The KOSPI recovered the 4,150 level to climb to its highest in a month, as the won-dollar exchange rate fell and foreign funds flowed in. Investors are increasingly watching to see whether the index's rally, which stalled last month, will resume.

On the 8th, the KOSPI closed at 4,154.85, up 54.80 points (1.34%) from the previous trading day. It was the highest closing level in a month since the 13th of last month (4,170.63). The KOSPI opened higher and at one point seemed to turn lower, but the index was lifted as institutions shifted to net buying during the session and foreigners joined the buying. However, institutions turned to selling late in the session. Foreigners were net buyers of more than 300 billion won.

The stock market closing board is displayed on an electronic screen in the dealing room at Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, the afternoon of the 8th. The KOSPI closes at 4,154.85, up 54.80 points (1.34%) from the previous trading day, and the KOSDAQ closes at 927.79, up 3.05 points (0.33%) from the previous trading day./Courtesy of News1

A recent run of won weakness eased somewhat, which appears to have influenced the inflow of foreign funds. In the foreign exchange market that day, the won-dollar rate fell to around 1,466 won. On the 4th to 5th, the won fell past 1,470 per $1, but the weakness eased somewhat that day.

U.S. stocks rose last week, but with investors on hold ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decision to be announced at dawn on the 11th Korea time, the index's gains were limited. Influenced by this, investors in the domestic market also took a wait-and-see approach early in the session.

But as expectations grew for a rate cut, market sentiment shifted. News also came that most U.S. economists expect a rate cut this month. Risk appetite improved, and funds flowed into large caps.

In the main board, Samsung Electronics rose, while SK hynix and LG Energy Solution surged about 5% to 6%. Doosan Enerbility and KB Financial fell sharply, but most other stocks gained.

With U.S. index futures up slightly, Japan's Nikkei and China's Shanghai indexes are also rising.

The KOSDAQ also rose. The KOSDAQ closed at 927.79, up 3.05 points (0.33%). In the KOSDAQ market, foreigners were net buyers of nearly 400 billion won.

EcoPro jumped more than 20% on expectations that the secondary battery industry will improve, and EcoPro BM also rose sharply. Alteogen, which is transferring its listing to the main board, rebounded. However, bio and robotics sectors fell.

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