KOSPI Barely Holds 2400 Level... KOSDAQ Also Weak

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The domestic stock market showed a downward trend. While the KOSPI barely maintained the 2400 level, the KOSDAQ index recorded the low 880s.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 18th, as of 10:48 a.m., the KOSPI stood at 2404.95, down 0.05% from the previous trading day.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (0.17%), Samsung Biologics (-1.06%), NAVER (-1.00%), and Hyundai Motor (-2.17%) declined, while SK Hynix (0.73%) and LG Chem (4.19%) rose.

By investor type, individuals and institutions sold net amounts of 100.8 billion KRW and 43.3 billion KRW respectively, whereas foreigners purchased 155.8 billion KRW worth of stocks.

The KOSDAQ index also fell 0.22% from the previous trading day to 883.21.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (1.22%), Alteogen (1.12%), and Celltrion Pharm (3.07%) rose, but Seegene (-1.37%), HL Biopharma (-1.54%), and Kakao Games (-1.24%) declined.

In the KOSDAQ market, individuals bought 86.1 billion KRW worth, foreigners purchased 33.7 billion KRW worth, and institutions sold 86.8 billion KRW worth.

Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, said, "The U.S. stock market experienced increased volatility in major tech stocks ahead of the futures and options expiration date (the 18th), with the Nasdaq falling as much as 2.4% intraday, which is a burden on the Korean stock market."

Researcher Seo added, "However, considering that the decline was mainly due to individual issues within the U.S. and that some of it was already priced in the previous day, the impact is expected to be limited."