US Stock Market Rises... But KOSPI and KOSDAQ Show Mixed Trends Amid Foreign Selling

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Myung-Hwan Lee] The KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices showed mixed trends in early trading on the 21st. Despite the U.S. stock market rising more than 2% the previous day, foreign investors' selling limited the impact on the domestic market.

As of 9:17 a.m., the KOSPI stood at 2706.59, down 0.43 points (0.02%) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 2717.81, up 10.79 points (0.40%), but fluctuated between gains and losses early in the session. By investor type, individual investors were net buyers with 120.6 billion KRW, while institutions and foreigners sold 43 billion KRW and 75.8 billion KRW respectively.

Looking at the top market capitalization stocks, LG Energy Solution rose 2.36%, reclaiming the second spot in market cap. Other gainers included Samsung Biologics (1.09%), Samsung Electronics Preferred (0.16%), Samsung SDI (1.59%), and LG Chem (0.51%). Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics, the largest market cap stock, fell 0.42%. SK Hynix (-0.40%), NAVER (-1.31%), Kakao (-1.84%), and Hyundai Motor (-0.58%) also declined.

By sector, Paper & Wood (1.15%), Chemicals (0.60%), and Distribution (0.55%) rose, while Medical Precision (-3.56%), Electric & Gas (-2.01%), and Banking (-1.15%) sectors declined.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ was at 922.66, down 0.30 points (0.03%) from the previous day. The KOSDAQ opened at 926.86, up 3.90 points (0.42%), but also showed mixed trends. Individual investors were net buyers with 73.6 billion KRW, while institutions and foreigners sold 0.2 billion KRW and 69 billion KRW respectively.

Among the top market cap stocks, EcoPro BM rose 2.29%. Others gaining included Pearl Abyss (0.19%), L&F (2.37%), HLB (1.82%), Chunbo (0.74%), and CJ ENM (3.07%). On the other hand, Celltrion Healthcare (-2.47%), Kakao Games (-2.22%), Celltrion Pharm (-1.90%), and Wemade (-2.25%) declined.

By sector, Broadcasting Services (3.27%), Telecommunications & Broadcasting Services (2.38%), and Food, Beverage & Tobacco (1.73%) rose, while Medical Precision Instruments (-0.77%), Pharmaceuticals (-0.62%), and Entertainment & Culture (-0.46%) fell.

Sang-Young Seo, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, analyzed, "Although the U.S. stock market showed gains of over 2%, this was due to supply-demand factors, so the impact on the Korean stock market will be limited. The uncertainty surrounding Ukraine and aggressive monetary policy remarks by Federal Reserve officials have strengthened the dollar, which could burden foreign investor demand, making the outlook negative."

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