The Kospi opened higher on Sept. 8, 2026, as gains in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix revived by optimism over AI-related earnings momentum outweighed concerns about rising oil prices and inflation. The index was up 54.51 points, or 0.78%, at 7,049.90 as of 9:15 a.m., after opening 0.72% higher and soaring more than 4% in the previous session. Higher energy prices have intensified investor focus on whether the Fed will raise interest rates or hold them steady, with Friday's inflation report expected to provide clues on the central bank's rate path. Middle East tensions pushed up oil prices, while Tehran said a deal with Oman to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was imminent but warned ships faced attack risks off the Omani coast. Samsung Electronics rose 1.11%, SK hynix gained 2.97%, Korea Electric Power Corporation jumped 3.82% and SK Innovation advanced 1.6%. Hyundai Motor fell 0.76% and LG Energy Solution declined 1.24%. The won strengthened 8.15 won to 1,338.55 per dollar. The U.S. stock market was closed Monday for the Labor Day federal holiday.