Korean Markets End Mixed as Tech Stocks Lead Volatility
South Korean equities closed Friday’s session with divergent performances as investors digested fresh economic data and monitored global market sentiment ahead of the weekend.
Index Performance
| Index | Close | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOSPI | 2,547.82 | -18.45 | -0.72% |
| KOSDAQ | 748.33 | +5.67 | +0.76% |
The benchmark KOSPI retreated 0.72% to close at 2,547.82, pressured by heavyweight manufacturing and financial stocks. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ index bucked the trend, advancing 0.76% to 748.33 on renewed interest in semiconductor and battery-related names.
Top Movers
Gainers: Leading the advance were secondary battery makers, with LG Energy Solution climbing 3.2% and Samsung SDI gaining 2.8%. Biotech plays also showed strength, with Samsung Biologics up 2.1%.
Decliners: Export-oriented industrials faced headwinds, with Hyundai Motor down 2.3% and Posco Holdings falling 1.9%. Financial stocks also weighed on the main index, with KB Financial declining 1.5%.
Foreign Investment Flow
Foreign investors turned net sellers in the KOSPI market, offloading approximately ₩287 billion worth of shares. However, they maintained a net buying stance in KOSDAQ stocks, purchasing ₩42 billion. Institutional investors provided support with net purchases of ₩315 billion across both markets, while retail investors were net sellers of ₩68 billion.