[Edaily Reporter kyoungeun kim ] On the afternoon of the 23rd, the KOSPI continued its upward trend—led by semiconductor stocks—after Alphabet confirmed its capital expenditure (CapEx) guidance, breaking through the 7,000 mark. Foreign investors have been net buyers for four consecutive trading days, driving the index higher.

According to MP Doctor, as of 1:04 p.m., the KOSPI is trading at 7,026.08, up 228.38 points (3.36%) from the previous trading day. The index briefly rose to 7,083.15 during the session, surpassing the 7,000 mark.

Alphabet announced its second-quarter earnings after the market closed yesterday. Total revenue increased by 24% year-over-year, and Google Cloud revenue surged by 82%, significantly exceeding expectations. The company also raised its annual capital expenditure forecast to a maximum of $205 billion. Although the stock price fell 3.3% in after-hours trading due to concerns over a shift to a free cash flow (FCF) deficit and the burden of AI investments, the news was interpreted favorably for AI infrastructure sectors such as semiconductors, stimulating buying interest in domestic semiconductor stocks.

Kang Jin-hyuk, a senior analyst at Shinhan Investment Securities, said, “SamsungElectronics and SK hynix rebounded in tandem, breaking back above the 7,000 mark,” adding, “Foreign net buying of spot shares, centered on large-cap semiconductor stocks, has continued for four consecutive trading days for the first time since April.” He added, “With WTI approaching $90 per barrel amid concerns over a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, refining and renewable energy stocks are also showing strength.”

Foreign investors are driving the index higher with net purchases of 1.626 trillion won on the stock market. In contrast, retail investors and institutions are net sellers by 1.5547 trillion won and 35.7 billion won, respectively. Program trading shows a net purchase of 1.381 trillion won, combining both arbitrage and non-arbitrage trades.

Stocks with the highest market capitalization are mostly in positive territory. SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)(+5.43%), LG Energy Solution(373220)(+5.61%), SK hynix(000660)(+3.83%), Samsung Life Insurance(032830)(+3.13%), SamsungElectronics(005930)(+3.07%), HyundaiMotor(005380)(+2.63%), KB Financial Group(105560)(+2.57%), SamsungElectronics(1P)(005935)(+2.16%), and SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)(+0.07%) are all rising. On the other hand, SKSQUARE(402340)is down 11,000 won (0.89%).

At this time, the KOSDAQ is also trading at 774.10, up 23.01 points (3.06%). Foreign and institutional investors are net buyers of 34.7 billion won and 46.4 billion won, respectively. In contrast, retail investors are net sellers of 82.9 billion won.

Most of the top KOSDAQ stocks by market capitalization are trading higher. Alteogen Inc.(196170)(+8.77%), EO Technics Co., Ltd.(039030)(+5.35%), ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)(+5.86%), ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)(+5.84%), ABL Bio Inc.(298380)(+3.46%), Rainbow Robotics(277810)(+3.03%), WONIK IPS Co.,Ltd.(240810)(+0.27%), and LEENO Industrial Inc(058470)(+0.42%) are all rising. On the other hand, JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)(-3.02%) and PSK INC.(319660)(-2.43%) are down.

By sector, energy equipment and services are surging by over 10%, while trading companies and distributors, electrical equipment, aerospace and defense, gas utilities, oil and gas, steel, and shipbuilding are showing gains in the 5–7% range.