News / Korea / yonhap_finance
Foreign Investors Offload Nearly 170 Trillion Won in KOSPI Amid Macro Uncertainty
Electronic Technology · Semiconductors · yonhap_finance · 2026-09-01
000660, 001200, 005930, 006800
Foreign investors have net sold a record amount of KOSPI stocks this year, driven by rising U.S. interest rates and global economic instability.
What Happened
Record Foreign Outflows: Foreign investors have net sold nearly 170 trillion won in the KOSPI market this year, marking a historic level of divestment. They have been net sellers for four consecutive months since May, with only two months of net buying recorded throughout the year.
Shifting Market Drivers: While initial selling was attributed to profit-taking and portfolio rebalancing following a rally in semiconductor stocks, the focus has shifted. Current outflows are largely driven by heightened macro risks, including rising U.S. Treasury yields and surging global oil prices.
Corporate Support: The market has been partially supported by 'other corporate' entities, specifically through large-scale share buybacks by major firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Analysts note that while this provides a temporary floor for the index, it is not a long-term substitute for foreign capital inflows.
Outlook and Risks: Market experts emphasize that a meaningful recovery in KOSPI requires a return of foreign investors. With major economic events like the September FOMC meeting approaching, the environment remains challenging for emerging market assets amid a high-interest-rate regime.