The KOSPI index closed higher on Monday, buoyed by strong performances from major semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, despite a dip to the 6700 range due to renewed military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. In contrast, the KOSDAQ fell over 1% amid selling by foreign and institutional investors.
According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished at 6835.80, up 15.78 points (0.23%) from the previous trading day. The index started lower, dropping to around 6732 during the day, but recovered in the afternoon.
Investor sentiment was initially dampened by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following the resumption of military conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Rising international oil prices and increasing U.S. Treasury yields also contributed to the cautious mood. However, net buying from other corporations and strong semiconductor stocks helped the KOSPI rebound.
In the securities market, individuals, foreigners, and institutions all showed a selling bias. Individuals sold a net 539.8 billion won, foreigners 491.9 billion won, and institutions 634 billion won.
Among the top market capitalization stocks, semiconductor shares performed well. Samsung Electronics closed at 261,000 won, up 0.38%, while SK Hynix rose 1.14% to 1,693,000 won. Samsung Electronics preferred shares (up 2.04%) and SK Square (up 2.89%) also saw gains.
Strong semiconductor exports in August supported investor sentiment. According to Daishin Securities, domestic semiconductor exports last month surged 209% year-on-year to a record high of $46.65 billion.
Financial stocks also showed strength, with Samsung C&T rising 3.72%, Shinhan Financial Group up 2.02%, and Samsung Life Insurance increasing 1.14%. Conversely, Hanwha Aerospace (-3.99%), LG Energy Solution (-2.91%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-1.92%), KB Financial Group (-1.21%), and Hyundai Motor (-0.74%) all declined.
The KOSDAQ index, however, diverged from the KOSPI, closing down 13.04 points (1.56%) at 821.25. While individuals bought a net 433.8 billion won, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 151.5 billion won and 274.8 billion won, respectively, pulling the index down.
Most of the top market capitalization stocks on the KOSDAQ also faced declines. Alteogen (-2.11%), EcoPro (-4.49%), EcoPro BM (-3.81%), Rainbow Robotics (-2.39%), HLB (-4.35%), and Pharma Research (-2.82%) all fell. Peptron plummeted 9.66%, while HPSP rose 1.59%.
Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "While net buying from other corporations helped the KOSPI maintain a slight gain, ongoing external uncertainties have continued to dampen overall market sentiment. The strong semiconductor exports supported gains in large-cap stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, but the number of declining stocks outnumbered those that rose, limiting the overall increase."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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