KOSPI Starts Higher as Individuals Net Buy ... KOSDAQ Up 2%

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] The KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices started higher, recovering from the previous day's slump.

On the 19th, the KOSPI opened at 2,370.87, up 22.63 points (0.96%) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI, which started higher, saw individual investors return to buying in the early session, pushing the index back above the 2,370 level. As of 9:25 a.m., it was trading at 2,378.35, up 30.11 points (1.28%) from the previous day.

Overnight, major indices on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) showed mixed trends amid US-China tensions and a deadlock in US stimulus negotiations, but supported by favorable economic indicators. On the 18th (local time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 27,778.07, down 66.84 points (0.24%) from the previous day. The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index rose 7.79 points (0.23%) to 3,389.78, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq index gained 81.12 points (0.73%) to close at 11,210.84.

Although the US Nasdaq continued its upward trend and the S&P 500 hit an all-time high, there was notable caution as trading volumes sharply declined. Kiwoom Securities analyst Seo Sang-young noted, "Market participants' desire for profit-taking has increased, leading to concentration in certain stocks. Considering this, the Korean stock market is expected to show fluctuations depending on changes in individual stocks amid ongoing profit-taking selling pressure."

Looking at the current trading trends by participant, individual investors who sold off the previous day are now net buyers with 120.7 billion KRW, leading the index's rise. Conversely, institutions and foreign investors are net sellers with 89.1 billion KRW and 39.5 billion KRW, respectively.

By sector, most industries including insurance, machinery, textiles & apparel, and pharmaceuticals are rising.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung C&T, Celltrion, Samsung Biologics, SK Telecom, and Hyundai Motor are gaining. Meanwhile, SK Hynix and Samsung SDI are declining.

Currently, in the KOSPI market, 745 stocks are rising without any hitting the upper price limit, 105 stocks are falling without any hitting the lower price limit, and 48 stocks are unchanged.

The KOSDAQ index is also recovering from the previous day's decline, rising more than 2% in early trading. It opened at 810.86, up 10.64 points (1.33%) from the previous day, with foreign and institutional investors jointly buying to lift the index. As of 9:25 a.m., it was at 818.12, up 17.90 points (2.24%) from the previous day.

Regarding current supply and demand, foreign and institutional investors are net buyers with 23.1 billion KRW and 7.6 billion KRW, respectively, while individual investors are net sellers with 13.6 billion KRW.

By sector, most industries including internet, software, pharmaceuticals, and broadcasting services are rising.

Most of the top market capitalization stocks are also gaining. Genexine, Seegene, CJ ENM, Celltrion Pharm, Lino Industrial, and Alteogen are showing relatively large gains.

Currently, in the KOSDAQ market, 1,122 stocks are rising including one hitting the upper price limit, 145 stocks are falling without any hitting the lower price limit, and 54 stocks are unchanged.

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