KOSPI Recovers 7,000 as Samsung Electronics Gains 4.6%
Foreign and institutional investors drove a 1.65% index rise, with the won strengthening to 1,381 as semiconductor stocks led the market.
Key points
- KOSPI closed at 7,007.72, up 1.65%, driven by 142 billion won in foreign buying.
- Samsung Electronics shares rose 4.6% to 272,000 won on AI memory supply expectations.
- Won/dollar rate settled at 1,381.0, down 2.3 won, as global dollar weakness emerged.
The KOSPI index closed at 7,007.72 on September 21, marking a 1.65% increase of 113.49 points. This closing price restored the 7,000 level, a technical threshold not reached in seven trading sessions. The rebound was primarily fueled by a reversal in foreign investor sentiment and strong performance in the semiconductor sector.
Foreign investors shifted from net sellers to buyers, purchasing 142 billion won in KOSPI-listed securities. Institutional investors added to this momentum with net buying of 285 billion won. In contrast, individual investors sold 418 billion won, effectively locking in profits following the index recovery.
Samsung Electronics Leads Sector Rebound
Samsung Electronics shares rose 4.6% to close at 272,000 won, gaining 12,000 won from the previous session. This surge was driven by renewed expectations for expanded artificial intelligence memory supply. The stock's performance anchored the broader market gains, while SK hynix closed slightly higher at 1,860,000 won, up 0.59%.
Automotive stocks including Hyundai Motor and Kia remained flat, as profit-taking offset other market movements. Meanwhile, the KOSDAQ index rose 1.11% to 836.27, supported by individual investor buying of 135 billion won despite net selling by foreign and institutional groups in that segment.
Won Strengthens Amid Dollar Weakness
The won/dollar exchange rate closed at 1,381.0, a decrease of 2.3 won from the previous day. This stabilization reflected improved risk appetite and a global weakening of the US dollar. The move was influenced by market expectations for a moderation in Federal Reserve interest rate policies.
Investment Flows Realign Across Markets
Businesskorea notes that the joint buying by foreign and institutional investors in the KOSPI market was the decisive factor behind the index rebound. This shift occurred as uncertainty regarding global tech and semiconductor conditions partially resolved. The pattern highlighted a divergence in trading behavior between the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets, where individual investors primarily supported the latter's gains.
