'In the Fog' Kospi, Mixed Early Trading Despite Individual Net Buying

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The KOSPI is showing mixed trends in the early session despite net buying by individuals. The KOSDAQ index started higher but turned lower as foreign selling increased.

As of 9:11 AM on the 19th, the KOSPI is at 3,086.07, down 0.02% (0.59 points) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 3,089.96, up 0.11% (3.30 points) from the previous day, but has been fluctuating and showing mixed trends.

In the market, individuals continue to buy. Foreigners sold stocks worth 34.7 billion KRW, institutions sold 10 billion KRW worth, while individuals alone purchased stocks worth 49.1 billion KRW.

Looking at the top market capitalization stocks at this time, Samsung Electronics is up 0.49% from the previous day at 82,500 KRW. SK Hynix (2.78%), LG Chem (0.32%), NAVER (0.39%), Samsung Biologics (0.77%), and Hyundai Motor (1.06%) are also showing gains.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index is at 963.19, down 0.44% (4.23 points) from the previous trading day. The index started the session at 967.65, up 0.02% (0.23 points) from the previous day, but then turned lower.

In the market, individuals bought stocks worth 25 billion KRW, but foreigners and institutions sold stocks worth 19.5 billion KRW and 730 million KRW respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare traded down 0.44% at 135,400 KRW compared to the previous day. Seegene (-2.20%), Pearl Abyss (-2.81%), Alteogen (-1.09%), EcoPro BM (-0.89%), and SK Materials (-0.21%) also declined.

Seosangyoung, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, said, “The outlook that DRAM prices will continue to rise this year due to semiconductor supply-demand imbalance is gaining weight, which will have a favorable impact on related companies,” adding, “The domestic stock market will show changes depending on foreign investors’ moves in the semiconductor sector after starting in a flat range.”