KOSPI Falls Below 2300... "Returns to January Levels"

The KOSPI index fell below the 2300 mark, returning to levels seen at the beginning of the year. This is the first time in about 10 months.

On the 26th, the KOSPI closed at 2299.08, down 64.09 points (2.71%) from the previous trading day. It is the first time since January 6, when it closed at 2289.97, that the KOSPI has closed below 2300.

The KOSPI opened at 2325.82, down 1.58% from the previous trading day, and struggled to rebound throughout the day. It continued to decline in the afternoon, eventually closing below the 2300 level.

By investor type, individuals and institutions were net buyers of 320.5 billion KRW and 111 billion KRW, respectively. Meanwhile, foreigners were net sellers of 479 billion KRW.

All sectors declined. The paper and wood sector plunged 12.77%, while steel & metals and chemicals fell more than 4%. Machinery, services, and electrical & electronics also dropped more than 3%.

Most of the top market capitalization stocks also declined. Samsung Electronics closed at 66,700 KRW, down 1,300 KRW (1.91%) from the previous day. POSCO Future M plunged 8.94%, and LG Chem fell 6.99%. SK Hynix, POSCO Holdings, and Samsung SDI also dropped more than 5%. On the other hand, Samsung Biologics rose 0.83%.

On the KOSPI, 81 stocks rose, including Samsung Publishing, which hit the upper price limit. Conversely, 836 stocks declined, including two that hit the lower price limit, Yeongpung Paper and Daeyang Metal. Sixteen stocks remained unchanged.

The KOSDAQ closed at 743.85, down 26.99 points (3.50%) from the previous trading day.

By investor type, foreigners and institutions were net buyers of 24.9 billion KRW and 60.1 billion KRW, respectively. Individuals were net sellers of 72.7 billion KRW.

All sectors declined. Financials fell 7.83%, while general electrical & electronics and broadcasting services dropped 5.40% and 4.89%, respectively. Semiconductors and non-metal sectors also declined more than 3%.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, EcoPro BM closed at 199,600 KRW, down 13,400 KRW (6.29%) from the previous day. HPSP and EcoPro fell 12.97% and 10.00%, respectively. POSCO DX and L&F declined 7%. On the other hand, Alteogen rose 7.30%.

On the KOSDAQ, 159 stocks rose, including Meca ICS, which hit the upper price limit. Conversely, 1,418 stocks declined, including Yukil CNTS, which hit the lower price limit. Thirty-seven stocks remained unchanged.