KOSPI and KOSDAQ Reverse into Decline... Semiconductors Uniformly Weak

Foreigners, 'Palja' in Yangdae Market

As the U.S. stock market closed slightly lower across the board, the KOSPI started with a narrow range-bound movement, fluctuating slightly up and down, while the KOSDAQ experienced a slight decline on the 21st. Various indices are displayed on the electronic board at the Korea Exchange Seoul Office in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

On the 30th, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ opened higher but turned to a downward trend. Foreign investors are dragging the indices down by net selling in both major markets. Following the mixed close of the U.S. stock market on the 27th (local time), AI semiconductor-related stocks took a breather, leading to weakness in the domestic semiconductor sector as well.

As of 9:29 AM, the KOSPI is trading at 2,639.38, down 0.39% (10.40 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 2,665.24, up 0.58% (15.46 points) from the previous close, but soon turned downward.

Foreign investors alone are net selling 79.4 billion KRW, pulling the index down. Individual and institutional investors are net buying 2.1 billion KRW and 79.4 billion KRW, respectively. In the futures market, only foreign investors are buying 70.7 billion KRW, while individuals and institutions are selling 61.2 billion KRW and 1.7 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, most are declining. Kia is down 1.91%, SK Hynix down 1.80%, and Samsung Electronics down 1.56%. LG Energy Solution (+3.62%) and POSCO Holdings (+1.42%) show notable gains.

As of 9:34 AM, the KOSDAQ is at 770.41, down 0.53% (4.08 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ opened at 777.06, up 0.33% (2.57 points) from the previous close. Foreign and institutional investors are net selling 30.4 billion KRW and 10.4 billion KRW, respectively. Only individual investors are net buying 45.5 billion KRW.

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, most are declining. Notable drops include Enchem (-3.24%), Rino Industrial (-1.20%), and Alteogen (-1.20%).