KOSPI Shows Slight Fluctuations in Afternoon, Ends Flat... KOSDAQ Down 0.09%

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the afternoon of the 18th, the KOSPI index has been fluctuating slightly above and below the early 2400 level. The KOSDAQ index showed a decline of about 0.1%. Although the market rose supported by net buying of futures and spot by foreigners, the increase was limited due to volatility in the U.S. stock market, resulting in repeated ups and downs.

As of 1:08 PM on the day, the KOSPI recorded 2405.98, down 0.03% from the previous trading day.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (-0.50%), Samsung Biologics (-0.40%), NAVER (-0.83%), and Hyundai Motor (-1.63%) declined, while SK Hynix (1.22%), LG Chem (3.10%), and Celltrion (0.69%) rose.

By investor type, individuals sold a net 103.3 billion KRW, institutions sold 60.9 billion KRW, and foreigners bought a net 172.6 billion KRW.

The KOSDAQ index fell 0.08% to 884.50.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (0.61%), Celltrion Pharm (1.96%), and CJ ENM (3.16%) rose, while Seegene (-1.63%), HLB (-1.45%), Alteogen (-0.20%), and Kakao Games (-1.86%) declined.

By investor type, individuals bought a net 122.8 billion KRW, foreigners bought 43.5 billion KRW, and institutions sold a net 126.0 billion KRW.

Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, analyzed, "Despite the decline in the U.S. stock market, the Korean stock market rose supported by foreigners' net buying of futures and spot." He added, "However, the increase was limited due to volatility in the U.S. market, resulting in fluctuations around the flat range, which is a notable feature." Seo said, "Foreigners are mainly net buying in chemical, electrical and electronic, and pharmaceutical sectors, and it is estimated that they are not actively responding to other sectors." He continued, "Meanwhile, the direction of the index is changing depending on the scale of foreigners' net buying of futures, so it is necessary to pay attention to foreigners' futures trends in the afternoon as well."