South Korea's KOSPI ends Q3 as world's worst-performing major stock market, down 18.8%

The quarterly collapse in Asia's AI-exposed market signals caution in AI hype valuations despite persistent underlying demand from hyperscalers. As a barometer of confidence in AI infrastructure spending, the KOSPI's weakness highlights risks in highly leveraged trades and sensitivity to macro shifts like higher interest rates. It contrasts with continued fundamental demand from tech giants.