[Market Update] KOSPI Searches for Direction, Fluctuates Around 2,560 Levels... KOSDAQ Up 1%

# South Korean Stocks Show Mixed Performance Amid Global Market Volatility The Kospi index started lower on the 14th and continues to fluctuate around the 2,560 mark. As of 9:38 AM, the Kospi stands at 2,566.59, down by 7.57 points or 0.25% from the previous trading day. Domestic investors, including individuals and institutions, have been net buyers to the tune of KRW 141.2 billion and KRW 11.7 billion, respectively, helping to offset the decline. Conversely, foreign investors have sold off KRW 154.7 billion worth of spot stocks but have purchased KRW 66.7 billion worth of Kospi200 futures, also contributing to the stabilization of the index. Overnight, the New York Stock Exchange saw all three major indices weaken amid escalating trade war concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his firm stance on tariffs, while Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin indicated that he isn't concerned about the recent market volatility, suggesting that stringent tariff measures might continue. Additional downward pressure on U.S. markets stemmed from fears of a potential government shutdown as the Senate passage of the interim budget remains uncertain. However, the market saw a slight reduction in shutdown concerns by the close of the U.S. trading session, coupled with eased tensions between the U.S. and Canada, helping some major stocks to rebound in after-hours trading. This has had a positive impact on South Korean markets. # Mixed Performance Among Major Stocks; KOSDAQ Index Strong Leading stocks by market capitalization are showing mixed performance. Samsung Electronics is trading flat, while SK Hynix has gained 0.65%. Celltrion (2.00%), Hanwha Ocean (2.04%), and Hanwha Aerospace (0.42%) are also recording gains. Meanwhile, car-sharing platform Socar has surged by about 20% following news of a public tender offer by its former CEO, Lee Jae-woong. In contrast, shares of Samsung Biologics (-1.52%), LG Energy Solution (-0.44%), Hyundai Motor (-0.80%), NAVER (-0.93%), and KB Financial (-1.15%) are experiencing declines. The KOSDAQ index is on the rise. It is trading at 732.90, up 10.22 points or 1.39% from the previous day. Both foreign investors and institutions are net buyers, purchasing KRW 53.5 billion and KRW 18.7 billion worth of stocks, respectively, driving the increase. Individual investors, on the other hand, have been net sellers to the amount of KRW 70.1 billion. Among the leading KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen (0.8%), Rainbow Robotics (3.26%), and Kolon TissueGene (2.65%) are gaining. However, HLB has fallen by 1.21%, and Samchundang Pharm remains slightly down.