[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] The KOSPI is plummeting by the high 3% range amid pressure from rising international oil prices and government bond yields caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. After falling more than 3% early in the session, the index partially recovered, but the decline widened again as selling pressure from foreign and institutional investors intensified. While the downturn is particularly pronounced among large-cap stocks, the KOSDAQ is showing a divergent trend with relatively limited losses, as some semiconductor component and biotech stocks are rising.

According to MP Doctor on the 2nd, as of 1:38 p.m., the KOSPI stands at 6,579.89, down 255.91 points (3.74%) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 6,625.47, down 210.33 points (3.08%). Although it narrowed its losses in the morning, the index subsequently extended its decline. Currently, 147 stocks are up, 30 are unchanged, and 735 are down, with falling stocks overwhelmingly outnumbering rising ones.

By investor type, retail investors are net buyers of 2.7786 trillion won. Foreign investors and institutions are net sellers of 2.1409 trillion won and 1.9563 trillion won, respectively. Other corporate investors are net buyers of 1.3124 trillion won.

Large-cap stocks are experiencing particularly sharp declines. KOSPI large-caps are down 3.99%, falling more sharply than mid-caps (-2.47%) and small-caps (-1.49%).

Among the top market-cap stocks, SamsungElectronics(005930)is down 4.02% to 250,500 won, and SK hynix(000660)is down 4.49% to 1,617,000 won. SKSQUARE(402340)(-7.03%), LG Energy Solution(373220)(-5.04%), HyundaiMotor(005380)(-5.62%), and SAMSUNG C&T CORPORATION(028260)(-3.84%) are also trading lower. SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)(-1.12%), SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)(-1.78%), SamsungElectronics(1P)(005935)(-2.84%), and KB Financial Group(105560)(-0.82%) are also down.

By sector, transportation equipment and parts are showing the sharpest decline, down 5.58%. The electrical and electronics (-4.27%), construction (-4.22%), manufacturing (-4.13%), and machinery and equipment (-4.11%) sectors are also down by around 4%.

The KOSDAQ is holding up relatively better than the KOSPI. The KOSDAQ is currently trading at 811.48, down 9.77 points (1.19%). After opening at 802.80—a 2.25% drop—it has since narrowed its losses. With 347 stocks up, 54 unchanged, and 1,332 down, declining stocks are in the majority; there are 6 stocks hitting their upper price limit and 2 hitting their lower price limit. In terms of supply and demand, retail investors are net buyers of 6.6 billion won, foreign investors are net buyers of 72.3 billion won, and institutional investors are net sellers of 136.3 billion won.

Among the top market capitalization stocks, ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)is down 4.82%, and ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)is down 4.73%. Rainbow Robotics(277810)(-2.34%), LEENO Industrial Inc (-1.22%), SAM CHUN DANG PHARM CO. LTD(000250)(-2.63%), and HLB INC.(028300)(-1.91%) are also trading lower.

On the other hand, Alteogen Inc.(196170)is up 0.33%, while JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)is up 2.25%, WONIK IPS Co.,Ltd.(240810)is up 0.45%, and EO Technics Co., Ltd.(039030)is up 3.17%. While large-cap secondary battery stocks are showing weakness, some semiconductor materials and components stocks and biotech stocks are performing strongly, resulting in a divergence in market trends.

By sector on the KOSDAQ, the financial sector recorded the largest decline, falling 3.5%. Transportation equipment and parts (-2.99%), mid-cap KOSDAQ companies (-2.61%), chemicals (-2.53%), and paper and wood (-2.5%) are also trading lower.

The domestic stock market is facing downward pressure today as concerns over interest rates and oil prices persist, with international oil prices exceeding $90 per barrel and the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield once again surpassing 4.8%. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, selling pressure appears to be intensifying, particularly among large-cap stocks that are sensitive to macroeconomic factors.

Kang Jin-hyuk, an analyst at Shinhan Investment Securities, commented on the market today, stating, “The market is testing the 20-day moving average as pressures from interest rates and oil prices persist.” He analyzed that large-cap stocks, including semiconductors, are generally weakening due to foreign investors’ selling in both spot and futures markets. Regarding macroeconomic pressures, he added, “It wasn’t a general ‘risk-off’ sentiment,” noting that the decline on the KOSDAQ is being limited by simultaneous net buying from foreign and retail investors.