KOSPI Falls Over 1% Early Session Amid Concerns of COVID-19 Spread

On the 21st, as the possibility of community spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increases, the KOSPI index opened lower at 2,165.65, down 29.85 points (1.36%) from the previous trading day. The won-dollar exchange rate started the session at 1,205.7 won, up 7.0 won. Dealers are working in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Euljiro, Seoul on this day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The KOSPI is showing a decline of over 1% amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

At 9:07 a.m. on the 21st, the KOSPI was trading at 2,173.31, down 22.19 points (1.01%) from the previous session. The index opened the day at 2,165.65, down 29.85 points (1.36%).

Currently, institutional investors are selling stocks worth 24.2 billion KRW in the KOSPI market. Individual and foreign investors are buying stocks worth 17.7 billion KRW and 5.9 billion KRW, respectively.

By sector, only Paper & Wood is recording an increase of 2.36%. Food & Beverages (-0.36%), Transportation & Warehousing (-0.14%), and Banks (-0.89%) showed relatively smaller declines.

All of the top 10 market capitalization stocks are in a downward trend.

Leading stock Samsung Electronics is trading at 59,200 KRW, down 1.33% from the previous session. SK Hynix (-1.44%), Samsung Biologics (-0.9%), LG Chem (-1.79%), Hyundai Motor (-0.77%), Samsung SDI (-0.58%), Celltrion (-0.84%), and Hyundai Mobis (-1.08%) are all declining.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index is trading at 676.10, down 5.56 points (0.82%) from the previous session. The index opened at 673.57, down 8.09 points (1.19%).

Currently, foreign investors are buying stocks worth 14.4 billion KRW in the KOSDAQ market, while individual and institutional investors are selling stocks worth 7.5 billion KRW and 5.7 billion KRW, respectively.

By sector, Textile & Apparel (2.30%), Publishing & Media Replication (1.05%), and Food & Tobacco (0.21%) showed the highest gains.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Medytox (1.38%) and Hugel (0.40%) are recording gains. Celltrion Healthcare (-1.95%), HLB (-1.13%), and CJ ENM (-1.66%) are showing declines.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.