[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] While the KOSPI rose by over 1% to surpass the 6,300 mark, the KOSDAQ remained largely flat. As the KOSPI extended its gains on a rebound in major semiconductor stocks, profit-taking selling—centered on biotech and secondary battery stocks that had surged the previous day—limited the KOSDAQ’s rise.

According to MP Doctor on the 11th, as of 2:07 p.m., the KOSPI stands at 6,371.52, up 71.86 points (1.14%) from the previous trading day. There are 509 gainers (including 4 hitting the daily upper limit), 40 stocks unchanged, and 361 decliners. The KOSDAQ is up 0.26 points (0.03%) to 854.73, effectively remaining flat. There are 989 gainers (6 hitting the daily upper limit), 76 unchanged, and 655 decliners.

On the KOSPI, foreign and institutional investors are driving the index higher with net purchases of 75.2 billion won and 162.9 billion won, respectively. Retail investors are net sellers of 227.0 billion won. In contrast, on the KOSDAQ, retail investors are net buyers of 450.8 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors are net sellers of 323.5 billion won and 140.9 billion won, respectively.

The rebound, led by large-cap stocks, is also pronounced. KOSPI large-cap stocks rose 1.58%, while mid-cap stocks rose only 0.09% and small-cap stocks rose 0.69%. By sector, IT services (2.93%), pharmaceuticals (2.85%), electrical and electronics (2.41%), insurance (2.30%), and medical and precision equipment (2.17%) are showing strength.

Among the top market-cap stocks, SamsungElectronics(005930)is leading the rally with a 4.78% gain. SamsungElectronics(1P)(005935)also rose 4.94%, and semiconductor-related stocks such as SK hynix(000660)(1.20%), SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)(0.94%), and SKSQUARE(402340)(0.63%) rose in tandem. SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)(2.17%) and Samsung Life Insurance(032830)(2.85%) also rose. In contrast, LG Energy Solution(373220)(-3.27%), KB Financial Group(105560)(-3.20%), and HyundaiMotor(005380)(-0.74%) were down.

On the KOSDAQ, by sector, machinery and equipment (1.65%), chemicals (1.42%), retail (1.39%), transportation and warehousing (1.21%), and medical and precision instruments (1.10%) are all rising. However, among the top-market-cap stocks, profit-taking in the biotech and secondary battery sectors is particularly noticeable. Alteogen Inc.(196170)(-5.89%), ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)(-3.21%), ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)(-4.09%), Rainbow Robotics(277810)(-2.25%), and ABL Bio Inc.(298380)(-4.59%) were among the decliners.

In contrast, semiconductor materials and components continued their strong performance. JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)surged 11.05%, and WONIK IPS Co.,Ltd.(240810)also rose 5.18%. HLB INC.(028300)(3.44%) and EO Technics Co., Ltd.(039030)(2.94%) also posted gains. As profit-taking emerged in the biotech and secondary battery sectors—which had driven the KOSDAQ’s sharp rise the previous day—buying interest appears to be shifting toward semiconductor materials and components.

Kang Jin-hyuk, an analyst at Shinhan Investment Securities, noted, “Although pressure from high oil prices and interest rates remains, we are seeing robust semiconductor exports and an inflow of foreign capital.” He added, “Exports from August 1 to 10 rose 45.3% year-over-year, setting a record high,” explaining, “Semiconductor exports surged 155.4%, driving overall exports, and exports of petroleum products increased by 65.3% despite high oil prices.”

Regarding the domestic stock market, he noted, “As the trend of concentration on semiconductor stocks continues to ease, sectors such as healthcare and finance are on the rise,” adding, “SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS, Celltrion, and WooriFinancialGroup are all posting gains.”

Regarding the KOSDAQ, he analyzed, “The market turned downward as profit-taking emerged alongside the rebound in large-cap semiconductor stocks on the KOSPI,” adding, “Profit-taking was particularly evident in the biotech and secondary battery sectors.” However, he explained, “Small and medium-sized component manufacturers held up well following news that the government plans to enact the Special Act on Mega Special Zones within the year, helping to support the index’s bottom.”