KOSPI Closes Higher but Gains Erode Amid Selling Pressure from Foreign and Individual Investors

by Kwon,sung jin Posted : September 23, 2026, 15:52Updated : September 23, 2026, 15:52
The KOSPI opened strong but ultimately closed higher with most of its gains erased due to significant selling by foreign and individual investors. Analysts attribute this to a cautious sentiment ahead of the Chuseok holiday break.

On September 23, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI closed at 7,080.92, up 63.01 points (0.90%) from the previous trading day.

The index started at 7,135.44, up 124.02 points (1.67%), but gradually lost ground as the session progressed. It briefly dipped during the day but rebounded to finish in a narrow range.

In the securities market, institutions were net buyers, purchasing 450.6 billion won. In contrast, individuals and foreigners sold a net 1.5236 trillion won and 561.9 billion won, respectively.

Among the top market-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics rose 3.25%, SK Hynix gained 1.20%, SK Square increased by 5.03%, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics was up 1.41%. However, Hyundai Motor fell 1.94%, Samsung Biologics dropped 1.80%, and KB Financial decreased by 1.42%.

The KOSDAQ index closed at 844.48, up 10.10 points (1.21%) from the previous day. In the KOSDAQ market, foreigners and institutions sold a net 45 billion won and 2.3 billion won, while individuals bought a net 38 billion won.

Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen rose 0.20%, EcoPro BM increased by 0.67%, JUSUNG Engineering gained 2.95%, Wonik IPS was up 2.61%, and EO Technics rose 1.58%. Conversely, EcoPro fell 0.12%, Rainbow Robotics dropped 1.03%, and Rino Industry decreased by 0.80%.

Sector-wise, semiconductor and eco-friendly stocks showed notable gains. Analysts suggest that the momentum from AI data centers continues to exert upward pressure. Key semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics (3.25%), SK Hynix (1.20%), and SK Square (5.03%) performed well. The eco-friendly sector also saw strength, buoyed by expectations of benefits from U.S. policies, with OCI Holdings rising 9.57% and Hanwha Solutions increasing by 6.38%.

Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "The domestic market started higher due to stabilization in international oil prices, but the cautious sentiment ahead of the Chuseok holiday led to a reduction in gains. With profit-taking from foreigners and individuals before the holiday, the momentum in AI semiconductor stocks remains solid."




* This article has been translated by AI.