On the 8th, the KOSPI climbed above the 7,100 level, widening gains on the back of simultaneous buying by foreigners and institutions. With U.S. markets closed the previous day for Labor Day, bargain hunting after recent steep declines and strength in leading semiconductor stocks are driving the index.
As of 11:23 a.m., the KOSPI stood at 7,130.22, up 134.83 points (1.93%) from the previous trading day.
After opening at 7,045.79, up 50.40 points (0.72%) from the day before, the index repeatedly fluctuated around the 7,040 level early in the session, then, as net buying by foreigners and institutions flowed in, expanded its rise to nearly 2%.
In the main board, foreigners and institutions are net buying 170.6 billion won and 655.2 billion won, respectively, leading the index higher. In particular, institutions are actively buying large-cap stocks, led by financial investment and pension funds. Individuals, by contrast, are taking profits and are the sole net sellers, offloading 1.4662 trillion won.
Among top market-cap stocks, semiconductors, defense, and holding companies are showing marked strength. The leading semiconductor stock Samsung Electronics(005930) rose 2.59% to 277,000 won from the previous trading day, and SK hynix(000660) is also up 4.04% at 1,855,000 won.
SK Square(402340) (4.27%) and Samsung C&T (3.52%), reflecting momentum from governance restructuring and revaluation of subsidiary value, are also strong. Doosan Enerbility(034020) (5.12%), buoyed by ongoing expectations for nuclear power and defense exports, continues to surge.
By contrast, some large caps in secondary batteries and pharmaceuticals/biotech are weak. LG Energy Solution(373220) (-1.38%), Hyundai Motor(005380) (-0.76%), Samsung Biologics (-0.55%), and KB Financial Group (-0.31%) are edging lower.
As of 11:23 a.m., the KOSDAQ index was at 828.76, up 6.57 points (0.80%) from the previous trading day. After starting at 825.03, up 2.84 points (0.35%) from the day before, the KOSDAQ has maintained an upward trajectory.
In the KOSDAQ market, individuals alone are net buying 171.7 billion won, supporting the index, while foreigners and institutions are net selling 65.4 billion won and 112.8 billion won, respectively.
Among top KOSDAQ market-cap stocks, the semiconductor equipment name Jusung Engineering(036930) is up 10.84% to 207,500 won from the previous trading day, firmly holding fourth place in KOSDAQ market cap. The pull from expectations of expanded supply of next-generation semiconductor equipment appears to be drawing in strong demand.
The flagship secondary battery names EcoPro(086520) (1.94%) and EcoPro BM(247540) (1.59%), and semiconductor components and equipment names LEENO Industrial (4.09%), SIMMTECH (4.51%), and HPSP (3.19%) are also strong. By contrast, the biotech name Alteogen(196170) (-2.80%) and the robotics name ROBOTIS(108490) (-1.66%) are weak.
U.S. markets were closed the previous day for Labor Day. Market analysts said that even amid lower volumes due to the U.S. market holiday, the appeal of prices after a prolonged downturn is standing out, bringing in bargain hunting centered on domestic semiconductor and earnings-momentum stocks.