Foreigners Bring 'Saja' Back to KOSPI 2530 Level... Semiconductor Stocks Lead Rally

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] On the 16th, the KOSPI closed slightly higher, returning to the 2530 level. Foreign investors led the index's rise by net buying semiconductor-related stocks in the securities market, but the increase was limited due to factors such as weak Chinese real economy indicators for July.

On the day, the KOSPI closed at 2,533.52, up 0.22% (5.58 points) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 2,543.05, up 0.60% (15.11 points), but the gains narrowed as it fluctuated around the 2530 level.

Kim Seokhwan, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, explained the reason for the KOSPI's positive close: "Due to weak economic indicators from the US and China, expectations for the US Federal Reserve's easing of tightening and China's expansion of additional stimulus measures were reflected, sustaining risk appetite."

Looking at investors by type, foreigners were the sole net buyers with 57.8 billion KRW, while individuals and institutions sold 53.1 billion KRW and 25 billion KRW respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks in the securities market, semiconductor-related stocks showed relatively strong gains. SK Hynix closed at 96,700 KRW, up 3.64% (3,400 KRW) from the previous day, and Samsung Electronics also rose 1.33% (800 KRW) to close at 61,000 KRW. Researcher Kim noted, "DB HiTek's six consecutive quarters of strong earnings announcements and foreigners' focused buying of electric and electronic sectors, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix amid expansion news, drove the index's rise." Meanwhile, NAVER (-2.26%) and Kakao (-2.18%) failed to escape declines.

By sector, the electric and electronics index, which includes semiconductor-related stocks, rose the most at 1.26%. Manufacturing (0.62%) and non-metallic minerals (0.58%) also increased. Conversely, construction (-2.23%) and electric and gas utilities (-1.40%) declined.

The KOSDAQ index closed at 834.74, up 0.37% (3.11 points) from the previous day. The KOSDAQ opened at 835.20, up 0.43% (3.57 points), then fluctuated around the 830 level.

By investor type, foreigners were the sole net buyers with 121.7 billion KRW, while individuals and institutions sold 50.3 billion KRW and 56.7 billion KRW respectively.

Among the top market capitalization stocks on KOSDAQ, secondary battery-related stocks such as EcoPro (4.05%), L&F (2.83%), and Cheonbo (0.47%) rose. Pearl Abyss also closed at 58,400 KRW, up 2.82% (1,600 KRW) from the previous day. HLB closed at 43,900 KRW, down 3.20% (1,450 KRW), following news of a capital increase of around 330 billion KRW.

By sector on KOSDAQ, digital content (1.65%), textiles and apparel (1.62%), and semiconductors (1.54%) led gains. Conversely, construction (-1.63%) and transportation equipment and parts (-1.00%) declined.

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