[Opening Market] KOSPI Opens Down 3.17% Amid U.S. Tech Shock

On October 19, the KOSPI, South Korea's main stock index, opened sharply lower due to concerns over the performance of U.S. technology and semiconductor companies. The index had previously rebounded on Friday but quickly reversed course as investors grappled with questions about the profitability of artificial intelligence (AI) and the stability of U.S. inflation and interest rates.

Foreign and institutional investors initially attempted to cushion the decline during early trading, but the situation grew increasingly unstable as the day progressed.

The KOSPI started the day at 5,488.41, marking a 3.17% decline from its previous day's close. For a brief period, the index rebounded to 5,594.27, but soon it traded near 5,607.47, displaying extreme volatility. The KOSDAQ also started the day down, opening at 773.06, falling 2.73% from the prior close. While foreigners and institutions recorded net purchases during the opening, individual investors were net sellers, indicating that the balance of power remained tilted toward the selling side.

The decline was primarily driven by large-cap semiconductor stocks, with both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix experiencing significant drops. Samsung Electronics saw a 5% fall, while SK Hynix plunged over 6%. Investors' concerns were further fueled by the prospect of expanding semiconductor supply from China and uncertainties surrounding global AI value chains. As the day wore on, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets continued to struggle, with individual investors opting for cautious, low-end buying amid the ongoing instability.