The KOSPI index fell 3.03% to 6614.20 as of 1:52 PM on July 20, according to MP Doctor data, driven by sustained selling pressure from individual and institutional investors. The index opened 2.60% lower at 6643.58 and briefly recovered to near-flat territory before resuming declines, reaching an intraday low of 6515.24. A sell-side circuit breaker was triggered at 11:21 AM, marking the 20th activation in Korean Stocks this year, as the KOSPI 200 futures contract fell more than 5% and sustained the decline for one minute.
KOSPI Records Intraday Low at 6515.24
The KOSPI index opened at 6643.58, down 2.60% from the previous trading day, and initially narrowed losses to near-flat levels during early trading. The index reversed course and expanded declines, falling to 6515.24 during the morning session, representing a 4.5% drop from the previous close. As of 1:52 PM, the index stood at 6614.20, down 206.40 points (3.03%) from the prior session.
Foreigners Net Buy 142.8 Billion Won Amid Domestic Selling
Individual investors net sold 53.2 billion won, while institutional investors net sold 120.7 billion won, exerting downward pressure on the index. Foreign investors were the sole net buyers, purchasing 142.8 billion won worth of shares. Program trading showed a net buying bias of 327.6 billion won, combining both arbitrage and non-arbitrage trades.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Lead Decline Among Large-Cap Stocks
Samsung Electronics traded at 247,500 won, down 7,500 won (2.94%) from the previous session. SK Hynix fell 35,000 won (1.90%) to 1,807,000 won. Other major declines included Hyundai Motor (-5.29%), LG Energy Solution (-3.44%), Samsung Biologics (-2.22%), Samsung Life Insurance (-8.61%), KB Financial Group (-7.23%), and Kia (-6.15%). Samsung Electro-Mechanics was the only large-cap stock showing gains, rising over 1%.
By sector, insurance fell over 8%, while machinery and equipment declined over 6%. Distribution and transportation equipment sectors each fell over 5%. Securities, metals, medical and precision instruments, paper and wood, finance, IT services, construction, textiles and apparel, manufacturing, electricity and gas, and general services sectors all posted losses.
KOSDAQ Falls 4.22% with Circuit Breaker Activation
The KOSDAQ index declined 33.38 points (4.22%) to 758.46 as of the same timestamp. Foreign investors net sold 144.3 billion won, and institutions net sold 77.6 billion won, while individuals net bought 219.9 billion won. A sell-side circuit breaker was triggered at 10:52 AM, marking the 10th activation this year. The KOSDAQ circuit breaker activates when the KOSDAQ 150 futures contract falls more than 6% and the KOSDAQ 150 index falls more than 3%, with the decline sustained for one minute.
Among KOSDAQ large-cap stocks, Alteogen fell 0.54%, EcoPro BM declined 5.78%, EcoPro dropped 6.87%, Jusung Engineering fell 8.46%, Rainbow Robotics declined 4.41%, Wonik IPS fell 16.42%, and Leenogoeng dropped 2.77%. Samchundang Pharmaceutical was the exception, rising 29.82%.
FAQ
What caused the KOSPI index to fall 3.03% on July 20?
The KOSPI index fell 3.03% to 6614.20 as of 1:52 PM on July 20 due to sustained selling pressure from individual investors, who net sold 53.2 billion won, and institutional investors, who net sold 120.7 billion won. The index reached an intraday low of 6515.24, down 4.5% from the previous close.
Which investor groups were net buyers and net sellers in the KOSPI on July 20?
Individual investors net sold 53.2 billion won and institutional investors net sold 120.7 billion won on July 20. Foreign investors were the sole net buyers, purchasing 142.8 billion won worth of shares.
How did Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix perform on July 20?
Samsung Electronics fell 2.94% to 247,500 won, down 7,500 won from the previous session. SK Hynix declined 1.90% to 1,807,000 won, down 35,000 won from the prior close.
