[Edaily Reporter Kim Kyung-eun ] The KOSPI index broke through the 9,000 mark for the second consecutive trading day, firmly establishing itself in the “9,000 KOSPI” era. Although the index, which had been soaring early in the session, fell back to the 8,000 level due to delays in the start of follow-up negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, it showed resilience in the latter part of the session and managed to hold onto the 9,000 mark.

According to MP Doctor on the 19th, the KOSPI closed at 9,052.42, down 11.42 points (0.13%) from the previous trading day.

The index opened at 9,288.89, up 225.05 points (2.48%) from the previous close, quickly breaking through the 9,200 mark. It subsequently broke through the 9,300 mark, but turned downward in the afternoon. It fluctuated throughout the session, dropping as low as 8,875.33 before recovering to the 9,000 level.

The volatility in the stock market during the afternoon is attributed to delays in the start of follow-up negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. On the 18th (local time), the White House announced that Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Switzerland—scheduled for follow-up working-level talks on the nuclear negotiations with Iran—had been postponed. The KOSPI’s recent sharp short-term rally is also seen as having negatively impacted investor sentiment.

Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at DaishinSecurities, explained, “As uncertainty surrounding the signing of the previous memorandum of understanding (MOU) came to the fore, the KOSPI retreated slightly from its all-time high.”

By investor type, retail investors were net buyers of 1.6866 trillion won, while foreign and institutional investors were net sellers of 392.2 billion won and 1.2341 trillion won, respectively.

By sector, insurance, finance, electrical and electronics, and transportation and warehousing were strong. In contrast, construction, medical and precision equipment, electricity and gas, and pharmaceuticals were weak.

The two stocks with the highest market capitalization showed mixed performance. SamsungElectronics(005930)closed at 354,000 won, down 8,500 won (2.34%) from the previous trading day.

SK hynix(000660), on the other hand, closed at 2,764,000 won, up 79,000 won (2.94%). It hit an all-time high of 2,891,000 won early in the session but later gave up those gains.

Among other top-market-cap stocks, SKSQUARE(402340)(4.71%), SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)(3.18%), HyundaiMotor(005380)(2.00%), and Samsung Life Insurance(032830)(5.97%) rose. Conversely, HD HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES(329180)(-2.49%), SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)(-3.92%), and DOOSAN ENERBILITY(034020)(-1.71%) fell.

The KOSDAQ closed at 966.59, down 34.34 points (3.43%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 1,001.40, up 0.47 points (0.05%) from the previous close, but soon turned lower and fell below the 1,000 mark.

By investor type, retail investors were net buyers of 79.6 billion won, and foreign investors were net buyers of 495.7 billion won, while institutional investors were net sellers of 586.7 billion won.

The two stocks with the highest market capitalizations both fell. Alteogen Inc.(196170)closed at 353,500 won, down 16,000 won (4.33%) from the previous session. Meanwhile, ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)closed at 169,400 won, down 2,900 won (1.68%) from the previous trading day.

Among other top-market-cap stocks, most saw declines, including ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)(-1.28%), Rainbow Robotics(277810)(-4.07%), JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)(-9.13%), and Kolon TissueGene, Inc.(950160)(-5.0%). In contrast, LEENO Industrial Inc(058470)(0.33%), LigaChem Biosciences(141080)(0.07%), and D&D Pharmatech Inc.(347850)(2.68%) posted gains.

Han Ji-young, an analyst at KIWOOM Securities, said, “Even during the correction phases in mid-last month and early this month, leading stocks demonstrated strong resilience,” but added, “It is also time to consider that fatigue and the desire to take profits are building up amid the sharp rally.”