KOSPI Closes Slightly Lower in the 6,400s... KOSDAQ Surpasses 1,200 Mark

The KOSPI index closed slightly lower, weighed down by short-term fatigue at recent highs and renewed concerns over tensions in the Middle East.

On April 23, 2026, as the three major U.S. stock indices closed higher amid optimism about the resumption of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, the KOSPI also surpassed the 6550 level during the session, reaching an all-time high. An employee is monitoring the stock market and exchange rates in the dealing room at the headquarters of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

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On April 24, the KOSPI index ended the session at 6475.63, down 0.18 points (0.00%) from the previous trading day.

By investor type, foreign investors were net sellers, offloading 1.9494 trillion won. In contrast, individuals and institutions were net buyers, purchasing 1.1785 trillion won and 809.2 billion won, respectively.

By sector, more sectors closed higher than lower. General services (+3.85%), machinery and equipment (+3.44%), medical precision instruments (+3.18%), entertainment and culture (+1.94%), and chemicals (+1.53%) all ended the session higher. In contrast, insurance (-2.17%), IT services (-0.97%), transportation equipment and parts (-0.68%), and construction (-0.68%) were among the sectors that declined.

Among the top 20 stocks by market capitalization, more closed higher than lower. HD Hyundai Electric (+10.54%), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (+4.68%), Doosan Enerbility (+3.67%), and LG Energy Solution (+3.11%) posted gains. On the other hand, Samsung Life Insurance (-4.31%), Hyundai Motor (-3.57%), Kia (-3.16%), and Samsung C&T (-2.66%) saw their shares fall.

The KOSDAQ index closed at 1203.84, up 29.53 points (2.51%) from the previous session.

By investor type, both foreigners and institutions showed strong buying interest. Foreign investors and institutions were net buyers, purchasing 732.2 billion won and 187.4 billion won, respectively. In contrast, individuals were net sellers, offloading 901.2 billion won.

By sector, most sectors posted gains. Notably, machinery and equipment (+4.44%), chemicals (+3.36%), manufacturing (+2.92%), pharmaceuticals (+2.60%), distribution (+2.59%), and electrical and electronics (+2.32%) all advanced. Meanwhile, only two sectors-paper and wood (-1.86%) and telecommunications (-0.77%)-closed lower.

Among the top 20 stocks by market capitalization, the majority ended higher. Peptone (+10.08%), Robotis (+9.55%), Samchundang Pharm (+8.29%), Jusung Engineering (+6.63%), HPSP (+4.71%), and EO Technics (+4.44%) recorded gains. In contrast, five stocks-Voronoi (-3.01%), Woori Technology (-2.14%), Rigachem Bio (-0.74%), Caregen (-0.46%), and Ecopro (-0.38%)-declined.

Meanwhile, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,484.5 won, up 3.5 won from the previous trading day.

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