Despite a 'Surprise' Interest Rate Cut, Foreigners 'Sell'... KOSPI Closes Slightly Higher

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Close Lower
Foreign Investors Net Sell in Both Major Markets

Yonhap News

On the 28th, the KOSPI closed slightly higher. Despite a 'surprise' interest rate cut, foreign investors' net selling pressured the index. Major semiconductor stocks showed weakness, while major battery stocks ended on an upward trend.

The KOSPI closed at 2,504.67, up 0.06% (1.61 points) from the previous day. The index opened at 2,499.69, down 0.13% (3.37 points) from the previous close.

Although the market showed a sluggish trend early in the session, the Bank of Korea's 'surprise' rate cut helped sustain the upward momentum. However, foreign investors alone sold a net 492.3 billion KRW, capping the index's rise. Individual and institutional investors bought net amounts of 79.5 billion KRW and 337.8 billion KRW, respectively. In the futures market, institutions sold a net 268.8 billion KRW, while individuals and foreigners bought net amounts of 172 billion KRW and 84.8 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, the semiconductor sector showed clear weakness. Samsung Electronics fell 1.42%, SK Hynix dropped 4.28%, Shinhan Financial Group declined 2.90%, and Hyundai Motor decreased 0.90%. In contrast, Samsung Biologics rose 4.93% and Celltrion increased 4.84%.

The KOSDAQ closed at 694.39, up 0.35% (2.39 points) from the previous day. It opened at 694.96, up 0.43% (2.96 points) from the previous close. Similarly, foreign investors alone sold a net 83.9 billion KRW, while individual and institutional investors bought net amounts of 72 billion KRW and 26.6 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, only Ecopro BM rose 6.28%, Rigachem Bio increased 3.43%, Ecopro gained 2.55%, and JYP Ent. edged up 0.41%.