KOSPI and KOSDAQ Decline Widens in the Afternoon... Individuals Alone Net Buyers

As geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine escalate, the KOSPI index fell more than 1% in early trading on the 22nd. Dealers are working in the dealing room at the Hana Bank headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices have been widening their losses in the afternoon session. This appears to reflect concerns that the financial market shock could intensify due to the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

As of 1:47 PM on the 22nd, the KOSPI stood at 2,696.56, down 1.72% (47.64 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened the day at 2,505.08, down 1.41% (38.72 points) from the previous day, and has been extending its losses. Looking at investor trends, individual investors alone purchased stocks worth 805.7 billion KRW, showing net buying. Foreigners and institutions sold stocks worth 484.2 billion KRW and 354.7 billion KRW, respectively.

Most of the top market capitalization stocks are in decline. Samsung Electronics fell 1.75% to 72,900 KRW, and LG Energy Solution traded down 2.43% at 442,000 KRW. Other stocks also declined, including SK Hynix (-2.69%), NAVER (-2.99%), LG Chem (-3.90%), Kakao (-1.72%), Hyundai Motor (-2.16%), and Samsung SDI (-2.71%).

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index stood at 866.59, down 2.00% (17.66 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ opened at 869.08, down 1.72% (15.17 points) from the previous day. By investor type, individuals and institutions bought stocks worth 79.2 billion KRW and 1.7 billion KRW, respectively, while foreigners were net sellers with sales totaling 82.4 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (0.31%), EcoPro BM, and L&F rose by 0.03% and 1.87%, respectively. On the other hand, Pearl Abyss (-1.67%), Kakao Games (-2.52%), WeMade (-4.74%), and HLB (-3.92%) declined.