SK Hynix Hits Intraday Record of 120,000 Won... KOSPI Closes at 2,637 Points

Foreigners and Institutions 'Buyers'... Driving Semiconductors
Samsung Electronics Closes at 72,000 Won

On the 13th, the Korean stock market closed higher, buoyed by strong performance in the semiconductor sector, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Notably, SK Hynix surpassed 120,000 KRW intraday for the first time since March last year, setting a new high.

The KOSPI closed at 2,637.95, up 0.33% (8.60 points) from the previous day. The index opened at 2,644.43 (+0.57%) but its upward momentum slowed in the afternoon.

Market demand was led by foreigners and institutions. Foreigners and institutions net bought 115.2 billion KRW and 155.6 billion KRW respectively. In contrast, individual investors net sold 249 billion KRW. In the futures market, individuals and foreigners bought 92.1 billion KRW and 48.9 billion KRW respectively, while institutions alone sold 138.7 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Hynix recorded the highest gain with a 4.09% rise. SK Hynix broke its 52-week high by surpassing 120,000 KRW intraday for the first time in about 1 year and 2 months. The last time SK Hynix reached the 120,000 KRW level intraday was on March 31 of last year. Samsung Electronics also closed up 1.41% at 72,000 KRW.

Other stocks that ended higher included Hyundai Motor +0.92%, Kia +0.86%, Samsung SDI +0.27%, and NAVER +0.25%. On the other hand, LG Chem -1.34%, Samsung Biologics -1.13%, LG Energy Solution -0.82%, and POSCO Holdings -0.51% closed lower.

By sector, transportation and warehousing rose 1.68%, electrical and electronics 1.06%, machinery 0.74%, and construction 0.62%. However, insurance fell 2.05%, pharmaceuticals 0.73%, finance 0.59%, and medical precision equipment 0.45%.

The KOSDAQ closed at 896.81, up 1.25% (11.05 points) from the previous day. It started at 890.81, up 0.57%, and expanded its gains as demand increased.

Similar to the KOSPI, the index was driven by combined buying from foreigners and institutions. Foreigners net bought 205 billion KRW and institutions 100.5 billion KRW, while individual investors alone net sold 293.5 billion KRW.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, battery-related companies stood out. EcoPro closed up 8.24% at 749,000 KRW. EcoPro BM also rose 5.40% to 283,000 KRW. Pearl Abyss +3.39% and JYP Entertainment +0.60% also ended higher.

Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, explained, "With expectations for the extension of the U.S. exemption on semiconductor and equipment export controls to China, domestic semiconductor companies showed clear strength. Today's KOSPI rise was essentially led by just two stocks, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix."

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