KOSPI and KOSDAQ Start Lower Together... Watching 'Major Shareholder Requirement Easing'

On the 21st, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices both started lower.

As of 9:06 AM that day, the KOSPI index stood at 2,601.94, down 12.36 points (0.47%) from the previous close. Individual investors sold a net 14.5 billion KRW, while foreigners and institutions bought a net 4.5 billion KRW and 15.2 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks in the Korea Composite Stock Price Index market, most stocks started weaker except for Kia (0.95%) and Hyundai Motor (0.20%). Samsung Electronics was trading at 74,400 KRW, down 0.53% from the previous close. SK Hynix was also trading down 0.64% at 139,600 KRW.

Amid growing expectations for a year-end "Santa Rally," uncertainties in the domestic stock market include the relaxation of major shareholder requirements subject to capital gains tax and the dividend record date. Ji-hyun Kim, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, said, "Expectations for the decision on relaxing the major shareholder requirements are rising," adding, "The key date is the 26th when the Cabinet meeting will be held. Realistically, it is expected to be decided around the 2 to 3 billion KRW range, but regardless of the amount, once confirmed, it is likely to be seen as a factor resolving uncertainty." She also noted, "The dividend record date, which requires holding stocks to receive dividends, is also on the 26th, so it is important to be aware that sell-off pressure may emerge afterward."

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was trading at 859.72, down 3.26 points (0.38%) from the previous close. Individual investors sold a net 6.7 billion KRW, while foreigners and institutions bought a net 4.8 billion KRW and 3.8 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks in the KOSDAQ market, secondary battery-related stocks such as Ecopro (-2.20%), Ecopro BM (-0.63%), and POSCO DX (-0.58%) started weaker. Alteogen (3.30%) showed strength early in the session.