KOSDAQ Surpasses 1200 Mark for First Time in 26 Years, Driven by Foreign Buying

The KOSDAQ index has surpassed the 1200-point mark on a closing basis for the first time in 26 years. According to the Korea Exchange on the 24th, the KOSDAQ index closed at 1203.84, up 29.53 points from the previous trading day, reclaiming the 1200-point milestone for the first time in approximately 26 years since August 4, 2000 (1238.80). On this day, foreign investors net bought 729.3 billion won, leading the index's rise, while retail investors net sold 901.2 billion won. Top-tier pharmaceutical and biotech stocks by market capitalization led the KOSDAQ index's surge.

Amid heightened Middle East tensions, the KOSPI index entered a period of consolidation. Profit-taking emerged after the earnings announcements of large-cap semiconductor stocks, dampening the index's advance.

The won-dollar exchange rate at the Seoul foreign exchange market closed the weekly trading session at 1484.50 won, up 3.50 won from the previous trading day.