KOSPI Opens Lower Amid Ukraine Conflict and Interest Rate Hike Shock

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The KOSPI opened lower due to renewed concerns over the Ukraine issue and aggressive U.S. monetary policy.

As of 9:11 a.m. on the 18th, the KOSPI stood at 2,718.89, down 0.92% (25.20 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI started the day at 2,714.52, down 1.08% (29.57 points) from the previous day. Looking at investor trends, individuals and institutions bought stocks worth 13 billion KRW and 19 billion KRW respectively, while foreigners sold stocks worth 31 billion KRW alone.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics traded down 0.27% at 74,800 KRW. LG Energy Solution (-1.21%), SK Hynix (-0.38%), NAVER (-1.85%), Samsung Biologics (-1.45%), Kakao (-1.21%), Hyundai Motor (-0.82%), and Samsung SDI (-1.44%) also declined.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index stood at 864.40, down 1.12% (9.82 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ index started the day at 862.19, down 1.38% (12.03 points) from the previous day. Regarding investor trends, foreigners and institutions sold stocks worth 5.1 billion KRW and 9.6 billion KRW respectively, while individuals alone bought stocks worth 16.2 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare traded down 1.43% at 62,200 KRW. EcoPro BM (-1.08%), L&F (-3.3%), Pearl Abyss (-2.6%), Kakao Games (-1.28%), WeMade (-1.66%), HLB (-2.14%), and Celltrion Pharm (-1.27%) also declined.

Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, said, “It is expected to show a downward trend due to the shock of the sharp decline in the U.S. stock market,” adding, “Although the hurdle of the January FOMC minutes has been overcome, the Federal Reserve’s policy uncertainty remains a chronic burden on the market.”

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