KOSPI Ends Slightly Lower Near '2370 Level'...Individual and Foreign Investors Buy Together

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ji-hwan Park] The KOSPI showed mixed trends before closing with a slight gain. The index was supported by individual and foreign investors absorbing large-scale sell-offs from institutions.

According to the Korea Exchange on the 26th, the KOSPI closed at 2369.32, up 0.11% from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 2367.34, up 0.04% (1.01 points) from the previous day.

Market attention focused on the number of new COVID-19 cases. The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that 320 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed as of midnight. After the number of confirmed cases dropped to the 200s for two days, it rose again to the 300s. The KOSPI index fell to the 2330s after the announcement but soon reduced its losses and turned to an upward trend.

By investor type, individuals and foreigners net bought 192.6 billion KRW and 188.3 billion KRW, respectively. In contrast, institutions sold 410.7 billion KRW worth of stocks.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics remained flat. SK Hynix (2.34%), NAVER (2.77%), LG Chem (6.17%), Hyundai Motor (0.90%), and Celltrion (1.31%) rose. Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics (-0.37%) and LG Household & Health Care (-1.43%) declined.

The KOSDAQ index rose 0.60% to 841.35 compared to the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ opened at 838.86, up 0.30% (2.55 points) from the previous day.

In the KOSDAQ market, individual buying continued. Individuals net bought 134.4 billion KRW, while foreigners and institutions net sold 78.1 billion KRW and 28.7 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (0.19%), Seegene (1.08%), Alteogen (0.43%), and Celltrion Pharm (3.11%) rose. Meanwhile, HL Biopharma (-2.53%), CJ ENM (-2.25%), and SK Materials (-2.30%) declined.

Sang-young Seo, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, diagnosed, "For the time being, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported by health authorities is likely to have an impact on the stock market."

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