KOSPI Reclaims 6,830 Level as Retail Investors Buy 321.5 Billion Won

Despite concerns over the situation in the Middle East, the KOSPI recovered the 6,830 mark as retail investors actively bought shares and semiconductor prices rose. As of 10:08 a.m., the KOSPI stood at 6,832.35, up 12.33 points (0.18%) from the previous session. The index started the day at 6,784.29, down 35.73 points (0.52%), and briefly dropped to 6,732.47, extending its loss to 1.28%.

Overnight in the New York stock market, the three major indices fell in unison as armed conflict resumed in the Middle East, and Treasury yields also rose. However, major technology stocks rebounded following remarks related to data centers by U.S. President Donald Trump.

South Korea's semiconductor exports for August reached a record high of $46.65 billion. Semiconductor shares led the market rally.

On the KOSPI market, foreigners and institutions net sold 116.9 billion won and 504.9 billion won, respectively. Retail investors net purchased 321.5 billion won, helping to defend the index from falling.

Among large-cap stocks, semiconductor issues showed strength. SK hynix led the gains, trading at 1.7 million won, up 1.55% from the previous session, while Samsung Electronics held steady at 260,000 won. LG Energy Solution (1.59%), Samsung C&T (0.93%), Samsung Electronics Preferred Shares (0.91%), SK Square (0.48%), and Samsung Electro-Mechanics (0.14%) also posted gains.

The KOSDAQ failed to rebound and ended lower. The KOSDAQ index stood at 825.14, down 9.15 points (1.10%) from the previous session. Net selling by foreigners (140 billion won) and institutions (100 billion won) dragged down the index in the KOSDAQ market, and while retail investors net bought 249.2 billion won, they were unable to reverse the decline.