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South Korea's KOSPI Plummets Below 2,400 Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions: A Deep Dive

Market Turmoil as KOSPI Dives Below 2,400

Amid escalating U.S.-China tariff disputes, South Korea's KOSPI index has dramatically fallen below the 2,400 mark, signaling widespread market unease.

KOSPI's significant drop visualized at Hana Bank's dealing room in Seoul.

Early Trading Shows Sharp Decline

Starting the day at 2,400.74, down by 44.32 points, the KOSPI continued its downward trajectory, reaching as low as 2,394 during intraday trading. This marks a significant 2.01% drop from the previous session's close.

Investor Sentiment and Market Movements

Foreign investors and institutions led the sell-off, with net sales totaling 145.8 billion won and 57.7 billion won, respectively. In contrast, individual investors net purchased 188 billion won, showcasing a divided market sentiment.

Top Stocks Feel the Pressure

Leading companies like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix saw their shares decline by 2.04% and 3.55%, respectively, reflecting the broader market downturn. However, not all was bleak, with Hanwha Aerospace and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries posting gains.

Global Influences and Future Outlook

The sharp decline in U.S. stocks, particularly the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 2.5% drop, has further fueled concerns. Analysts suggest that ongoing tariff uncertainties and the lack of CPI reflection on tariffs are key factors behind the volatility.

Despite the current turbulence, market experts anticipate stabilization around the current index levels, avoiding a plunge to new lows.