdaq extended its rally to a fifth straight session, Curiox Biosystems hit the daily limit after securing an order from a global pharmaceutical company, and the won strengthened to 1,418.3 per dollar by 3:30 p.m. in Seoul.