KOSPI, Individual and Institutional Investors Both Buy, Firm at 3220 Level... Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Decline

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] On the 12th, the KOSPI showed a slight rise in the early session, supported by net buying from both individual and institutional investors. Major domestic semiconductor stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix continued their decline from the previous day.

As of 9:25 AM on the 12th, the KOSPI stood at 3,221.94, up 0.04% (1.32 points) compared to the previous day. The index opened at 3,213.58, down 7.04 points (0.22%) from the previous trading day, but soon turned upward.

By investor type, individuals and institutions led the market with net purchases of 227.6 billion KRW and 205.9 billion KRW, respectively. Foreign investors sold a net 431 billion KRW.

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, performance was mixed. Semiconductor leaders such as Samsung Electronics (-0.76%) and SK Hynix (-2.37%) continued their downward trend from the previous day. NAVER (-0.56%) and Samsung Biologics (-0.62%) also declined. On the other hand, Kakao (0.69%), LG Chem (1.76%), and Hyundai Motor (1.83%) rose.

The KOSDAQ also showed an upward trend. At the same time, the KOSDAQ was up 0.31% (3.28 points) at 1,055.20. The index opened at 1,054.16, up 2.24 points (0.21%) from the previous trading day.

In the KOSDAQ market, individuals alone net bought 121.7 billion KRW. Foreigners and institutions net sold 76.6 billion KRW and 45.6 billion KRW, respectively.

The top 10 stocks by market capitalization showed mixed performance. EcoPro BM (5.78%), Kakao Games (0.37%), Celltrion Pharm (0.83%), and Pearl Abyss (1.31%) rose. Meanwhile, Celltrion Healthcare (-0.58%), SK Materials (-0.80%), and Seegene (-0.83%) declined.

Seo Sangyoung, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, stated, "Considering the large drop in semiconductor-related stocks the previous day and the still valid expectations for economic normalization, the Korean stock market is expected to start with a rise of around 0.3%."