The KOSPI index closed slightly higher, supported by net buying from institutions and individuals despite significant profit-taking by foreign investors. As large-cap semiconductor stocks took a breather, a rotation into growth sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and secondary batteries propelled the KOSDAQ index to a nearly 5% surge.
According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished at 7,847.71, up 32.12 points (0.41%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 7,873.12, up 57.53 points (0.74%).
Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "As the semiconductor and robotics sectors take a pause, expectations for the National Growth Fund have increased, leading to a rotation into growth stocks like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. However, the 12 consecutive days of net selling by foreign investors and the rising won-dollar exchange rate have limited the index's upside potential."
In the securities market, individuals and institutions net bought 1.5672 trillion won and 961 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors net sold 2.6556 trillion won.
Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Hynix (0.05%), SK Square (0.51%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (11.30%), Samsung Life Insurance (2.68%), Doosan Enerbility (2.95%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (1.19%) saw gains, while Samsung Electronics (-2.34%), Hyundai Motor (-1.65%), and LG Energy Solution (-0.62%) declined.
The KOSDAQ index closed at 1,161.13, up 55.16 points (4.99%). It started at 1,119.43, up 13.46 points (1.22%) from the previous trading day, and expanded its gains due to strong foreign buying.
At approximately 9:33:06 AM, a buy-side circuit breaker was triggered in the KOSDAQ market, halting program buy orders for five minutes. This followed a similar occurrence in both the securities and KOSDAQ markets the previous day, marking the second consecutive day for a buy-side circuit breaker in the KOSDAQ market.
In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors net bought 702.9 billion won and 287.9 billion won, respectively, while individuals net sold 969.2 billion won.
Among the top stocks by market capitalization, EcoPro BM (10.77%), EcoPro (12.87%), Alteogen (3.70%), Rainbow Robotics (1.48%), JUSUNG Engineering (20.95%), Kolon TissueGene (3.59%), and Samchundang Pharm (4.79%) closed higher.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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