[Edaily Reporter Kim Kyung-eun ] The KOSPI regained the 7,000-point mark on a closing basis for the first time in 33 trading days. Despite market headwinds such as escalating tensions in the Middle East, optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) drove the index higher.

According to MP Doctor on the 9th, the KOSPI closed at 7,051.64, up 97.12 points (1.40%) from the previous trading day. This marks the first time the index has closed above the 7,000-point level since July 23—a span of 33 trading days.

The index opened at 6,972.87, up 18.35 points (0.26%) from the previous close, and reclaimed the 7,000 level early in the session. At one point during the session, it soared as high as 7,112.48, up 157.96 points (2.27%).

Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated again, semiconductor stocks rallied, driving the index higher. It is believed that the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index’s 1.30% gain on the New York Stock Exchange overnight had a positive impact on investor sentiment toward domestic semiconductor stocks.

Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at DaishinSecurities, said, “Despite unstable external conditions, the ‘OpenAI GPT-6 Astra effect’ persisted,” adding, “The fact that AI growth potential and demand momentum were once again highlighted at the Citi TMT Conference and the Goldman Sachs Conference also acted as upward pressure on related sectors.”

As the index rebounded, retail investors engaged in profit-taking, recording net sales of 2.2875 trillion won. Foreign investors also recorded net sales of 435 billion won, halting their buying streak of the past four trading days. Institutional investors and other corporate entities recorded net purchases of 941.7 billion won and 1.7808 trillion won, respectively.

Among the top two stocks by market capitalization, SamsungElectronics(005930)closed at 269,500 won, unchanged from the previous trading day. SK hynix(000660)closed at 1,856,000 won, up 63,000 won (3.51%) from the previous session.

Among other top KOSPI market cap stocks, SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)(2.48%), LG Energy Solution(373220)(6.46%), and HyundaiMotor(005380)(0.78%) rose. Conversely, KB Financial Group(105560)(-0.98%), SAMSUNG C&T CORPORATION(028260)(-1.57%), and Samsung Life Insurance(032830)(-1.46%) fell.

By sector, chemicals, machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, and manufacturing were strong. Entertainment and culture, IT services, insurance, and telecommunications were weak. Hanwha Ocean(042660)rose 2.32% after being designated as the preferred bidder for a 680 billion won project to procure next-generation frigates for the Royal Thai Navy, and the shipbuilding sector as a whole showed an upward trend.

The KOSDAQ closed at 830.37, up 18.49 points (2.28%) from the previous session. The index opened at 815.06, up 3.18 points (0.39%) from the previous close, and continued its upward trend.

By investor type, foreign investors were net buyers of 225.2 billion won, while retail investors and institutions were net sellers of 214.5 billion won and 19.7 billion won, respectively.

Among the top two KOSDAQ stocks by market capitalization, Alteogen Inc.(196170)closed at 279,500 won, up 2,500 won (0.90%) from the previous trading day. ECOPRO CO., LTD(086520)closed at 86,800 won, up 5,700 won (7.03%).

Among other top-market-cap stocks, ECOPRO BM CO., LTD.(247540)(9.64%), JUSUNG ENGINEERING Co.,Ltd.(036930)(6.12%), Rainbow Robotics(277810)(2.89%), and WONIK IPS Co.,Ltd.(240810)(3.71%) were among the gainers. HLB INC.(028300)(-0.47%) and PharmaResearch(214450)(-0.81%) were among the losers.