Morning Stock Market Maintains Gains... Investor Sentiment Focuses on 'Pharmaceuticals and Secondary Batteries'

On the 28th, the KOSPI index opened at 2,437.57, up 0.91% (22.04 points) from the previous trading day, as dealers were working in the Hana Bank dealing room in Euljiro, Seoul. The won-dollar exchange rate started at 1,306 won, down 7.3 won. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] On the morning of the 5th, both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ continued their upward trends.

As of 10:23 AM, the KOSPI recorded 2490.31, up 0.70% from the previous session. Foreign and institutional investors showed net buying intentions worth 108.2 billion KRW and 123.9 billion KRW respectively, while individuals showed net selling intentions worth 227.5 billion KRW, resulting in an upward trajectory for the index. Foreign investors have been net buyers for seven consecutive trading days including today.

Among all stocks, 499 are rising while 330 are falling. Among the top market capitalization stocks, LG Chem (4.60%) is showing a significant rise. Samsung Electronics, the perennial leader, is trading flat. Unlike the previous day, foreign investors’ net selling appears to be limiting the price increase. LG Energy Solution (0.56%), SK Hynix (2.21%), and Samsung Biologics (2.17%) are also maintaining upward momentum.

By sector, the pharmaceutical industry is leading with a 3.01% increase, showing the highest gain. This is followed by insurance (2.30%), steel and metals (1.98%), and securities (1.96%). The pharmaceutical sector is rising mainly due to expected benefits from the U.S. declaring a public health emergency related to monkeypox. Stocks such as Pharmicell (10.71%), SK Bioscience (5.62%), and Samsung Pharmaceutical (5.60%) fall into this category.

The KOSDAQ is also continuing its upward trend, recording 830.40, up 0.64% from the previous session. Institutional investors are supporting the index rise with net buying intentions worth 31.3 billion KRW. Individuals and foreign investors are showing net selling intentions worth 21.0 billion KRW and 3.9 billion KRW respectively.

Among all stocks, 687 are rising while 651 are falling. Among the top market capitalization stocks, the rise of the Celltrion siblings, Celltrion Healthcare (3.72%) and Celltrion Pharm (3.08%), stands out. Additionally, Ecopro, which has attracted attention following the publication of a securities report related to battery recycling, surged 12.50%.