The KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices started with a joint rise on the 24th. The KOSPI index is fluctuating around the 2450 mark. It appears to have been influenced by the U.S. major indices closing higher ahead of Christmas.

On Dec. 24, a day before Christmas, at Hana Bank's dealing room in Junggu, Seoul. On this day, the KOSPI opens at 2,450.55, up 8.54 points (0.35%) from the previous transaction. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

As of 9:07 a.m. on the 24th, the KOSPI index recorded a rise of 2.62 points (0.11%) to 2444.63. The KOSPI index opened at 2452.85, up 10.84 points (0.44%) from the previous session. While institutions and foreign investors sold a net 22.5 billion won and 53.1 billion won, respectively, individual investors are buying a net 76.2 billion won.

The top stocks by market capitalization in the securities market are generally showing an upward trend. Major stocks, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, LG Energy Solution, Samsung Biologics, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and NAVER are increasing, while only Celltrion and KB Financial are experiencing slight declines.

At the same time, the KOSDAQ index is recording 682.56, up 3.32 points (0.49%) from the previous transaction day. In the KOSDAQ market, individuals are net buying assets worth 38 billion won, while institutions and foreign investors are selling a net 8.1 billion won and 22.2 billion won, respectively.

The top 10 stocks by market capitalization in the KOSDAQ market are generally on an upward trend. EcoProBM, HLB, Ecopro, Hugel, Classys, Rino Industry, and Enchem are increasing, while Rigakem Bio is declining. Samchundang Pharmaceutical is trading down 3.26% from the previous day.

Previously, on the 23rd (local time), all three major indices on the New York Stock Exchange closed higher. The Standard & Poor's 500 index, focused on large-cap stocks, closed at 5974.07, up 43.22 points (0.73%). The tech-heavy Nasdaq index finished at 19,764.88, up 192.29 points (0.98%). The Dow Jones 30 index closed up 66.69 points (0.16%) at 42,906.95.

Although the average transaction volume decreased ahead of the Christmas holiday, buying trends centered on tech stocks continued, showing strength. As a result, expectations for a "Santa rally" in stock prices around Christmas have increased.