On Wednesday, the KOSPI index remained unchanged at 3,198, halting its two-day upward momentum as gains in tourism and retail sectors balanced out declines in semiconductor and pharmaceutical stocks. Notable declines included Samsung Electronics, which dropped by 1.57%, SK Hynix by 1.90%, Samsung Biologics by 1.90%, and SK Biopharmaceuticals, which saw a sharp fall of 8.89%.
Conversely, tourism and retail stocks saw an uptick following the government's announcement of a visa waiver for Chinese tour groups effective next month. The energy sector witnessed positive movements as well, with Doosan Enerbility rising by 2.31% and Korea Electric Power climbing by 7.44%.
In terms of trading activity, foreign investors and institutions sold shares worth a net KRW 67.5 billion and KRW 53.7 billion, respectively, whereas individual retail investors were net buyers, purchasing shares worth a total of KRW 46.9 billion. On the international scene, uncertainties surrounding U.S. policy continued, with President Trump indicating a decision on a Federal Reserve board nominee by the end of the week. This uncertainty came amid market evaluations of weak U.S. services data and the impact of rising input costs, exacerbated by ongoing tariffs.
