KOSPI and KOSDAQ Rally on Export Boom... Driven by Semiconductor and Cosmetics Sectors
Domestic Market Trends and KOSPI Performance
Benefiting from the favorable export performance in the semiconductor and cosmetics sectors, major stocks including Samsung Electronics rose, causing the KOSPI index to show an upward trend for two consecutive days. Looking at the closing price trend of the KOSPI index over the past 20 days, after reaching a high of 7,284.41 on July 15, it adjusted and closed at 6,345.53 as of August 11. The detailed trend can be confirmed in the chart below.
Trading Trends by Investor Type
According to the net purchase trends by investor type (10-day basis) in the KOSPI market, foreign and institutional investors have shown a pattern of alternating between buying and selling recently. Particularly, on August 11, foreigners net purchased 535.16 billion won, institutions net purchased 212.48 billion won, while individual investors net sold 707.59 billion won. These detailed trading trends by investor type are presented in the chart below.
KOSDAQ and Major Market News
The KOSDAQ index also continued its upward trend, driven by the performance of semiconductor material, parts, and equipment (small and mid-cap) companies, closing at 857.84 on August 11.
Recently in global markets, news has spread that Nvidia's credit risk has decreased as it clearly stated its exposure limits in AI investment financing plans. Meanwhile, Wall Street analyzed the recent leverage ETF turmoil that shook the KOSPI market as a representative warning case of 'AI-originated market risk'. In the domestic market, it was reported that after the strengthening of listing maintenance requirements, companies failing to meet the market capitalization standard accounted for 7.4% of all listed companies.
Credit Rating Changes and Macroeconomic Indicators
Korea Rating evaluated the corporate bond (SB) credit ratings of JB Financial Holdings (AA+/Stable), Hyundai Asset Management Real Estate Investment Trust (A+/Stable), and Mirae Asset Capital (AA-/Stable) as of August 10, 2026.
In the US market, home transactions decreased in July due to rising mortgage rates, and as the interest rate hike outlook receded due to the impact of US employment shocks, the returns of domestic gold-related ETFs and gold prices showed a rebound.
Sources and Data Limitations
This briefing is based on published materials from the Korea Exchange (KRX), Korea Rating, and various media outlets (Money Today, EDaily, Asia Economic Daily, Munhwa Ilbo, Yonhap News, Chosun Ilbo, The Fact, Korea Economic Daily). The provided data represents records at specific past times and does not guarantee future market changes or returns. Additionally, errors or delays in data collection and provision may cause discrepancies with actual market conditions, so please use this information only as a reference for investment decisions. This document does not constitute any investment recommendation or advice under any circumstances.