The KOSPI was slightly higher in the 4,160 range on the afternoon of the 13th. The index lacked clear direction and fluctuated during the session. Foreign and institutional investors were net sellers, while only retail investors showed net buying.
As of 1:50 p.m. that day, the KOSPI was trading at 4,168.44, up 18.05 points, or 0.43%, from the previous session. Because of the college entrance exam, trading on the KOSPI started at 10 a.m., one hour later than usual, and opened down 0.55% at 4,127.57, but reversed higher early in the session. However, the gains were modest, with repeated swings around the 4,150 level.
U.S. stocks were mixed the previous day. Although the U.S. government shutdown ended and expectations for increased liquidity grew, investors stayed on the sidelines. It is seen as reflecting the uncertainty over the direction of U.S. monetary policy after the prolonged government shutdown.
Concerns about an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble, which has had a major impact on global stock markets recently, have not been dispelled. Investors are focusing on Nvidia's earnings release scheduled for the 20th.
Among large-cap stocks on the Korea Exchange, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix were slightly lower, but shipbuilding shares were higher. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gained nearly 4%, and Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean were also strong.
While blue chips stalled, funds flowed into small and mid-cap stocks. The KOSPI continued to seesaw, but the KOSDAQ widened its intraday gains. As of 1:50 p.m., the KOSDAQ was trading at 917.09, up 10.58 points, or 1.17%, from the previous session. Foreign investors were net sellers, but retail and institutional investors were net buyers at the same time.
Biotech, secondary batteries, and Robotics sectors advanced together. Most top market-cap stocks on the KOSDAQ, including Alteogen, EcoPro BM, and Rainbow Robotics, were higher.