KOSPI Winning Run Ends at Eight as Heavyweights Dip

The KOSPI index experienced a 0.65% decline today, putting an end to a run that had seen Korea’s benchmark index gain for eight consecutive trading days. An element of profit-taking could be expected after an impressive 10.63% year-to-date rise for the market.

Index heavyweights including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motors were all down on the day, with SK Hynix faring worst of the three, down 2.97%.

On the other end of the scale, LG Energy Solution’s stock price gained 2.87%.

The Trump administration announced that tariffs on automobiles and semiconductors would be unveiled by April, resulting in a negative impact on the automotive and semiconductor sectors. Meanwhile, secondary battery stocks registered a continuous rise for two days. Among financial stocks, Meritz Financial Group, Korea Financial Group, and Kyobo Securities hit their 52-week highs.

The KOSDAQ index also saw a decline, closing at 768.27, down 10.00 points from the previous day. Foreign investors and institutions showed net sales of 2,195 billion won and 1,251 billion won, respectively, while individual investors showed a net purchase of 3,525 billion won. Some of the top stocks on the KOSDAQ recorded new 52-week highs, although a few also experienced declines.