KOSPI Mixed... Struggling Individuals

On the 16th, when the KOSPI index surpassed the 3,200 mark during the session, dealers were working in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Euljiro, Seoul. The KOSPI started at 3,194.08, down 0.25 points (-0.01%) from the previous close, and is showing an upward trend. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] On the 16th, the KOSPI showed a mixed trend with repeated fluctuations and is currently declining.

As of 11:01 AM, the KOSPI is down 0.13% at 3,190.25. Although individuals net bought 517.9 billion KRW, foreigners and institutions net sold 232.8 billion KRW and 297.4 billion KRW respectively, causing the index to decline. Among all stocks, 449 are rising while 383 are falling.

By sector, transportation and warehousing, and medical precision industries showed gains of around 1%, while construction, chemicals, and food and beverage sectors also recorded increases. Conversely, textiles and apparel, machinery, and electrical and electronics sectors are declining.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Kia is up 1.41% at 86,400 KRW, and SK Hynix, LG Chem, Samsung Electronics Preferred, and Hyundai Motor are also showing upward trends.

The KOSDAQ is rising. At the same time, it is up 0.28% at 1,016.78. Individuals net bought 130.5 billion KRW, while foreigners and institutions net sold 54.6 billion KRW and 76.0 billion KRW respectively. Among all stocks, 628 are rising and 661 are falling.

Among sectors, the textile and apparel sector rose 2.1%, and pharmaceuticals and transportation also showed gains of around 1%. Meanwhile, non-metallic minerals, finance, paper and wood, internet, and communication equipment sectors are declining.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Materials is trading up 3.55% at 346,800 KRW. Following that, Seegene is up 2.61% at 188,400 KRW, and Pearl Abyss is also showing gains of around 1%.

Meanwhile, China's Q1 GDP announced today fell short of market expectations. Real GDP in Q1 expanded by 18.3% year-on-year, which is below the market forecast of 18.5%. The previous figure was -6.9%. Additionally, China's industrial production was 14.1%, below the expected 17.2%, while consumption (34.2%) and investment (25.6%) indicators exceeded expectations. This morning, both the Shanghai Composite Index and the Shenzhen Composite Index are showing declines.