The KOSPI opened higher on August 4, buoyed by gains in U.S. big tech and semiconductor stocks. Expectations of easing geopolitical risks in the Middle East further supported the index, which recovered above the 6,300 mark in early trading.
According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:06 a.m., the KOSPI was up 66.99 points (1.07%) at 6,324.44. The index started the day at 6,351.38, up 93.93 points (1.50%) from the previous close.
In the main stock market, individual investors were net buyers, purchasing 401.1 billion won. In contrast, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 13.8 billion won and 425.9 billion won, respectively.
Most of the top market capitalization stocks showed upward trends. Notable gainers included SK Square (4.29%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (2.46%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (2.44%), SK Hynix (2.43%), LG Energy Solution (1.90%), Samsung Electronics (1.04%), KB Financial (0.35%), Samsung Biologics (0.21%), and Samsung C&T (0.15%). However, Samsung Life (-0.35%) and Hyundai Motor (-0.25%) saw declines.
On Wall Street, stocks closed higher overnight, driven by optimism over easing tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the technology sector, including semiconductors. Meta Platforms rose 6.02%, Alphabet gained 4.88%, and Microsoft increased by 4.93%. Amazon surged 4.58%, reaching an all-time high.
Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "Amazon's demonstration of AI monetization through software will be a positive factor for the domestic market as well."
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index rose 27.49 points (3.73%) to 764.84. It opened at 748.19, up 10.84 points (1.47%), and continued to expand its gains.
In the KOSDAQ market, institutions were net buyers, purchasing 64.7 billion won, while individuals and foreigners sold a net 17.2 billion won and 47.2 billion won, respectively.
Most of the top KOSDAQ stocks experienced significant increases. Major gainers included ABL Bio (8.73%), Rigakem Bio (8.49%), Alteogen (7.24%), Samchundang Pharm (5.81%), EcoPro (5.17%), EcoPro BM (4.96%), Peptron (4.88%), HLB (4.85%), JUSUNG Engineering (4.15%), Wonik IPS (2.88%), Pharma Research (2.82%), and Rino Industry (2.12%). The only decliner was Rainbow Robotics (-1.09%).
One analyst stated, "Today, the KOSPI is expected to show a strong trend due to the decline in oil prices and interest rates following Trump's TACO, as well as the rebound in U.S. semiconductor stocks. While daily return volatility remains high, it is positive that we are moving away from a phase of diminishing profit momentum."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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