On the 23rd, the KOSPI started higher on easing inflation concerns in the United States.
According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI index opened at 2429.63 and, as of 9:01 a.m., it was trading at 2423.08, up 18.93 points (0.79%) from the previous transaction day.
Both institutions and foreigners are showing strong buying interest, leading to the index's rise, with net purchases of 5.6 billion won and 4.8 billion won, respectively. Individuals are net sellers worth 10.5 billion won.
The rebound of the three major U.S. stock indices at the end of last week, attributed to easing inflation concerns and the resolution of the shutdown crisis, is seen as a positive factor.
In particular, the November Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index released by the U.S. Department of Commerce rose 0.1% from the previous month and 2.4% from the same month last year, falling short of market expectations.
Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "Last weekend, the PCE inflation data underperformed expectations, leading to a slight easing of anxiety surrounding currency policy," adding that "the KOSPI seems to be entering a rebound phase."
Among the top market capitalization stocks, both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have seen their share prices rise, likely boosted by semiconductor subsidies from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Additionally, stocks of Samsung Biologics, Hyundai Motor, Celltrion, Kia, and KB Financial are also rising, while LG Energy Solution and Naver are experiencing declines.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index showed an increase of 7.54 points (1.13%) to 675.85 from the previous transaction day. Foreigners are leading the index's rise with net sales worth 8.5 billion won.
In the KOSDAQ market, the stock prices of top market capitalization companies are mixed. The price of Alteogen, ranked first, is rising, while EcoPro BM, ranked second, is falling. HLB is strong, while Ecopro is weak.
Meanwhile, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate is recorded at 1448.50 won, up 1.20 won (0.08%) from the previous transaction day.