KOSPI Closes at 4,950 After Surrendering Gains Above 5,000... "Samsung Electronics Hits Record High"

On the 22nd, the KOSPI index, which had briefly surpassed the 5,000 mark, failed to maintain its upward momentum and closed in the 4,950 range. Nevertheless, it set a new all-time high at the close.

On the 22nd, the KOSPI closed at 4952.53, up 42.60 points (0.87%) from the previous trading day. Photo by Shinhan Bank, showing the status board in the dealing room at Shinhan Bank headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The KOSPI ended trading at 4,952.53, up 42.60 points (0.87%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 4,987.06, up 77.13 points (1.57%) from the previous session. In early trading, it continued to rise, surpassing the 5,000 mark for the first time ever and reaching as high as 5,019.54. After giving up some of its gains and dropping to the 4,970 range, the KOSPI regained the 5,000 mark thanks to net buying by institutional investors. However, in the afternoon, as institutions turned to net selling again, the index surrendered its gains.

Lim Jeongeun, a researcher at KB Securities, said, "The KOSPI achieved the 'Ocheonpi' (5,000-point level) for the first time during trading hours, driven by the recent physical artificial intelligence (AI) momentum based on the semiconductor supercycle." She added, "Although the Hyundai Motor Group continued its sharp rise in early trading, a large volume of profit-taking by foreign investors led to a reversal, and the KOSPI closed below the 5,000 mark." She also noted, "As the previously surging automotive sector declined, there was a rotation into secondary batteries, oil refining and chemicals, cosmetics, and bio stocks."

By investor type, individuals were net buyers of 155.6 billion won, while foreign investors and institutions were net sellers of 301.8 billion won and 102.8 billion won, respectively.

By sector, chemicals rose by 4.61%. The electrical and electronics sector jumped by 2.41%. In addition, securities and entertainment & culture sectors each climbed more than 1%. In contrast, transportation equipment & parts fell by 3.32%, and electricity & gas dropped by 2.19%. Pharmaceuticals, metals, and machinery & equipment sectors each declined by more than 1%.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, some set new all-time highs. Samsung Electronics closed at 152,300 won, up 2,800 won (1.87%) from the previous trading day, setting a new all-time high. During the session, it rose as high as 157,000 won.

Hyundai Motor fell by 3.64% due to profit-taking, but during the day it climbed to 590,000 won, setting a new intraday all-time high. SK Square also hit a new intraday all-time high at 466,000 won. The stock closed at 446,500 won, up 3.84% from the previous day. SK Hynix ended at 755,500 won, up 2.03%, approaching its all-time closing high of 764,000 won.

On the KOSPI, a total of 565 stocks rose, including two that hit the upper price limit: Hwacheon Machinery and Hannong Chemicals. In contrast, 317 stocks fell without any hitting the lower limit, while 46 stocks remained unchanged.

The KOSPI surpassed the 3,000 and 4,000 marks last year. This year, the index has continued its strong upward trend, breaking through the 5,000 mark as well. The index has risen by 17.52% so far this year. Semiconductors led the initial rally, followed by automotive stocks. Samsung Electronics has risen 27.02% this year, while SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, and Kia have jumped by 15.98%, 78.41%, and 35.14%, respectively.

Photo of the status board in the dealing room at Shinhan Bank Headquarters, Jung-gu, Seoul. Shinhan Bank

The KOSDAQ closed at 970.35, up 19.06 points (2.00%) from the previous trading day.

By investor type, individuals and foreign investors were net buyers of 104.8 billion won and 66.7 billion won, respectively. In contrast, institutions were net sellers of 138.6 billion won.

Most sectors posted gains. The financial sector rose the most, up 6.61%. Pharmaceuticals jumped by 4.24%, while chemicals and paper & wood each climbed more than 3%. In addition, electrical & electronics, medical & precision, and distribution sectors each gained more than 2%. In contrast, transportation equipment & parts fell by 2.03%, and telecommunications dropped by 1.18%.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Alteogen closed at 370,000 won, down 3,500 won (0.94%) from the previous trading day. Ecopro, Samchundang Pharm, and Peptron each soared more than 10%. Kolon TissueGene rose by 8.06%, while Ecopro BM, PharmaResearch, and HLB posted gains in the 5-7% range.

On the KOSDAQ, a total of 982 stocks rose, including 13 that hit the upper price limit such as Haesung Optics and Haesung Aerobotics. In contrast, 676 stocks fell, including Samsung SPAC No. 13, which hit the lower price limit. There were 104 stocks that remained unchanged.