KOSPI Breaks Record High in Just Two Days... Surpasses 3450 Mark [fn Afternoon Market]

[Financial News] The KOSPI broke its all-time high during the day in just two days. Large semiconductor-related stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are rising sharply, driving the index up.
According to the Korea Exchange on the 18th, as of 2:33 p.m. today, the KOSPI is trading at 3454.30, up 40.90p (1.20%) from the previous day. The index started at 3432.77, up 19.37p (0.57%) from the previous trading day, and expanded its gains, touching 3457.92 at one point during the day, setting a new high.
In the securities market, foreigners and institutions net bought 143.5 billion won and 380.4 billion won respectively, while individuals net sold 576.5 billion won.
By sector, electricity/electronics (3.31%), securities (2.06%), and manufacturing (1.66%) are strong, while metals (-2.11%), construction (-1.33%), and electricity/gas (-1.27%) are weak.
Among the top market cap stocks, SK Hynix (6.30%), Samsung Electronics (2.81%), and Kakao (3.04%) are on the rise, while Hanwha Ocean (-1.77%), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (-1.44%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-1.38%) are on the decline.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ is trading at 855.85, up 10.32 (1.22%) from the previous day. Foreigners and institutions bought 43.2 billion won and 137.6 billion won respectively, while individuals sold 164.8 billion won.
Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., said, "The KOSPI resumed its rise after confirming the FOMC rate cut, and the simultaneous supply and demand from foreigners and institutions in the semiconductor sector pushed the index up," adding, "With the confirmation of the rate cut and the number of times within the year, major macro events that were scattered in September have ended, and additional upward momentum includes progress in tariff negotiations and third-quarter corporate earnings."   

koreanbae@fnnews.com Bae Hangul Reporter