KOSPI Slightly Weak Amid Foreign Net Selling... KOSDAQ Maintains Uptrend

On the 18th, the KOSPI opened at 2714.52, down 29.57 points (1.08%) from the previous trading day, at the Hana Bank dealing room in Jung-gu, Seoul. The KOSDAQ started at 862.19, down 12.03 points (1.38%) from the previous trading day, and the won-dollar exchange rate opened at 1199.0 won, up 1.9 won from the previous trading day. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] As foreign investors continue net selling, the KOSPI is maintaining a slightly weak trend. The KOSDAQ index, which turned to an upward trend in the morning, is maintaining its gains.

As of 2:09 PM on the 18th, the KOSPI is at 2,743.38, down 0.03% (0.71 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI initially dropped more than 1% to 2,711.88 early in the session but later rose to 2,747.08 points during the day, showing an upward trend.

The KOSPI, which started lower reflecting concerns over the war between Ukraine and Russia, has significantly reduced its losses. This is because institutions increased their buying after news that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold face-to-face talks in Europe in the latter half of next week. According to Bloomberg, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said the U.S. accepted the schedule on the premise that Russia will no longer invade Ukraine. Currently, in the KOSPI market, individuals and institutions bought stocks worth 70.3 billion KRW and 115.3 billion KRW respectively, driving the index higher. Foreigners alone sold stocks worth 187.4 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Kakao (1.21%) and Hyundai Motor (0.27%) rose, while Samsung Electronics (-0.93%), LG Energy Solution (-0.55%), SK Hynix (-0.75%), NAVER (-2.16%), Samsung Biologics (-0.53%), and LG Chem (-0.78%) declined.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index continues its upward trend. The KOSDAQ index is at 879.78, up 0.64% (5.56 points) from the previous trading day. Although the KOSDAQ index fell to the 869 level during the session, expanding its losses, it soon showed a rise of over 0.8%, climbing back above the 880 level. Looking at investment trends, individuals alone bought stocks worth 57.2 billion KRW, continuing their net buying. Foreigners and institutions sold stocks worth 3.3 billion KRW and 44.8 billion KRW respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (-1.74%), EcoPro BM (-1.06%), L&F (-0.11%), and Pearl Abyss (-1.56%) declined, while Kakao Games (1.00%), Wemade (0.55%), and CJ ENM (2.85%) rose.

Seosangyoung, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, said, “Although the Ukraine issue remains, it is important to note that many countries are heading to Moscow for diplomatic mediation, including the Munich Security Conference starting today and the meeting between the U.S. Secretary of State and the Russian Foreign Minister next week.” He added, “Considering that the U.S. stock market recently experienced increased volatility ahead of Friday’s options expiration, there is a possibility of an upward trend after the options expiration.”

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