KOSPI Closes in High 6,900s as Foreign Investors Net Buyers for Fourth Consecutive Day

KOSPI closes at 6,977.94; intraday surge above 7,000
"Sector rotation as foreigners drive net buying"
KOSDAQ finishes at 864.85; retail investors turn net buyers

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed in the 6,900 range, supported by a net buying streak from foreign investors for four consecutive trading days. Early in the session, the index even surpassed the 7,000 mark, driven by relieved concerns over the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes and strengthened sentiment for semiconductor investments.

On the 14th, the KOSPI index recovered the 7,000-point level in early trading due to the strength of U.S. tech stocks. The status of the domestic stock market is displayed on the electronic board in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul. It is the first time in 15 trading days since the 24th of last month that the KOSPI index exceeded the 7,000-point level during the session. August 14, 2026 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

On August 14, the KOSPI finished trading at 6,977.94, up 2.42% (164.60 points) from the previous session. The index crossed the 7,000 threshold at one point during early trading, reaching 7,010.86.

The rise in the index was led by foreign investors, who have been net buyers for four consecutive trading days since August 11. On this day, foreign investors recorded a net purchase of KRW 3,146.765 billion. In contrast, retail investors and institutions recorded net sales of KRW 1,720.106 billion and KRW 1,410.089 billion, respectively.

Most industry sectors posted gains. Telecommunications (+6.10%) led the rally, followed by transportation equipment and parts (+3.58%), insurance (+3.47%), and electrical/electronics (+2.68%). However, some sectors such as pharmaceuticals (-0.52%) and metals (-0.34%) showed slight declines.

Among large-cap stocks, semiconductor-related issues such as Samsung Electronics (+2.4%), SK hynix (+3.2%), and SK Square (+3.3%) recorded gains of over 2%. Hyundai Motor (+8.2%) and Hyundai Mobis (+7.0%) from the Hyundai Motor Group also showed strong performances. On the other hand, Hanwha Aerospace (-2.1%), Samsung Biologics (-1.0%), and Celltrion (-0.5%) posted declines.

Lee Kyungmin, a researcher at Daishin Securities, said, "Intra-day, the KOSPI surpassed 7,000 points on eased concerns over the Fed's rate hikes and strengthened investment sentiment in the memory sector, but some gains were relinquished due to profit-taking following five consecutive sessions of strength." He added, "As foreign net buying persisted for four straight trading days, the market saw differentiated movements based on industry-specific favorable factors."

The KOSDAQ index closed at 864.85, up 0.38% (3.28 points) from the previous session. Retail investors were net buyers with KRW 334.533 billion, while foreign investors and institutions recorded net sales of KRW 82.981 billion and KRW 250.229 billion, respectively.

By sector, gains were predominant. Transportation and storage (+3.55%), non-metallic materials (+3.04%), and distribution (+1.54%) were strong performers, while construction (-1.05%), pharmaceuticals (-0.96%), and general services (-0.62%) closed slightly lower or flat.

Among major KOSDAQ constituents, performances were mixed. The top market-cap stock, Alteogen (-1.1%), declined, but the second and third largest, Ecopro (+1.6%) and Ecopro BM (+1.9%), rose. Other strong performers included Robotis (+7.2%), EO Technics (+6.7%), and Simmtech (+2.7%). In contrast, ABL Bio (-3.1%), Pharmaresearch (-6.4%), and Peptron (-1.3%) posted losses.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.