On the 21st, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices started the trading day flat. Right after the market opened, the KOSPI touched the 3200 mark but retreated, showing fluctuations.
At 9:17 a.m. on the 21st, the KOSPI index was at 3203.78, up 15.71 points (0.49%) from the previous transaction, reclaiming the 3200 level. Meanwhile, the KOSDAQ index recorded 818.74, down 1.93 points (0.24%).
In the KOSPI market, individuals are showing a 'sell' trend worth 220 billion won. Foreign investors and institutions are net purchasing 180 billion won and 30 billion won, respectively. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign investors and institutions are selling at a net of 24 billion won and 2.6 billion won. Only individuals are net buying 29 billion won.
Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization in the securities market, Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Energy Solution, Hanwha Aerospace, and KB Financial are on the rise. On the other hand, Samsung Biologics and Hyundai Motor's stock prices are declining.
In the KOSDAQ market, leading stock Alteogen, along with Ecopro BM, HLB, and PharmaResearch, are experiencing a downward trend. In contrast, Peptron, Ecopro, and SME stocks are trading at higher prices than the previous transaction.
Last Friday, the New York stock market closed mixed, reflecting a wait-and-see sentiment. The Nasdaq reached new all-time highs for five consecutive days, but the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 indices fell by 0.32% and 0.01%, respectively. Reports indicating that U.S. President Donald Trump is demanding a minimum tariff of 15% from the European Union are interpreted as having worsened market sentiment.
However, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index recorded its highest level in five months this month, partially alleviating fears over tariffs. Additionally, Federal Reserve Governor Waller publicly announced a cut in interest rates for July, further supporting this trend.
Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "While the shock from the universal tariffs is not as concerning as feared, the noise surrounding tariffs remains, making it too early to be completely optimistic," adding, "Negotiations regarding reciprocal tariffs with countries such as Japan and Korea are not proceeding smoothly."
On that day, the won-dollar exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market was at 1390.60 won, down 1.5 won from the previous day. Last week, the exchange rate had surpassed 1390 won for the first time in two months, and as the deadline for tariff negotiations approaches, forecasts suggest that the dollar's weakening trend will diminish.