KOSPI attempts to hold 5,800 despite 900 billion won in foreign selling [Morning Market Report]
- Input
- 2026-03-20 10:18:48
- Updated
- 2026-03-20 10:18:48
According to Financial News, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) is trading above the 5,800 level in early trading on the 20th. This comes despite net selling of around 900 billion won by foreign investors, supported by simultaneous buying from retail and institutional investors.
As of 10:05 a.m., the KOSPI was at 5,815.97, up 0.92% from the previous session. The index opened at 5,813.35, a gain of 0.87% from the prior close, and has been fluctuating since the open.
By investor type, foreign investors are net sellers of 944.1 billion won in the main board, putting downward pressure on the index. In contrast, retail investors and institutions have bought 528.2 billion won and 428.1 billion won, respectively, helping to support the market.
Overnight, the New York stock market ended lower across the board. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed at 46,021.43, down 0.44% from the previous session. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) finished at 6,606.49, a decline of 0.27%. The NASDAQ Composite Index also fell 0.28% to end the day at 22,090.69.
Among major domestic blue chips, performances are mixed. Samsung Electronics is up 0.12% and SK hynix is 0.10% higher. Samsung C&T and Mirae Asset Securities are both maintaining gains of around 3%, rising 3.26% and 3.15%, respectively. On the other hand, Hanwha Aerospace is down 3.56%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is off 2.29%, and Samsung Life Insurance is down 2.17%.
By sector, construction stocks are strong with a gain of 7.56%, while distribution (retail and wholesale) is up 3.70%. In contrast, insurance is down 0.78%, and transportation equipment and parts are off 0.42%.
At the same time, KOSDAQ (Korean Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) was at 1,155.97, up 1.09% from the previous close. The KOSDAQ started the day at 1,153.67, up 0.89%, and has been extending its gains. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign investors and institutions are net buyers of 85.2 billion won and 19.7 billion won, respectively, while retail investors are net sellers of 92.4 billion won.
elikim@fnnews.com Kim Mi-hee Reporter