The KOSPI initially surged over 2% to reclaim the 8,320 level but later surrendered those gains due to selling pressure from foreign and institutional investors. The index briefly fell below 8,000 but managed to recover some losses in the afternoon, trading near that threshold.
As of 1:54 PM, the KOSPI was down 40.68 points (0.50%) at 8,047.66, according to the Korea Exchange.
The index opened at 8,186.82, up 98.48 points (1.22%), and initially expanded its gains by surpassing 8,320. However, as selling by foreign and institutional investors intensified, the index reversed course and dipped below 8,000 at one point.
In the securities market, individual investors were net buyers, purchasing 3.958 trillion won worth of stocks, while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 2.704 trillion won and 1.1439 trillion won, respectively, leading to the decline in the index.
Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 2.10%), Hyundai Motor (up 1.83%), Samsung Life (up 1.83%), Samsung C&T (up 3.69%), and Kia (up 5.53%) saw gains. Conversely, SK Hynix (down 1.90%), SK Square (down 5.35%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (down 8.65%), LG Energy Solution (down 2.21%), and Samsung Biologics (down 0.99%) experienced declines.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was down 21.81 points (2.51%) at 846.60.
In the KOSDAQ market, individual investors were net buyers, acquiring 380.6 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 225.8 billion won and 151.1 billion won, respectively, contributing to the index's decline.
Most of the top market capitalization stocks, except for HLB (up 1.65%), were in the red. Stocks such as Alteogen (down 1.90%), EcoPro BM (down 2.57%), EcoPro (down 2.06%), Rainbow Robotics (down 1.83%), JUSUNG Engineering (down 4.93%), Kolon TissueGene (down 3.21%), Wonik IPS (down 5.63%), Rino Technology (down 5.22%), ABL Bio (down 4.79%), and PSK (down 7.41%) all declined.
Kang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, noted, "The market is exploring direction, awaiting Samsung Electronics' preliminary results and the outcome of the U.S. next-generation semiconductor production program (CPSP). While there are positive factors such as Meta's AI semiconductor collaboration and Micron's large-scale memory investment plans, there is also a prevailing caution ahead of earnings announcements."
He added, "As the concentration on semiconductors eases somewhat, the number of rising stocks is increasing, and the scale of foreign net selling is also shrinking compared to the early session. The market is also characterized by a rotation of investments beyond semiconductors into shipbuilding, defense, and nuclear power sectors."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.