KOSPI's Uptrend Slows and KOSDAQ's Decline Widens... "A Market of Cautious Moves Expected"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] The KOSPI is hovering in a narrow range with a slowed upward momentum during the morning session on the 5th. Individual investors are selling off more than 100 billion KRW in the securities market. Securities firms predict that the domestic stock market will experience a cautious "waiting game" this week as investors adopt a watchful stance.

As of 10:56 a.m., the KOSPI stands at 2413.11, up 0.15% (3.70 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 2410.07, up 0.03% (0.66 points) from the previous day, and briefly extended its gains while moving in a narrow range.

In the securities market, institutional and foreign investors are buying 96.3 billion KRW and 37.8 billion KRW worth of stocks, respectively. In contrast, individual investors are net sellers alone, offloading 124.9 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks in the securities market, Hyundai Motor (1.78%), LG Chem (1.31%), and Naver (NAVER) show notable gains. Conversely, Samsung Biologics (-2.51%) and Samsung SDI (-1.22%) are declining. Samsung Electronics is trading at 57,400 KRW, down 0.17% (100 KRW) from the previous day. HMM (-2.11%) hit a 52-week low due to a sharp drop in maritime freight rates.

By sector in the securities market, Steel & Metals (1.50%) and Transportation Equipment (1.35%) are strong. Meanwhile, Medical Precision (-2.29%) and Pharmaceuticals (-1.66%) are falling.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index is at 777.34, down 1.09% (8.54 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ opened at 784.83, down 0.13% (1.05 points), and is gradually deepening its decline.

In the KOSDAQ market, foreign investors are selling 64.9 billion KRW. Individual and institutional investors are net buyers of 81.1 billion KRW and 5.7 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks in KOSDAQ, HLB is trading at 46,350 KRW, down 5.98% (2,950 KRW), showing a significant drop. L&F (-1.96%) and EcoPro BM (-1.70%) are also declining. On the other hand, Studio Dragon is trading at 75,400 KRW, up 1.89% (1,400 KRW) from the previous day.

On the 5th, as the 11th typhoon 'Hinnamnor' is moving northward, a forecaster at the Suwon Metropolitan Weather Administration in Gyeonggi is analyzing and monitoring the approaching typhoon. / Suwon - Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

In the KOSDAQ market, disaster recovery-related stocks are showing strength, likely due to the Korean Peninsula entering the influence zone of Typhoon Hinnamnor. Korea SE is trading at 5,990 KRW, up 29.79% (1,375 KRW), approaching the price limit. WooWon Development (13.26%) is also strong.

By sector, indices such as Telecommunication Services (2.56%) and Broadcasting & Telecommunication Services (1.19%) are rising. Conversely, Transportation Equipment & Parts (-2.29%), Communication Equipment (-2.05%), and Pharmaceuticals (-1.99%) are weak.

Securities firms forecast that the stock market will engage in a cautious waiting game ahead of major events this week. Kim Seokhwan, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, advised, "The domestic stock market is likely to continue a cautious waiting game due to the lack of clear upward momentum. Since the simultaneous expiration of futures and options is scheduled for the 8th, it is necessary to monitor factors that could act as variables in the market."