Despite COVID-19 Fears, Kospi Rebounds... Closes Up 1.18% at 2103

KOSDAQ Closes at 656.95, Up 2.76%

On the 25th, KOSPI opened trading at 2075.55, down 3.49 points (0.17%) from the previous trading day due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Dealers are working in the dealing room of KEB Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] The KOSPI closed above the 2100 mark, rising more than 1% from the previous day. The KOSDAQ also rose over 2.7%, indicating a slight recovery in investment sentiment that had frozen due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Korea Exchange on the 25th, the KOSPI closed at 2103.61, up 1.18% (24.57 points) from the previous day.

In the securities market, individuals and institutions net bought 609.7 billion KRW and 114.2 billion KRW respectively. Foreigners net sold 769.5 billion KRW.

Most sectors rose. The textile and apparel sector had the largest increase at 4.17%. This was followed by non-metallic minerals (3.74%), pharmaceuticals (2.67%), construction (2.21%), and machinery (2.07%). On the other hand, the electric and gas sector fell by 2.69%. Additionally, paper and wood (0.70%) and telecommunications (0.04%) also declined.

Among the top 10 companies by market capitalization, most rose. Samsung Biologics (3.90%) and NAVER (3.53%) saw the largest gains. They were followed by Samsung C&T (2.28%), Celltrion (2.07%), and Samsung Electronics (1.94%). Hyundai Motor and Samsung SDI remained unchanged from the previous day, while SK Hynix fell by 1.51%.

The rebound in the KOSDAQ was even greater. It closed at 656.95, up 2.76% (17.66 points) from the previous day.

In the KOSDAQ market, individuals net sold 202.1 billion KRW. Meanwhile, foreigners and institutions net bought 114.6 billion KRW and 92.4 billion KRW respectively.

Again, most sectors rose. The distribution sector rose the most at 4.32%, followed by telecommunications equipment (3.92%), other services (3.82%), and computer services (3.80%). Conversely, transportation (3.00%), paper and wood (0.41%), and publishing and media reproduction (0.39%) declined.

Among the top 10 companies by market capitalization, all rose except for Medytox, which fell by 0.03%. The order of gains was Wonik IPS (6.15%), KMV (6.07%), HLB (6.01%), Celltrion Healthcare (5.10%), and EcoPro BM (4.93%).