KOSPI and KOSDAQ Start Higher... Semiconductor Stocks Rally

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Following the rise of the three major U.S. indices in the previous trading session, the KOSPI index started with a gain of over 1%.

As of 9:08 a.m. on the 31st, the KOSPI index stood at 2290.04, up 0.95% (21.64 points) compared to the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened the session at 2293.75, up 1.12% (25.35 points).

By investor type, individual investors are also driving the index. While foreigners and institutions are net selling stocks worth 28.9 billion KRW and 42.9 billion KRW respectively, individuals alone are net buying stocks worth 68.2 billion KRW, supporting the index.

Looking at the top market capitalization stocks, the semiconductor sector is showing strength, buoyed by the sharp rise in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index in the U.S. on the previous trading day. Samsung Electronics (2.62%), Samsung Electronics Preferred (2.14%), and SK Hynix (1.44%) are showing gains. Other stocks include Samsung Biologics (0.68%) and Celltrion (2.40%). Secondary battery and automobile-related stocks are declining. LG Energy Solution (-1.88%), Samsung SDI (-0.14%), Hyundai Motor (-0.30%), and Kia (-0.15%) are among them.

Seo Sangyoung, Head of Media Content at Mirae Asset Securities, forecasted, "The semiconductor sector, which had been weak due to sluggish industry conditions, is showing strength thanks to Intel, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index’s sharp 3.98% rise will also drive the strength of our semiconductor sector."

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index stood at 695.14, up 1.09% (7.51 points) compared to the previous trading day. The KOSDAQ opened at 694.69, up 1.03% (7.06 points).

Regarding investment trends, individuals and institutions are net buying stocks worth 41.3 billion KRW and 100 million KRW respectively, while foreigners are net selling stocks worth 39.1 billion KRW.

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, all except Ecopro (-0.21%) are rising. These include Ecopro BM (-0.96%), Celltrion Healthcare (2.81%), L&F (0.31%), HLB (1.25%), Kakao Games (2.06%), Pearl Abyss (0.49%), Celltrion Pharm (3.02%), Cheonbo (0.79%), and Rino Industries (1.86%).

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