Samsung Electronics Tops with Over 60,000 Large Buy Orders
SK Hynix, Doosan Enerbility, Naver Follow
After the KOSPI surpassed the 4,000 mark for the first time in history, there has been a sharp surge in large-scale orders from individual investors. As the stock market continues its upward trend day after day, there has been a noticeable increase in participation from so-called "big retail investors" who invest more than 100 million won.
As the KOSPI index continues to hit record highs day after day, on the 30th of last month, the status board in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul displayed the KOSPI, won/dollar exchange rate, and other indicators. On that day, the KOSPI started at 4,105.95, up 24.80 points (0.61%) from the previous close, and at one point during the session, it reached an intraday record high of 4,146.72.
According to the Korea Exchange on November 2, the daily average number of large orders (over 100 million won) placed by individuals in the KOSPI market last month reached 28,729. This represents an increase of about 52% compared to September’s 18,957 orders. On a monthly average basis, this is the highest level in four years and two months since August 2021.
Large individual orders, which had temporarily shrunk at the beginning of this year, began to recover gradually from May and then surged in October as the KOSPI hit record highs. Market experts attribute this to expectations of progress in Korea-US tariff negotiations and the strong performance of US tech stocks, both of which have significantly boosted investor sentiment. Last month, the KOSPI rose by about 19% over the month, surpassing the 4,000 mark.
The stock that attracted the most large individual orders was Samsung Electronics. Over the month, individual investors placed 60,243 orders of more than 100 million won each. The buying momentum was driven by Samsung Electronics’ strong third-quarter earnings and the official announcement of supply deals with Nvidia, the leading US AI semiconductor company. In addition, expectations for expanded cooperation grew after a meeting between Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, further fueling demand.
SK Hynix ranked second with 43,787 large individual orders. The main factors cited were the recovery in the memory semiconductor business and record-high quarterly earnings. This was followed by Doosan Enerbility (29,116 orders), Naver (18,235 orders), Hanwha Ocean (17,489 orders), Samsung SDI (13,270 orders), Hanmi Semiconductor (12,980 orders), and Hyundai Motor (10,855 orders).
In the securities industry, most analysts believe that the upward trend is likely to continue into next year. Investments in AI infrastructure, centered around semiconductors, are expected to keep driving the market. There is even speculation that the KOSPI could reach the "Ocheongpi" (KOSPI 5,000 points) milestone next year.
Major securities firms predict that if the AI supercycle materializes, the index could surpass 5,000. However, it was also pointed out that in order for the rally to be sustained, profit growth needs to spread across sectors beyond just Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Nevertheless, given the rapid surge in the KOSPI over a short period, there are also warnings against excessive optimism. Experts advise, "Valuations are rising quickly relative to fundamentals, so a correction phase is inevitable," adding, "Above the 4,100 level, a conservative strategy focusing on rotational trading rather than chasing momentum is advisable."
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