The KOSPI index fell below the 2,600 mark during intraday trading due to the aftermath of the downgrade of the United States' credit rating.
As of 10:23 a.m. on May 19, the KOSPI index was trading at 2,600.56, down 1.0% from the previous day. During the session, it hit a low of 2,599.54, falling below the 2,600 level.
By investor type, institutions and foreigners recorded net sales of 43.6 billion won and 51.8 billion won, respectively, while individuals posted net purchases of 104.6 billion won. In the futures market, institutions, foreigners, and individuals all recorded net purchases of 69.5 billion won, 5.6 billion won, and 14.5 billion won, respectively.
Most sectors are showing declines. The securities sector is down 2.62%, while electrical and electronics are down 1.59%, IT services 1.6%, transportation equipment 1.47%, paper and wood 1.37%, metals 1.46%, machinery and equipment 1.37%, textiles and apparel 1.27%, food, beverage, and tobacco 1.23%, manufacturing 1.15%, entertainment and culture 1.06%, and general services 0.84%. In contrast, the insurance sector is up 2.32%, electric and gas is up 1.54%, and pharmaceuticals are up 0.82%.
Among large-cap stocks, more are declining than rising. Samsung Electronics is down 1.76%, SK hynix 2.69%, Hyundai Motor 1.86%, Hanwha Aerospace 0.83%, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries 1.07%, Kia 1.09%, Celltrion 0.65%, and NAVER 1.44%. On the other hand, Samsung Biologics is up 1.8%, LG Energy Solution 1.38%, and KB Financial Group 1.39%.
The KOSDAQ index is seeing its decline deepen due to selling by institutions and foreigners. The KOSDAQ index is trading at 712.13, down 1.78% from the previous day. By investor type, institutions and foreigners recorded net sales of 108.6 billion won and 68.2 billion won, respectively, while individuals posted net purchases of 193 billion won.
Most large-cap stocks on the KOSDAQ are also declining. Ecopro BM is down 0.21%, HLB 5.01%, Ecopro 0.57%, Rainbow Robotics 7.42%, Pharmaresearch 0.48%, Hugel 2.31%, Classys 0.83%, Rigakem Bio 3.2%, Samchundang Pharm 5.27%, and Lino Industrial 4.59%. In contrast, Alteogen is up 1.1%, and Peptron is also trading in positive territory.
Meanwhile, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won/dollar exchange rate is trading at 1,398.9 won, down 1.2 won from the previous day.
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