Both Markets Start Higher... KOSPI Rises Over 2%

Net Buying by Foreign Investors and Institutions
Semiconductor Sector Leads the Gains

On the morning of the 8th, the KOSPI, KOSDAQ, and the KRW/USD exchange rate are displayed in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

On March 18, both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices started the day higher. Strong buying activity from both foreign investors and institutions boosted the indices in early trading. Despite a rebound in oil prices, the U.S. stock market remained resilient, and confirmed demand in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is believed to have drawn investor sentiment toward leading domestic stocks.

On March 18, the KOSPI opened at 5,767.10, up 2.24% from the previous day. The index continued to gain and is now challenging the 5,800 level.

Foreign investors and institutions recorded net purchases of 237.8 billion won and 442.5 billion won, respectively. Individual investors posted net sales of 634 billion won.

All sectors are on the rise. The insurance sector posted the largest gain, rising by 5.58%. Several other sectors also rose more than 3%, including electrical and electronics (3.74%), construction (3.54%), and medical and precision instruments (3.25%).

The majority of the top 10 stocks by market capitalization also advanced. Notable gains were seen in SK Square (4.2%), Samsung Electronics (3.9%), SK hynix (2.9%), Doosan Enerbility (2.9%), Hyundai Motor (2.3%), and Kia (2.2%). Hanwha Aerospace was the only one among the top 10 to decline, falling 1.8%.

The KOSDAQ also started higher at 1,156.46, up 1.72% from the previous day. The index continued to rise, reaching as high as 1,158.32.

Foreign investors were the only group to record net purchases, buying 55.8 billion won. Individual investors and institutions posted net sales of 8.2 billion won and 26.9 billion won, respectively.

By sector, all categories except food, beverage, and tobacco (-0.06%) posted gains. The biggest increases were seen in other manufacturing (3.44%), machinery and equipment (3.27%), transportation equipment and parts (2.65%), medical and precision instruments (2.50%), electrical and electronics (2.33%), and manufacturing (2.17%).

All of the top 10 KOSDAQ stocks by market capitalization posted gains. The largest increase was seen in Leeno Industrial (3.0%), followed by Rainbow Robotics (2.6%) and Ecopro (2.2%). Other notable gainers included ABL Bio (1.4%), Samchundang Pharm (1.4%), Peptron (1.2%), and Alteogen (1.1%).

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