KOSDAQ Hits 1,200: 26년 만의 새로운 기록
Daily Market Brief: Essential Updates for Local Stocks|16 min read9.3AI quality score — automatically evaluated based on accuracy, depth, and source quality
The KOSDAQ index hit a historic 1,200-point milestone, while the KOSPI edged down slightly due to foreign sell-offs. As the semiconductor "duo" (Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix) faced profit-taking, market rotation shifted focus toward secondary batteries and defense stocks.
Korea Market Briefing — 2026-04-24
Market Snapshot
- KOSPI: Closed slightly lower in the 6,470 range (a brief pause after two days of record-breaking highs).
- KOSDAQ: Broke the 1,200 mark, marking its first close above this level in 26 years.
- KRW/USD Exchange Rate: Around 1,479 KRW (slight rise, persistent dollar strength).
- Market Sentiment: Foreign buying concentrated in KOSDAQ; KOSPI faced a tug-of-war between foreign sell-offs and retail buying. Sector rotation is accelerating.
Order Flow (KOSPI)
- Foreigners: Net sellers — Profit-taking in semiconductor stocks, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Conversely, they turned into net buyers in KOSDAQ, focusing on secondary batteries and defense.
- Institutions: Net sellers — Profit-taking in large-cap semiconductor stocks, with some buying in secondary batteries.
- Retail Investors: Net buyers — Supported the KOSPI floor; bought semiconductors on the dip and added to their positions in secondary batteries.
Top 5 Market News
1. KOSDAQ closes above 1,200 for the first time in 26 years
- What happened?: The KOSDAQ index broke through the 1,200-point mark during the day on the 24th and finished above it, setting a 26-year record high. Foreign buying in secondary batteries and defense sectors fueled the surge, contrasting with the KOSPI's slight decline.
- Impact: Strength in secondary batteries (LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, etc.) and defense stocks; surge in KOSDAQ ETF and leverage product trading volume.
2. Semiconductor "duo" fatigue — Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix slide
- What happened?: Both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix finished lower on the 24th. Foreign and institutional investors offloaded shares of these semiconductor giants, which had driven the KOSPI to record highs until the previous day. Money Today noted that while corporate earnings expectations remain, there is pressure from short-term overheating.
- Impact: Primary cause of the KOSPI’s slight decline; minor dip in semiconductor ETFs.
3. Secondary battery "rotation boom" — LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI surge
- What happened?: Expectations for closer cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and Korean battery manufacturers fueled a two-day rally in secondary battery stocks. LG Energy Solution jumped 4-5% in pre-market (Nextrade) and maintained momentum during the main session.
- Impact: A key driver for the KOSDAQ's 1,200 breakout; gains for LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On-related stocks.
4. KOSPI takes a breather after four consecutive record-breaking days
- What happened?: After hitting a record high on April 21st (6,388) and continuing to climb on the 22nd and 23rd (hitting 6,475.81), the KOSPI closed lower on the 24th due to foreign selling. It was also noted that 60% of listed companies have yet to recover to pre-war stock price levels.
- Impact: Spread of caution regarding short-term overheating; shift required from semiconductor-led gains to broader market growth.
5. Defense sector strength continues — Benefiting from Middle East uncertainty
- What happened?: Geopolitical uncertainty resurfaced after the second round of US-Iran peace talks hit a stalemate. Consequently, defense stocks joined secondary batteries in leading the KOSDAQ. Financial News predicts a period of digesting these gains for the time being.
- Impact: General rise in defense-related stocks; contributed to the KOSDAQ's 1,200-point breakout.
Leading Sectors & Themes
Secondary Batteries
- Trend: Rallied for two consecutive days on Mercedes-Benz cooperation hopes and capital rotation from semiconductors. The strongest theme within KOSDAQ.
- Key Stocks: LG Energy Solution (+4-5%), Samsung SDI (+5%), SK On-related stocks.
Defense
- Trend: Continued gains due to re-emerging Middle East geopolitical risks; high contributor to KOSDAQ gains.
- Key Stocks: Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1, etc. (Specific percentages not confirmed).
Semiconductors (Pausing)
- Trend: Turned weak after foreign profit-taking following a 4-day winning streak.
- Key Stocks: Samsung Electronics (slight decline), SK Hynix (flat to lower).
Top Movers
Top 3 Gainers
- Samsung SDI: +5% (Mercedes-Benz expectations).
- LG Energy Solution: +4-5% (Battery cooperation expectations).
- KOSDAQ Defense stocks: Strong (Middle East uncertainty).
Top 3 Losers
- SK Hynix: Slight decline (Foreign/Institutional profit-taking).
- Samsung Electronics: Approx -0.9% (Overheating concerns).
- Automotive stocks: Weak (Concerns over KRW strength and overseas demand).
Global Market Links
1. Wall Street declines — Negative pressure on domestic semiconductors. 2. Nikkei 225 hits record high & US-Iran talks stall — Dual variables impacting sentiment.
Tomorrow’s Checkpoints
- KOSDAQ 1,200 stability: Can the index hold above this technical resistance level?
- Semiconductor rebound: Watch for the depth of the correction in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix and potential foreign re-entry.
- US-Iran talks & Oil prices: Will Middle East uncertainty continue to boost defense stocks?
Action Items
- Monitor foreign net-buying in KOSPI early in the session (9:05–9:30): A shift from selling to buying could signal a semiconductor rebound.
- Track concrete news on the Mercedes-Benz cooperation: Watch for official contract announcements.
- Observe KOSDAQ 1,200 support: Check if foreign net buying exceeds 100 billion KRW by noon to determine position adjustments.
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.
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