Stocks slip slightly as investors grow cautious ahead of upcoming US inflation data. Meanwhile, market participants also watch the looming deadline for higher US tariffs on Chinese imports. In addition, the Korean won strengthens modestly against the US dollar, signaling steady currency sentiment.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index falls 3.24 points to close at 3,206.77. Moreover, trading volume reaches 302.01 million shares, with a total value of 10.23 trillion won. Decliners outnumber gainers, showing the market’s cautious tone as stocks slip for a second session.
Although Wall Street posts gains in the previous session, local stocks move in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite both advance, yet Seoul’s market resists the trend. As a result, investors choose to wait for more clarity on US monetary policy.
Institutional investors sell shares worth 214.27 billion won, while individuals offload 142.42 billion won in stocks. On the other hand, foreign investors buy a net 216.86 billion won, offering partial market support. Consequently, analysts stress that global economic data is driving most trading decisions.
Experts say traders are tracking US inflation figures closely to predict the Federal Reserve’s next steps. At the same time, the upcoming US tariff deadline on Chinese imports adds another layer of market uncertainty. Additionally, the US president warns of higher duties, linking the issue to China’s purchases of Russian oil.
Large-cap shares show mixed results through the day. For instance, Samsung Electronics drops 1.11 percent to 71,000 won, while SK hynix jumps 4.09 percent to 267,000 won. Therefore, these movements underline the varied momentum within the tech sector.
Shipbuilding stocks also produce uneven performances. Specifically, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries slips 0.54 percent to 464,000 won, reflecting minor weakness in the segment. However, Hanwha Ocean, the shipbuilding unit of Hanwha Group, plunges 9.09 percent to 107,000 won, marking a sharper downturn.
Energy and steel counters add to the mixed picture. For example, Korea Electric Power Corp. declines 1.89 percent to 39,000 won, showing muted utility demand. Conversely, POSCO Holdings gains 3.72 percent to 306,500 won, benefiting from strong expectations in the steel market.
Battery manufacturers record solid advances. Notably, LG Energy Solution rises 2.77 percent to 389,000 won, while Samsung SDI adds 3.21 percent to 225,000 won. Consequently, demand growth in the electric vehicle sector continues to drive optimism.
The local currency finishes at 1,388.00 won against the US dollar, up 1.6 won from the prior session. Overall, market caution remains in place as stocks slip in response to global uncertainties. Therefore, investors stay alert for key data releases that could shift momentum.
