[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] The KOSPI broke through the 6,800 mark during trading as major semiconductor stocks showed strength, with SamsungElectronics(005930)and SK hynix(000660)surpassing the 260,000 won and 1.6 million won levels, respectively. With U.S. July Consumer Price Index (CPI) data coming in line with market expectations—easing concerns over interest rate hikes—and strong earnings continuing from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure-related companies such as CoreWeave and Supermicro Computer, buying interest from foreign and institutional investors appears to be concentrated on large-cap stocks.

As of 1:18 p.m. on the 13th, the KOSPI stands at 6,847.60, up 268.56 points (4.08%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,773.92, up 194.88 points (2.96%) from the previous session, and continued to extend its gains. After breaking through the 6,800 mark during the session, it even approached the 6,900 level. There are 316 stocks up, 38 unchanged, and 548 down.

In terms of supply and demand, foreign and institutional investors are continuing to make net purchases. Foreign investors are net buyers of 1.9816 trillion won, and institutional investors are net buyers of 644.9 billion won, while retail investors are net sellers of 2.5943 trillion won. The combined net buying by foreign and institutional investors totals 2.6265 trillion won.

Strength in large-cap semiconductor stocks is driving the index higher. SamsungElectronics is trading at 267,750 won, up 4.79% from the previous trading day, while SK hynix is up 7.31% at 1,614,000 won. SKSQUARE(402340)is also up 10.45%, and SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)is surging 14.46%.

There is also a clear shift in investor demand toward large-cap stocks. KOSPI large-caps rose 4.03%, while mid-caps rose only 1.02% and small-caps fell 0.27%. By sector, the electrical and electronics sector rose 5.41%, and the manufacturing sector rose 4.28%. Telecommunications is up 2.73%, and financials are up 2.18%.

Confirmed demand for AI infrastructure in the U.S. is also supporting the strength of domestic semiconductor stocks. On the 12th (local time), CoreWeave and Super Micro Computer surged by over 19% each on the New York Stock Exchange following the announcement of strong earnings. Micron also rose 4.92%, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbed 2.49%. SK hynix American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) also surged 9.01%.

The fact that the U.S. July CPI came in line with market expectations also eased concerns over interest rates. The U.S. July CPI rose 3.4% year-over-year, while the core CPI rose 2.5%, meeting market expectations. The core CPI growth rate slowed from 2.6% in the previous month. Consequently, expectations have risen that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will keep interest rates unchanged at its September meeting.

Kang Jin-hyuk, an analyst at Shinhan Investment Securities, noted, “With the U.S. July CPI coming in line with expectations and raising hopes for a rate freeze in September, AI investment sentiment has improved as strong earnings from Nebius—a NeoCloud provider—followed those of CoreWeave and Super Micro Computer.” He added, “Along with the strength in U.S. semiconductor stocks, SamsungElectronics and SK hynix are rebounding, and SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)is also surging, spreading the bullish momentum across the entire AI value chain.”

In fact, SamsungElectroMechanics is surging by over 14% on news that Morgan Stanley has upgraded it to its top pick, citing expectations of rising prices for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). #LSElectric is also up by over 4%, reflecting continued expectations for demand for power equipment driven by the expansion of AI data centers. Doosan Fuel Cell(336260)is rising by over 11% on expectations of increased orders stemming from large-scale domestic and international fuel cell supply contracts.

The KOSDAQ is seeing a more limited rise compared to the KOSPI. At the same time, the KOSDAQ is trading at 864.45, up 5.54 points (0.65%) from the previous trading day. There are 627 stocks up, 83 unchanged, and 1,014 down. In terms of supply and demand, retail investors are net buyers of 216.4 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors are net sellers of 100.9 billion won and 106.1 billion won, respectively.

On the KOSDAQ, the Machinery & Equipment sector is showing the strongest gains, up 2.11%. The Financials sector rose 1.80%, Construction 1.58%, and Electrical & Electronics 1.06%. Among individual stocks, semiconductor equipment stocks are performing strongly, with WONIK IPS Co.,Ltd.(240810)up 5.56% and JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)up 3.79%. ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)rose 1.64%, ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)rose 0.44%, and Rainbow Robotics(277810)rose 1.33%. The KOSDAQ benchmark stock, Alteogen Inc.(196170), is trading flat, while ABL Bio Inc.(298380)and EO Technics Co., Ltd.(039030)are also down slightly.