Foreign and institutional investors launch 2 trillion won buying spree as KOSPI hovers around 5,300 intraday

[Financial News] The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) repeatedly moved above and below the 5,300 level in intraday trading on the 9th. Large-cap semiconductor stocks are rallying together, while foreign and institutional investors are posting net purchases of more than 2 trillion won.
As of 1:25 p.m. that day, the KOSPI was up 3.83% from the previous session at 5,283.92. The index opened at 5,299.10, up 4.13% from the previous day, and climbed as high as 5,322.35 (4.58%) in early trading.
In the KOSPI cash market, foreign investors and institutions were net buyers of about 177.5 billion won and 1.92 trillion won, respectively. Retail investors, by contrast, were net sellers of roughly 2.2 trillion won.
Top blue-chip stocks are broadly stronger. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are extending gains of 4.79% and 4.89%, respectively. Hyundai Motor (2.46%), LG Energy Solution (1.56%), and Samsung Biologics (1.32%) are also all trading higher. Mirae Asset Securities (12.29%) and SK Square (10.51%) are surging by double digits.
By sector, most groups are advancing, including securities (8.67%), medical and precision instruments (7.12%), and construction (5.18%).
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was up 2.89% from the previous session at 1,111.97. It started the day at 1,109.91, up 2.70%, and has been extending its gains.
On the KOSDAQ market, foreign investors and institutions were net buyers of about 118.3 billion won and 141.3 billion won, respectively, while retail investors were net sellers of around 238.0 billion won.
Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Shinhan Investment & Securities, noted, "As external concerns have eased, foreign buying has returned, while retail investors, who had been supporting the downside of the index, are now taking profits." He added, "However, with the U.S. employment report and consumer price index (CPI) data scheduled ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, these releases are expected to influence the path of interest rate cuts."

elikim@fnnews.com Kim Mi-hee Reporter