In the U.S. stock market, the three major indices continued their rebound for two consecutive days, while on the 18th, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices started off higher.
As of 9:06 a.m. that day, the KOSPI index recorded a rise of 22.19 points (0.85%) to 2632.88 compared to the previous transaction day. The KOSPI index opened at 2627.27, up 16.58 points (0.64%) from the last close.
Most of the stocks in the market capitalization top tier showed 'red lights.' The leading semiconductor stock, Samsung Electronics, rose 2.26%, while SK hynix increased by 0.49%. Samsung Electronics' preferred stock rose by 2.00%.
In addition, LG Energy Solution, Samsung Biologics, Hyundai Motor, Celltrion, Hanwha Aerospace, and NAVER are seeing their stock prices increase. In contrast, Kia and others are seeing declines in their stock prices.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index is trading at 745.41, up 1.90 points (0.26%). The KOSDAQ index opened at 747.71, an increase of 4.20 points (0.56%) compared to the previous transaction day.
Looking at the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, Alteogen, Ecopro BM, HLB, Ecopro, Sam Chun Dang Pharm, HUGEL, Kolon TissueGene, and CLASSYS are experiencing rises in their stock prices. In contrast, Rainbow Robotics and LigaChem Biosciences are seeing declines.
On the 17th (local time), the three major indices in the U.S. stock market closed higher for two consecutive days. The U.S. stock market, which had sharply declined due to President Donald Trump's erratic tariff policies and subsequent concerns over economic slowdown, is showing some signs of recovery.
That day, the large-cap centered Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index finished trading at 5675.12, up 36.18 points (0.64%) from the last close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, focused on blue-chip stocks, closed at 41,841.63, up 353.44 points (0.85%) from the previous day. The technology-centered Nasdaq index closed at 17,808.66, up 54.57 points (0.31%) from the last close.
All three indices rose for two consecutive transaction days. Following the 14th, there appeared to be a flow of bargain buying that day. The retail sales data for February is believed to have eased market concerns. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, retail sales in February increased by 0.2% compared to the previous month, falling short of the Dow Jones' forecast of 0.6%.
On that day, the won-dollar exchange rate opened at 1444.0 won, down 3.9 won from the previous transaction day. (The value of the won has increased.)