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KOSPI Struggles Amid Foreign and Institutional Selling; KOSDAQ Losses Deepen
Electronic Technology · Semiconductors · yonhap_finance · 2026-09-01
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South Korean markets face downward pressure as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran weigh on investor sentiment, causing KOSPI to fluctuate.
What Happened
Market Overview: The KOSPI index is experiencing volatility around the 6,700 level, while the KOSDAQ is seeing a significant expansion in losses. The overnight decline in U.S. markets, driven by renewed military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, has negatively impacted domestic investor sentiment.
Trading Activity: Foreign and institutional investors are offloading shares in both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets, putting downward pressure on indices. Individual investors are acting as a buffer, attempting to support the market floor through net buying, though they have been unable to reverse the overall bearish trend.
Sector Performance: SK Innovation is surging following a major battery order for its subsidiary SK On, while other battery-related stocks are also showing strength. Conversely, major heavyweights like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor are trading lower, acting as a drag on the broader market.
Outlook: Despite the geopolitical headwinds, strong semiconductor export data and positive performance from U.S. chip stocks are providing some support. Market participants remain cautious as they monitor external macro risks and their potential impact on local equity valuations.