KOSPI Recovers 5,000 Mark Early in Session... KOSDAQ Also Rises

"Potential for Limited Index Momentum Amid Supply and Demand Tug-of-War"
Large-Cap Stocks Lead Gains

On January 23, the KOSPI re-entered the 5000 range.

As of 9:25 a.m. on this day, the KOSPI was trading at 5,018.63, up 66.10 points (1.33%) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 4,984.08, a 0.64% increase from the previous session, and regained the 5000 mark at 9:11 a.m. by reaching 5,001.08.

The previous day, the KOSPI had risen to as high as 5,019.54, but gave up some of its gains and closed at 4,952.53.

In the KOSPI market, individual investors and institutions are net buyers, purchasing 6.39 billion won and 3.08 billion won respectively, which is helping to lift the index. Foreign investors are net sellers, offloading 9.14 billion won.

As the KOSPI surpassed the 5000 mark again during the session, an employee is monitoring the stock market and exchange rates in the dealing room at the Hana Bank headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 23rd. On this day, the KOSPI opened at 4984.08, up 31.55 points (0.64%) from the previous trading day (4952.53). January 23, 2026 Photo by Jo Yongjun

Most of the large-cap stocks are showing gains. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which led the KOSPI's climb above 5000, are up by 1.97% and 0.26% respectively. Hyundai Motor (0.38%), LG Energy Solution (1.56%), Samsung Biologics (1.07%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (3.10%), and Doosan Enerbility (3.00%) are also performing strongly.

On the other hand, Hanwha Aerospace (-1.47%) and Kia (-0.91%) are declining.

By sector, most are showing strength, with securities stocks particularly attracting investor attention. As the index surpassed the 5000 mark during intraday trading for the second consecutive day, investor sentiment has revived, and expectations for the third amendment to the Commercial Act are adding to the buying momentum in securities stocks.

In addition, the construction sector is up 6.44%, while the leisure and culture sector is also rising by 2.78%. However, the electricity and gas sector and the transportation and storage sector are down by 4.68% and 1.70%, respectively.

Lee Sunghoon, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, commented, "Today, as the domestic stock market hovers around the 5000 mark, we are seeing a tug-of-war in supply and demand between the existing leading sectors (semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, and steel) and the lagging sectors (secondary batteries, consumer goods, and bio), which will likely limit the momentum for further index gains."

He added, "With the full-fledged corporate earnings season approaching, we expect to see a rotation of funds into stocks with strong earnings. Therefore, investors should be cautious about profit-taking in some stocks that have risen mainly on narrative-driven momentum."

The KOSDAQ is also strong at the same time. The KOSDAQ is up 9.14 points (0.94%) from the previous session, standing at 979.49. While foreign investors have been net sellers of 6.39 billion won, individuals and institutions have been net buyers of 3.24 billion won and 3.29 billion won, respectively.

Most large-cap stocks on the KOSDAQ are also on the rise. Alteogen (1.08%), EcoPro BM (0.99%), EcoPro (1.62%), ABL Bio (2.45%), Samchundang Pharm (9.08%), and HLB (2.82%) are among the gainers.