KOSPI Retreats to 3,560 Level as US-China Tensions Reignite

The KOSPI, which had set a new all-time high, reversed course and fell to the 3,560 level as tensions between the United States and China reignited.

On the 14th, when the KOSPI hit an intraday all-time high, the status board in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul displayed the KOSPI and the won/dollar exchange rate. On the same day, Samsung Electronics recorded an operating profit of 12.1 trillion won for the third quarter of this year, reclaiming the 10 trillion won level, and its quarterly sales exceeded 80 trillion won for the first time, setting a record high. 2025.10.14 Photo by Jo Yongjun

On the 14th, the KOSPI closed at 3,561.81, down 22.74 points (0.63%) from the previous trading day.

The index opened at 3,604.12, up 0.55% from the previous session. Immediately after the market opened, the index climbed as high as 3,646.77, reaching a new all-time high, buoyed by Samsung Electronics' strong earnings and expectations of easing tensions between the United States and China. However, the gains were erased and the market turned downward as investors took profits in Samsung Electronics and renewed concerns emerged over trade conflicts between the United States and China.

Samsung Electronics also reached a new yearly high as its preliminary third-quarter results exceeded market expectations. However, the stock reversed course and declined as profit-taking followed the recent sustained rally.

The disappearance of expectations for an easing of US-China tensions also had an impact. On this day, China's Ministry of Commerce announced, "To retaliate against the United States' Section 301 investigation measures on China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, we are issuing a decision to adopt countermeasures against five US subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean Company."

By investor type, individuals and foreign investors were net buyers, purchasing 72.4 billion won and 484.9 billion won, respectively. In contrast, institutions were net sellers, offloading 629.9 billion won.

By industry, entertainment & culture, medical & precision, and transportation equipment & parts all fell by more than 2%. Machinery & equipment, telecommunications, and securities also declined by more than 1%. In contrast, metals rose by 5.96%, while electricity & gas and insurance climbed by 4.36% and 2.19%, respectively. Transportation & storage also jumped by 1.03%.

Among large-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics ended the session at 91,600 won, down 1,700 won (1.82%) from the previous day. Hanwha Aerospace and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropped by 6.04% and 4.06%, respectively. Doosan Enerbility and Shinhan Financial Group also fell by more than 2%. In contrast, LG Energy Solution and Samsung Life Insurance both rose by more than 6%. Hyundai Motor and Kia gained 2.06% and 1.38%, respectively.

On the KOSPI, 317 stocks rose, including three stocks-Dongyang, Dongyang Preferred, and one other-that hit the daily upper limit. A total of 564 stocks declined without any hitting the lower limit, while 50 stocks remained unchanged.

The KOSDAQ closed at 847.96, down 12.53 points (1.46%) from the previous trading day.

By investor type, foreign investors and institutions were net sellers, offloading 121.1 billion won and 117.9 billion won, respectively. In contrast, individuals were net buyers, purchasing 231.1 billion won.

By industry, entertainment & culture dropped by 3.28%. Medical & precision equipment, machinery & equipment, chemicals, and metals all fell by more than 2%. Pharmaceuticals, construction, and non-metallics also declined by more than 1%. In contrast, textiles & apparel rose by 1.03%.

Among KOSDAQ large-cap stocks, Alteogen closed at 446,000 won, up 2,000 won (0.45%) from the previous day. Ecopro BM and Ecopro rose by 5.01% and 3.70%, respectively. Leeno Industrial also gained 1.24%. In contrast, Peptron and PharmaResearch both fell by more than 4%, while LIG ChemBio and HLB dropped by more than 3%.

On the KOSDAQ, 497 stocks rose, including three stocks-Robostar, Kaspion, and one other-that hit the daily upper limit. A total of 1,150 stocks declined without any hitting the lower limit, while 86 stocks remained unchanged.