The KOSPI index closed nearly 1% higher, buoyed by expectations of increased semiconductor investments. Major semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led the index's rise, while the KOSDAQ, which surged over 8% the previous day, turned downward due to profit-taking by foreign and institutional investors.
According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished up 81.83 points (0.97%) at 8,476.48. The index opened at 8,416.70, up 22.05 points (0.26%), but dipped to 8,220.80 in the morning before gaining momentum in the afternoon, peaking at 8,667.73.
Retail investors purchased a net 833.5 billion won worth of stocks. Foreign investors sold a net 3.7965 trillion won, but institutional investors bought a net 2.9361 trillion won, supporting the index's rise.
Large-cap stocks showed strength, particularly in the semiconductor sector. Samsung Electronics rose 3.41%, SK Hynix gained 0.84%, SK Square increased by 3.48%, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics surged 7.16% following news of a global MLCC supply contract worth approximately 450 billion won. Conversely, LG Energy Solution fell 9.61%, Samsung Biologics dropped 3.94%, Samsung Life Insurance decreased by 1.84%, Hyundai Motor slipped 0.40%, and Samsung C&T declined 0.53%.
The KOSDAQ index closed down 4.39 points (0.48%) at 916.18. It opened at 925.21, up 4.64 points (0.50%), and briefly reached 935.27 before ending the day lower amid mixed trading.
Retail investors bought a net 390.2 billion won in stocks, while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 245.3 billion won and 143 billion won, respectively.
In the KOSDAQ, major stocks showed mixed performance. JUSUNG Engineering surged 13.82%, Wonik IPS rose 5.72%, EoTechnics gained 4.27%, HLB increased by 1.96%, and Rainbow Robotics rose 0.58%. In contrast, Ecopro fell 9.66%, Ecopro BM dropped 7.77%, Alteogen decreased by 3.22%, Kolon TissueGene fell 3.90%, and Rino Industry declined 1.52%.
Analysts attributed the KOSPI's strength to expectations of expanded semiconductor investments. Lim Jeong-eun, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "The momentum for increased semiconductor investments continues, bringing the KOSPI close to the 8,500 mark. The impact of the 'three mega projects' persisted, and in the latter part of the session, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix expanded their gains, driving the index higher."
She added, "After the market closed the previous day, Samsung Electronics announced semiconductor investment plans worth approximately 210 trillion won, while SK Hynix revealed plans of about 110 trillion won. This has generated optimism for the materials and components sector, and the need for stable power supply has kept the power equipment sector strong."
Conversely, regarding the KOSDAQ, she noted, "Foreign investors returned to net selling after four trading days, leading to a decline, and on a monthly basis, the index fell by 14.76%. The volatility was exacerbated by end-of-quarter rebalancing effects."
Meanwhile, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,549.4 won, up 4.2 won from the previous trading day.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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