Institutions 'Saja' Also Face Upward Limit; KOSPI Fluctuates Around 2530... Semiconductor Stocks Strong

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] On the afternoon of the 16th, the KOSPI continued its slight upward trend in the market. Although institutional investors have purchased more than 90 billion KRW, the index's further rise appears limited. Semiconductor-related stocks are showing an upward trend in the KOSPI market.

As of 1:45 PM, the KOSPI stands at 2,536.15, up 0.34% (8.57 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 2,543.05, up 0.60% (15.11 points), but the gains have narrowed somewhat, hovering around the 2,530 level. Looking at investor types, individuals and foreigners sold 67.9 billion KRW and 37.3 billion KRW respectively, while institutions alone net purchased 94.6 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, semiconductor-related stocks have shown significant gains. SK Hynix traded at 96,700 KRW, up 3.64% (3,400 KRW) from the previous day, showing strong upward momentum. Samsung Electronics is also trading at 61,300 KRW, up 1.83% (1,100 KRW). Other rising stocks include Samsung Electronics Preferred (1.45%), Samsung SDI (0.96%), and Hyundai Motor (0.77%). On the other hand, NAVER (-2.26%) and Kakao (-1.82%) are declining.

By sector, the electric and electronics sector rose 1.51%, showing a prominent upward trend, while manufacturing also increased by 0.78%. Conversely, construction (-1.79%), textiles and apparel (-1.25%), and electric and gas utilities (-1.25%) are declining.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index stands at 834.43, up 0.34% (2.80 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ opened at 835.20, up 0.43% (3.57 points), and has been fluctuating around the 830 level. Regarding investor trends, foreigners alone purchased 72.3 billion KRW, while individuals and institutions sold 20.6 billion KRW and 43.4 billion KRW respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks in KOSDAQ, secondary battery-related stocks are leading the gains. Ecopro (3.70%) and L&F (2.40%) show notable upward momentum. Ecopro BM is trading at 118,500 KRW, unchanged from the previous day. Meanwhile, HLB is trading at 43,450 KRW, down 4.19% (1,900 KRW) from the previous day.

By sector in KOSDAQ, semiconductors (1.69%), publishing and media replication (1.63%), and digital content (1.56%) are rising. Construction (-1.54%) and transportation equipment and parts (-1.28%) are declining.

Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, commented on the domestic stock market, saying, "Despite the easing of expected inflation in the U.S., mixed factors such as China's weak July real economy indicators and the New York Federal Reserve's manufacturing index shock have limited further gains in the stock market. Foreign and institutional funds are flowing in together, mainly into large semiconductor stocks, supporting the market's downside."