Domestic Stock Market Shows Strong Slight Rise in Early Trading... KOSPI Recovers to 2700 Level

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The domestic stock market showed a slight upward trend in the early trading session on the 18th, driven by individual investors' buying momentum.

At 9:27 a.m. that day, the KOSPI recorded 2701.05, up 0.24% (6.54 points) compared to the previous trading day. The KOSPI, which recovered the 2700 level for the first time in eight trading days the day before and closed at 2694.51, regained the 2700 level again with the upward trend that day. Individuals led the index's rise with a net purchase of 137.1 billion KRW. Institutions and foreigners net sold 68 billion KRW and 59.8 billion KRW, respectively.

The U.S. stock market closed higher the previous day due to expectations of easing tensions in the Ukraine situation, but its impact on the domestic stock market appears limited. The U.S. stock market rose as Turkey urged a summit between Ukraine and Russia, raising hopes for easing the Ukraine crisis. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the large-cap-focused S&P 500 index rose 1.23%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq index increased by 1.33%.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, LG Chem rose 2.13%, showing the largest gain. This was followed by Samsung Biologics (1.47%), Kakao (1.41%), Hyundai Motor (1.19%), and Naver (0.29%). On the other hand, Samsung Electronics (-0.7%), SK Hynix (-0.4%), LG Energy Solution (-0.4%), Samsung SDI (-0.2%), and Kia (-0.14%) declined.

By sector, textiles and apparel (1.87%), steel and metals (1.6%), medical precision instruments (1.54%), and pharmaceuticals (1.32%) rose. Electric power and gas (-0.73%), non-metallic minerals (-0.46%), and electrical and electronics (-0.37%) fell.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index recorded 916.78, up 0.29% (2.65 points) from the previous session. Individuals net bought 114 billion KRW, while institutions and foreigners net sold 43.1 billion KRW and 51.8 billion KRW, respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Kakao Games showed strength with a 2.55% rise. This was followed by Cheonbo (1.25%), CJ ENM (1.24%), Pearl Abyss (1.18%), L&F (1.03%), EcoPro BM (0.98%), and Celltrion Pharm (0.77%). HLB (-3.08%), Celltrion Healthcare (-0.14%), and Wemade (-0.1%) declined.

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