Amid geopolitical jitters after the collapse of cease-fire talks between the United States and Iran, the KOSPI index, which opened down more than 2% on the 13th morning, is trimming losses.
As of 11:49 a.m., the KOSPI index was at 5,791.38, down 67.49 points (1.15%) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened the session at 5,737.28, down 121.59 points (2.08%), but has been paring losses during the morning session on the back of individual buying.
The main board is being led by individual investors. Individuals are net buying 743.1 billion won, while foreigners are net selling 642.1 billion won and institutions 313.7 billion won.
Among the top market-cap stocks on the main board, most are lower. Samsung Electronics is down more than 2%, while SK hynix is flat. Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, Samsung Biologics, Doosan Enerbility, and KB Financial are falling, while Hanwha Aerospace and SK Square are rising.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was at 1,098.18, up 0.42% (4.55 points) from the previous trading day. After opening the session with losses of more than 1%, the KOSDAQ turned higher.
The KOSDAQ market is also being led by individuals. Individuals are buying 192.6 billion won, while foreigners and institutions are selling 138.2 billion won and 42.6 billion won, respectively.
Among the top market-cap stocks on the KOSDAQ, moves are mixed. EcoPro, EcoPro BM, Alteogen, Rainbow Robotics, ABL Bio, Kolon TissueGene, and LigaChem Biosciences are falling, while Sam Chun Dang Pharm, LEENO Industrial, and HLB are rising.
Kang Jin-hyuk, an analyst at Shinhan Investment & Securities, said, "Despite comments about a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz by the United States, bargain hunting is flowing in on expectations that negotiations between the United States and Iran will continue."