KOSDAQ Hits 1,200: 코스닥 1,200 돌파 긴급 브리핑
On April 24, 2026, the KOSPI closed slightly lower amidst heavy foreign selling, while the KOSDAQ hit a historic high, crossing the 1,200 mark for the first time in 25 years. Funds are rotating from large-cap semiconductor stocks into KOSDAQ's semiconductor components and biotech sectors, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index crossing 10,000 is reigniting bullish sentiment for domestic semiconductors.
Korea Market Briefing — 2026-04-26
Market Snapshot
- KOSPI: 6,470 range (Closed slightly lower)
- KOSDAQ: Crossed 1,200 (Highest in 25 years / sharp rise)
- KRW/USD: Maintained recent trading levels
- Market Sentiment: Foreigners were net sellers, while retail investors and institutions defended the KOSPI. A strong rotation is underway in the KOSDAQ, led by semiconductor components and biotech.
Trading Trends (KOSPI)
- Foreigners: Large-scale net selling (157.6 billion KRW at open) — Focused on large-cap semiconductors like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
- Institutions: Net buying (75 billion KRW at open) — Supporting growth stocks on the KOSDAQ.
- Retail: Net buying (73.6 billion KRW at open) — Notably, retail investors have hit record-level net selling on the KOSPI during this month's rebound.
※ Note: Retail investors have sold roughly 14 trillion KRW net on the KOSPI this month, approaching an all-time record.
Top 5 Market News
1. KOSDAQ crosses 1,200 for the first time in 25 years
- The News: The KOSDAQ index surpassed the 1,200 mark on April 24, setting a historic high. The rally was driven by joint buying from foreigners and institutions, alongside strength in semiconductor materials/parts/equipment and biotech stocks.
- Impact: Broad strength in the KOSDAQ; capital rotation from KOSPI large-caps to KOSDAQ small-to-mid caps.
2. KOSPI ends at 6,470 after hitting 6,500
- The News: The KOSPI hit an all-time high of 6,500 at the opening but couldn't hold the gains, closing slightly lower at 6,470 due to heavy foreign selling.
- Impact: Weakness in major semiconductor stocks; the KOSPI is entering a period of consolidation after three consecutive days of record highs.
3. Philadelphia Semiconductor Index tops 10,000
- The News: The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) crossed 10,000 points, fueling bullish sentiment for domestic semiconductors. Retail investors who bet against semiconductors are reportedly facing significant losses.
- Impact: Strength in KOSDAQ semiconductor components; losses for retail holders of Samsung/SK Hynix inverse ETFs.
4. Retail investors sell 14 trillion KRW in April
- The News: Despite the KOSPI's historic rally, retail investors have sold 14 trillion KRW, nearing an all-time high for monthly net selling. Investors are using the rebound as an exit strategy.
- Impact: Potential supply-side volatility for KOSPI large-caps; shift of retail capital toward KOSDAQ growth stocks and ETFs.
5. Shift in ETF preferences
- The News: As the KOSPI hit record highs, retail investors piled into KOSPI-tracking ETFs while taking profits on KOSDAQ ETFs.
- Impact: Increased demand for KOSPI leverage ETFs; exodus from KOSDAQ ETFs suggests a move toward direct stock picking.
Leading Sectors
Semiconductor Components
- Trend: This sector was the main driver for the KOSDAQ's 1,200 milestone. The SOX hitting 10,000 provided a massive tailwind.
Biotech/Pharma
- Trend: Biotech stocks shared the spotlight with the semiconductor sector as a key recipient of KOSDAQ inflows.
Defense & Energy
- Trend: Foreign investors heavily bought into Hanwha Aerospace, HD Hyundai Electric, HD Hyundai Marine Engine, Hanwha Solutions, and Hyundai Rotem.
Top Movers
- Gainers: KOSDAQ Semiconductor components, Hanwha Aerospace, KOSDAQ Biotech leaders.
- Losers: Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and overall KOSPI large-cap semiconductor stocks.
Key Takeaways for Tomorrow
- KOSDAQ Support: Can the index hold the 1,200 level? Watch for continued rotation into tech and bio.
- Foreign Flow: Check if foreign net selling on the KOSPI reverses.
- Retail Record: Monitor if retail net selling sets an all-time record, as this influences market psychology.
Investor Action Items
- Monitor Early Trading: Watch foreign and institutional flow within the first 30 minutes.
- Risk Management: Review portfolios for KOSPI large-cap semiconductor exposure; consider rebalancing toward KOSDAQ growth sectors if the 1,200 level holds.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
