KOSPI Breaks 7,000 Mark with Securities Firms Achieving Record Q2 Earnings Amid U.S. Futures Weakness

Domestic Market Trends and Key Indices

As of September 9, 2026, the KOSPI index closed at 7,051.64, up from the previous business day, reclaiming the 7,000 mark. This is the highest level reached after starting from 6,579.04 on August 12 and experiencing volatility. The chart showing the KOSPI closing price trend over the past 20 days is as follows.

Meanwhile, the KOSDAQ index also continued its recent recovery trend by closing at 830.37 on September 9.

Trading Trends by Investor Type

On September 9, in the KOSPI market, individual investors recorded large-scale net sales of 2 trillion 287.8 billion won, while foreigners also showed a selling edge of 434.8 billion won. Meanwhile, financial investors bought a net 734.7 billion won, and other corporations showed strong net buying of 1 trillion 780.4 billion won, driving the index higher.

The recent 10-day net buying trend by KOSPI investor type can be seen in the chart below.

On the same day in the KOSDAQ market, foreigners bought a net 264.5 billion won (266.2 billion won based on detailed flow), while individuals sold a net 254.8 billion won.

Market News and Credit Rating Changes

• Securities Firms Achieve Record Q2 Earnings: Influenced by increased trading volume and rising stock prices, domestic securities firms' net profits in Q2 2026 exceeded 5 trillion won (approximately 5.2 trillion won based on reports), recording an all-time high that surged 82% compared to the same period last year.
• Sector-Specific Positives and Market Anxiety Factors: The unveiling of OpenAI's next-generation AI 'GPT-6 Astrum' provided momentum to the KOSPI rise, while news of the possibility of U.S. investment in 8 new nuclear power plants led to a simultaneous rise in nuclear-related stocks. Meanwhile, the youth employment rate continues to decline for the 28th consecutive month, and concerns about a sharp rise in international oil prices due to escalating Middle East conflicts are spreading, acting as market variables.
• Global Market Futures Trends: As of the morning of September 10, major U.S. overnight futures indices are showing a downward trend. The ES=F index is down -0.43%, the NQ=F index is down -0.28%, and the YM=F index is down -0.69%, all showing weakness.
• Credit Rating Information: According to Korea Credit Rating Corporation announcements, SK E&S's corporate bond (SB) rating outlook has been changed from AA- (Stable to Negative), and new corporate bond evaluations for Jeju Bank (A+), Kiwoom Capital (A), Hyundai Securities (AA-) have been completed.

Data Sources and Limitations Notice

This briefing is based on news data from the Korea Exchange (KRX), Korea Credit Rating Corporation (Korea Rating), Financial Supervisory Service press releases, and various media outlets (Chosun Biz, Seoul Economic Daily, Korea Economic Daily, etc.). The figures mentioned in this material are data snapshots at specific points in time, so they may not match actual real-time financial market conditions, and past trends or performance do not guarantee future returns. This content is merely a summary of market trends and does not constitute any investment recommendation or advice under any circumstances, so careful consideration is necessary when making actual investments.