Samsung Electronics and SK hynix Take a Breather... KOSPI Fluctuates in a Flat Range [Morning Market Update]

[Financial News] The domestic stock market is moving in a flat range as shares of major semiconductor stocks pause for a breather. Foreign investors and institutions are both posting net sales in the two main markets.
As of 10:50 a.m. on the 26th, KOSPI was trading at 6,758.14, up 15.40 points, or 0.23%, from the previous session.
The index opened 0.23% lower at 6,727.25 from the previous session, then rose as high as 6,829.88 during the session. 
On the Korea Exchange Main Board, individual investors are buying 122.2 billion won worth of shares on their own. Foreign investors and institutions are selling 483.2 billion won and 86.9 billion won worth of shares, respectively.
By sector, electricity and gas (6.47%), construction (5.16%), and machinery and equipment (2.32%) are showing strength. In contrast, transportation and warehousing (-2.75%), chemicals (-2.65%), and metals (-2.22%) are weak.
Among the large-cap stocks, semiconductor heavyweights Samsung Electronics (0.1%) and SK hynix (-0.06%) are moving in a flat range. 
Elsewhere, SK Square (-2.12%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-3.6%), Hyundai Motor Company (-1.07%), and LG Energy Solution (-1.0%) are all falling, while Samsung Biologics (0.88%), Samsung C&T Corporation (2.86%), and Samsung Life Insurance (5.96%) are rising.
After the United States announced economic sanctions on Iran, expectations of a reduced risk of military conflict and a possible ceasefire pushed down interest rates and oil prices. As a result, U.S. stocks closed higher overnight, with bargain buying flowing into semiconductor names such as Micron Technology, Inc. (2.4%) and NVIDIA Corporation (2.2%). 
Han Ji-young, a researcher at KIWOOM Securities Co., Ltd., said, "The domestic market is still in a phase where doubts remain about the sustainability of the rebound, but it is worth noting that the market's internal resilience is improving." She added, "It may be better to put off strategies such as cutting semiconductor exposure too aggressively amid concerns over weakening leadership, or selling into a rebound and increasing cash holdings."
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was trading at 819.79, down 7.36 points, or 0.89%, from the previous session. The index opened 0.29% lower at 824.77 and later rose as much as 0.61% to 832.21 during the session. 
In the KOSDAQ market, individual investors are posting net purchases of 185.5 billion won. Foreign investors and institutions are selling 113.3 billion won and 74.4 billion won worth of shares, respectively.

[email protected] Park Ji-yeon Reporter