KOSPI fluctuates near 3230 level... Semiconductor sector shows strength

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ji-hwan Park] The KOSPI is showing an early upward trend, supported by net buying from foreign investors. In particular, the semiconductor sector is showing notable strength.

At 9:20 a.m. on the 3rd, the KOSPI stood at 3,229.13, up 0.19% (6.09 points) compared to the previous trading day. The KOSPI started trading at 3,221.57, down 0.05% from the previous session, but soon turned upward.

By investor type, foreigners were the sole net buyers with 171.4 billion KRW. Individuals and institutions were net sellers with 18.8 billion KRW and 156 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top 10 market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (1.89%) and SK Hynix (3.02%) led the index gains. On the other hand, NAVER (-1.15%), Kakao (-1.37%), LG Chem (-0.12%), Samsung Biologics (-0.99%), Hyundai Motor (-0.68%), and Celltrion (-0.76%) were on the decline.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ was at 1,040.85, up 0.29% (3.05 points) from the previous trading day. The index started trading at 1,038.91, up 0.11% (1.11 points) from the previous day.

By investor type, foreigners and institutions were net sellers with 18.2 billion KRW and 24.5 billion KRW, respectively. Individuals were net buyers with 42.5 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (-0.62%), Celltrion Pharm (-1.03%), Kakao Games (-1.16%), HL Biotech (-0.95%), and Seegene (-1.11%) declined. EcoPro BM (4.54%) and Pearl Abyss (1.58%) rose.

Sang-young Seo, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, said, "Today’s domestic stock market is expected to be a stock-specific market driven by individual stock issues rather than the index," adding, "As seen in the U.S. stock market, attention should be paid to electric vehicles, solar power, and semiconductor-related stocks."