On the 17th, the domestic stock market started off higher amid ongoing concerns about trade conflicts between the United States and China, despite hawkish remarks from Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed).
As of 9:03 a.m. on that day, the KOSPI index recorded 2456.37, an increase of 6.85 points (0.28%) from the previous transaction day. While institutional investors are net purchasing 26.5 billion won, individual and foreign investors are net selling 24 billion won and 2.5 billion won, respectively.
Among the top market capitalization stocks on the liquidity market, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are experiencing slight increases. The previous day, the KOSPI fell centering on semiconductor stocks following news of strengthened semiconductor export restrictions against China by the Trump administration. Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, Hyundai Motor, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries are also rising.
At the same time, the KOSDAQ index is also recording 704.35, up 5.24 points (0.75%) from the previous transaction day. Foreign and institutional investors are net purchasing 15.2 billion won and 2.1 billion won, respectively, driving the index up. Individual investors are net selling 15.6 billion won.
In the KOSDAQ market, most of the top market capitalization stocks are showing gains. Pharmaceutical and biotech stocks, such as Alteogen, HLB, HUGEL, and LigaChem Biosciences, are performing strongly. Entertainment-related stocks, including SME and JYP Entertainment, are also on the rise.
Overnight, U.S. stocks opened lower as they reflected the semiconductor export restrictions imposed by the Trump administration announced after the previous transaction day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index fell by 1.73% and 2.24%, respectively, while the NASDAQ index dropped by 3.07%.
Additionally, Powell expressed concerns about the impact of imposed tariffs, increasing downward pressure. Powell noted, "The level of tariffs announced by the administration so far is significantly higher than expected," adding that "the impact on the economy is likely to be similar, including rising inflation and slowed growth."