[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] The KOSPI rose by more than 2% to surpass the 6,480 mark, buoyed by strong gains in major semiconductor stocks such as SamsungElectronics(005930). In contrast, the KOSDAQ fell by more than 1% to slip below the 840 mark as selling pressure emerged, particularly in biotech stocks. While foreign and institutional investors continue to net buy on the KOSPI, they are net selling on the KOSDAQ, leading to a divergence between the two indices.

According to MP Doctor on the 12th, as of 9:22 a.m. today, the KOSPI stood at 6,482.01, up 136.48 points (2.15%) from the previous trading day. There were 356 gainers (including 1 hitting the daily price limit), 75 stocks unchanged, and 464 decliners. The KOSDAQ is currently down 14.19 points (1.65%) at 843.65. There are 521 gainers (including 4 hitting the daily upper limit), 105 unchanged, and 1,078 decliners.

The KOSPI opened at 6,438.50, up 92.97 points (1.47%) from the previous trading day, while the KOSDAQ opened at 854.85, down 2.99 points (0.35%). Since the opening, the KOSPI has extended its gains, while the KOSDAQ has widened its losses.

Currently, on the KOSPI, foreign investors and institutions are net buyers of 361.6 billion won and 7.7 billion won, respectively. Retail investors are net sellers of 339.8 billion won. On the KOSDAQ, retail investors are net buyers of 156.4 billion won, while foreign investors and institutions are net sellers of 96.9 billion won and 50.3 billion won, respectively.

The rally is particularly pronounced among large-cap stocks. KOSPI large-caps rose 2.73%, while mid-caps fell 0.13% and small-caps rose only 0.04%. By sector, the electrical and electronics sector is showing the strongest gains, up 3.96%. Other sectors also rose, including manufacturing (2.88%), insurance (2.57%), finance (1.95%), electricity and gas (1.62%), and retail (1.42%).

Among the top market-cap stocks, SamsungElectronics is up 4.18%. SK hynix(000660)is also up 3.02%, and other large-cap semiconductor-related stocks—including SamsungElectronics(1P)(005935)(3.08%), SKSQUARE(402340)(6.35%), and SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)(3.80%)—are rising in tandem. Samsung Life Insurance(032830)is also up 4.66%. In contrast, SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)is down 0.19%.

On the KOSDAQ, weakness is particularly noticeable among biotech stocks. Alteogen Inc.(196170)is down 4.43%, and ABL Bio Inc.(298380)(-3.48%), HLB INC.(028300)(-1.19%), and LEENO Industrial Inc(058470)(-1.26%) are also falling. ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)(-0.66%), ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)(-0.27%), and Rainbow Robotics(277810)(-1.77%) are also trading lower. On the other hand, some semiconductor stocks, such as JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)(1.97%) and EO Technics Co., Ltd.(039030)(1.76%), are rising.

By sector on the KOSDAQ, general services fell 3.44%, and sectors such as pharmaceuticals (-3.07%), IT services (-2.59%), entertainment and culture (-1.61%), and transportation equipment and parts (-1.51%) are also showing weakness.

Han Ji-young, an analyst at KIWOOM Securities, said, “Despite rising oil prices due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and market anticipation of the U.S. July Consumer Price Index (CPI), the relative strength of U.S. Philadelphia Semiconductor Index stocks and the perception that the index is oversold are providing downside support, so the market is expected to show a pattern of weakness early in the session followed by a rebound.” She added, “CoreWeave and Supermicro are showing strength in after-hours trading as they confirm demand for AI infrastructure through strong earnings and an increase in new orders,” noting that “this is expected to improve supply-and-demand conditions for domestic AI value chain-related stocks, such as semiconductor companies.”

Overnight, the New York stock market traded lower amid a wait-and-see attitude ahead of the release of the U.S. July Consumer Price Index and geopolitical uncertainties. On the 11th (local time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 53,791.85, down 184.13 points (0.34%) from the previous trading day. The S&P 500 Index fell 24.91 points (0.32%) to 7,728.20, and the Nasdaq Composite Index closed down 159.91 points (0.60%) at 26,445.45. The S&P 500 Index, which hit an all-time high on the 7th, fell for the second consecutive day.