[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] The KOSPI is extending its gains, breaking through the 7,000 mark to reach the 7,100 level. Following a sharp surge of over 4% the previous day, the index is being driven higher as foreign and institutional investors are both net buyers amid continued strength in major semiconductor stocks. However, profit-taking is emerging in some major non-semiconductor stocks, leading to a divergence in stock performance.

According to MP Doctor on the 8th, as of 1:33 p.m., the KOSPI stands at 7,144.84, up 149.45 points (2.14%) from the previous trading day. The KOSPI opened at 7,045.79 today and extended its gains to break through the 7,100 mark.

By investor type, institutions are net buyers of 911.8 billion won on the KOSPI, while foreign investors are also showing a net buying position of 330.9 billion won. In contrast, retail investors are net sellers of 2.5402 trillion won. Following strong foreign buying focused on large-cap semiconductor stocks the previous day, institutions and foreign investors are jointly buying large-cap stocks today.

The uptrend centered on large-cap stocks is also pronounced. Large-cap stocks rose 2.08%, while mid-cap stocks rose only 0.63% and small-cap stocks rose just 0.1%. Across the KOSPI as a whole, 363 stocks rose, 42 remained unchanged, and 505 fell; the perceived upward momentum at the individual stock level appears limited compared to the index’s overall gain.

Among the top-market-cap stocks, semiconductor stocks are leading the rally. SamsungElectronics(005930)rose 2.41% to 276,500 won, and SK hynix(000660)climbed 4.99% to 1,872,000 won. SKSQUARE(402340)also rose 4.71% to 1,178,000 won. SAMSUNG C&T CORPORATION(028260)is up 2.6%, and Samsung Life Insurance(032830)is up 1.12%.

In contrast, SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)fell 2.96%, and LG Energy Solution(373220)also dropped 2.76% to 352,500 won. HyundaiMotor(005380)and SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)also fell 1.15% and 0.89%, respectively, indicating continued divergence even among the top market-cap stocks.

By sector, construction posted the strongest gains, rising 6.15%. Machinery and equipment rose 3.55%, electricity and gas 2.96%, electrical and electronics 2.93%, and general services 2.81%. Metals rose 2.74%, non-metals 2.34%, and medical and precision equipment 1.23%.

The KOSDAQ is also extending its gains. As of this writing, the KOSDAQ is up 6.71 points (0.82%) at 828.90. With 765 stocks rising, 97 unchanged, and 875 falling, a divergence in stock performance is evident despite the index’s overall rise.

Among the top-market-cap stocks on the KOSDAQ, semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment stocks are showing particularly strong performance. JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)surged 8.97%, while SIMMTECH Co., Ltd.(222800) rose 4.59%, LEENO Industrial Inc(058470) gained 4.09%, HPSP Co., Ltd.(403870) increased 3.85%, and WONIK IPS Co.,Ltd.(240810) advanced 2.21%. In contrast, Alteogen Inc.(196170)fell 2.8% to 278,000 won, and Rainbow Robotics(277810)is down 0.78%.

In the domestic stock market today, the upward trend in semiconductor and nuclear power-related stocks—which had performed strongly the previous day—continues. While U.S. markets were closed for Labor Day, European markets saw semiconductor stocks rise on expectations of improved demand for artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, buying momentum continues in Korea as well, centered on major semiconductor stocks such as SamsungElectronics and SK hynix.

On the other hand, macroeconomic headwinds—including rising international oil prices, interest rate hikes in major economies, and caution regarding the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)—remain. With the U.S. August Producer Price Index (PPI) set to be released on the 10th and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on the 11th, market participants are expected to remain cautious about the future path of interest rates.

Kang Jin-hyuk, an analyst at Shinhan Investment Securities, commented on the day’s market, stating, “The market maintained the previous day’s momentum and successfully broke through the 7,100-point mark, led by SamsungElectronics and SK hynix,” adding, “Some sectors within the AI value chain are underperforming due to profit-taking.”

He continued, “A Texas gas-fired combined-cycle power plant is being cited as the first U.S. investment project, and reports of plans to build eight nuclear power plants in the U.S. have caused related stocks to rise,” explaining, “While sectors that were strong the previous day—such as semiconductors and nuclear power—continue their upward trend, some AI infrastructure-related stocks are showing signs of profit-taking.”