Overview
- The KOSPI closed down 241.69 points, or about 3.65 percent, at 6,384.24 on Monday after technology stocks led a broad retreat.
- Samsung Electronics fell roughly 4.4 percent and SK hynix dropped about 4.5 percent, amplifying index losses because the market is heavily weighted to chipmakers.
- Analysts said semiconductor-focused ETF rebalancing and worries that major firms finished treasury stock buybacks removed buying support and intensified the downturn.
- Foreign investors and institutions were net sellers for the full day while individual investors bought, with foreigners selling more than 2 trillion won and individuals buying about 1.47 trillion won.
- Rising oil prices linked to renewed Houthi attacks raised inflation and interest-rate concerns that could pressure markets and household costs, while the won strengthened near 1,335 per dollar during the session.