KOSPI Hits All-Time High as Foreign and Institutional Investors Turn Net Buyers on U.S. Rate Cut

The KOSPI reached an all-time high in just two days. This is attributed to the effect of the U.S. interest rate cut, as well as foreign and institutional investors shifting from net selling to net buying in early trading. The KOSDAQ also set a new yearly high.

Yonhap News Agency

As of 1:46 p.m. on September 18, the KOSPI stood at 3,453.30, up 39.90 points (1.17%) from the previous trading day. During the session, the index climbed as high as 3,457.62, surpassing the previous intraday record of 3,452.50 set on the 16th.

By investor type, foreign investors and institutions recorded net purchases of 56.1 billion won and 307.7 billion won, respectively. In contrast, individual investors posted net sales of 405.2 billion won.

By sector, electrical and electronics rose by 3.29%, while securities and medical/precision sectors each jumped by more than 1%. On the other hand, metals fell by 2.04%, and electricity/gas and construction sectors each declined by more than 1%.

Among large-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics traded at 80,400 won, up 2,200 won (2.81%). SK Hynix surged 6.60%, while Samsung C&T and NAVER rose by 2.12% and 1.50%, respectively. In contrast, KB Financial Group, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean each fell by more than 1%.

The KOSDAQ climbed 10.02 points (1.19%) to 855.55, marking a new high for the year.

By investor type, foreign investors and institutions recorded net purchases of 19.1 billion won and 106.8 billion won, respectively. In contrast, individual investors posted net sales of 116.8 billion won.

By sector, machinery/equipment and non-metallics each rose by more than 3%. Chemicals increased by 2.41%, and electrical/electronics and medical/precision sectors each climbed by more than 1%. In contrast, textiles/apparel, metals, publishing/media, and pharmaceuticals posted slight declines.

Among large-cap stocks, Alteogen gained 1,500 won (0.32%) from the previous session to close at 474,500 won. Rainbow Robotics rose 3.33%. HLB, Hugel, and Lino Industrial each climbed by more than 1%. In contrast, PharmaResearch and Classys each fell by more than 1%.