Competition among securities firms over mobile trading systems is intensifying again, with artificial intelligence, content, community features and ease of use emerging as key differentiators. Hana Securities is preparing a new MTS for May, while Meritz Securities, Next Securities and NH Investment & Securities are developing next-generation platforms. Other firms are upgrading existing apps. The Financial Supervisory Service is also checking IT stability as trading volumes rise.

South Korea\'s KOSPI rose above 6,600 during trading for the first time, lifting the combined market value of the country\'s stock markets past 6,000 trillion won. At 10:12 a.m. on April 27, the KOSPI was up 1.79 percent at 6,591.41 after touching a record 6,603.01. The Korea Exchange put total market capitalisation at 6,032 trillion won, led by the KOSPI market at 5,354 trillion won.