The KOSPI index paused for breath. After breaking through the 4,900 level the previous day, the KOSPI turned lower on the morning of the 20th and has been fluctuating around the 4,880 level. In contrast, the KOSDAQ index topped 980 for the first time in four years.
As of 11:27 a.m., the KOSPI was down 26.76 points, or 0.55%, at 4,877.90 from the previous day. The KOSPI opened at 4,900.28, down 0.09% from the previous day, then turned slightly higher and, for the first time ever, touched the 4,920 level.
However, it soon reversed lower and gave up the 4,900 level. Still, supported by individual investors' net buying, the loss is narrowing. Individuals alone are net buying 970.1 billion won, while foreigners and institutions are net selling 443.1 billion won and 603.7 billion won, respectively.
Among the top market-cap stocks on the main board, moves are mixed. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are down in the 2% range, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Kia, and Doosan Enerbility are also falling. Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, Samsung Biologics, and Hanwha Aerospace are rising.
Unlike the hesitant KOSPI, the KOSDAQ crossed 980 to hit a record high for the first time in four years. At the same time, the KOSDAQ was up 14.18 points, or 1.46%, at 982.54.
The KOSDAQ market is being led by institutions. While individuals and foreigners are net selling 84.8 billion won and 45.3 billion won, respectively, institutions alone are net buying 146.2 billion won.
All top market-cap stocks on the KOSDAQ board were in the "red." Alteogen, EcoPro BM, EcoPro, ABL Bio, Rainbow Robotics, HLB, Sam Chun Dang Pharm, Kolon TissueGene, LigaChem Biosciences, and Peptron are all rising.
Meanwhile, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the won-dollar exchange rate stood at 1,473.6 won per U.S. dollar, up 0.10 won from the previous day.