KOSPI opens lower amid foreign selling and semiconductor weakness

The KOSPI index opened lower on October 2, facing downward pressure from foreign and institutional selling despite record-breaking export figures. As of the early morning session, the index fell by approximately 0.33% to 0.47%, with foreign investors recording net sales of over 140 billion to 150 billion won.

Major semiconductor stocks weighed on the index, with Samsung Electronics dropping over 1% and SK Hynix seeing slight declines or remaining flat. This volatility comes despite recent data showing South Korea's September exports reached a record high of $120.94 billion, driven largely by a 262.8% surge in semiconductor exports.

In contrast, the KOSDAQ index showed strength, recovering above the 900 level supported by gains in secondary battery stocks such as EcoPro and EcoPro BM. Market participants remain cautious due to rising US Treasury yields, the upcoming release of US September employment data, and fluctuations in the KRW/USD exchange rate.