The Investment Heat Cools Down... 1 in 5 Listed Stocks Hits a New Low

Among 2,497 Listed Companies, 503 Hit New Closing Lows

][Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] As the stock market decline continues, it has been revealed that one out of five listed stocks recorded a 52-week low.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 22nd, among the 2,497 stocks listed on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets from the 1st of last month to the 20th of this month, a total of 503 stocks hit a 52-week low based on closing prices, accounting for 20.1% of the total.

This is due to the strengthening of the tightening stance by major central banks centered on the United States, prolonged war, and China's COVID-19 lockdown measures, which have significantly dampened investor sentiment toward the domestic stock market.

Among the 940 stocks on the KOSPI market, 160 stocks (17.0%) recorded new 52-week lows. Among large-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics, ranked first in market capitalization, fell to a 52-week low of 64,800 won on the 28th of last month. NAVER and Kakao, which have shown continuous sluggish trends, also fell to new lows of 270,000 won and 80,400 won on the 12th and 19th, respectively.

By industry, the securities sector saw a surge in new lows. On the 12th, Mirae Asset Securities (7,670 won), NH Investment & Securities (10,000 won), and Kiwoom Securities (83,200 won) hit new lows, and on the 19th, Samsung Securities (36,950 won) and SK Securities (804 won) broke their lows. As stock market trading volume decreased, brokerage commission fees dropped significantly, and with interest rate hikes severely impacting bond management, investor withdrawal intensified.

In the KOSDAQ market, 343 stocks (22%) out of the total 1,577 listed stocks recorded new lows. Among the top market capitalization stocks were Celltrion Healthcare (54,000 won), Celltrion Pharm (73,900 won), and CJ ENM (104,200 won).

Conversely, stocks that recorded new highs totaled 266, accounting for 10.7% of all stocks, with 120 in the KOSPI market and 140 in the KOSDAQ market.

In the KOSPI market, steel companies showed notable stock price increases. By stock, these included Dongil Steel (5,320 won), KG Steel (24,650 won), Hanil Steel (6,110 won), and SeAH Steel (187,500 won). As the Russia-Ukraine war caused greater disruptions in the global supply chain, raw material prices surged, benefiting steel companies through price increases. In the KOSDAQ market, feed companies such as Hyundai Feed (156,500 won) and Hanil Feed (13,350 won) saw gains due to rising grain prices caused by the war.