KOSPI and KOSDAQ Indices Start Lower Amid Concerns Over Economic Slowdown

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] In the early session, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices are on a downward trend. This is analyzed to be influenced by the decline in the U.S. stock market due to concerns over Apple's employment cuts.

At 9:10 a.m. on the 19th, the KOSPI was at 2363.21, down 0.51% (12.04 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI started the session at 2367.52, down 0.33% (7.73 points) from the previous day. In the market, individuals and institutions bought stocks worth 18.7 billion KRW and 11.6 billion KRW respectively, while foreigners alone sold stocks worth 30 billion KRW.

Looking at the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics fell 1.94% and SK Hynix dropped 1.78% compared to the previous day. Additionally, NAVER (-1.83%), Kia (-0.37%), and Kakao (-0.96%) declined, while Samsung Biologics (1.73%), Samsung SDI (0.55%), and LG Chem (2.33%) rose.

Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, explained, "Concerns over Apple-related IT stocks' earnings are stimulating short-term profit-taking desires, putting downward pressure on the market. Considering the rebound in international oil prices and strong earnings of U.S. financial stocks, energy and banking-related stocks are expected to show relatively favorable trends."

The KOSDAQ index at the same time was at 773.39, down 0.43% (3.33 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ started the session at 773.73, down 0.38% (2.99 points) from the previous day. In the market, individuals alone bought stocks worth 33.7 billion KRW, while foreigners and institutions sold stocks worth 27.6 billion KRW and 5.1 billion KRW respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, Celltrion Healthcare (0.72%), Celltrion Pharm (0.52%), Alteogen (0.94%), and Seegene (2.63%) rose, while EcoPro BM (-0.73%), L&F (-0.71%), HLB (-0.25%), Kakao Games (-0.6%), and Pearl Abyss (-0.76%) declined.

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