The domestic stock market is showing a pronounced weakness amid shrinking investor sentiment caused by heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Notably, the KOSPI surrendered the 7,000 mark it had recovered in the previous session, signaling a rapid chill in risk appetite.

During the morning session on the 24th, the KOSPI fell by 266.13 points (3.74%) from the previous trading day to 6,830.76, dropping below the 7,000 threshold. The KOSDAQ index also declined by 26.63 points (3.36%) to 763.65, experiencing a synchronized downturn with the KOSPI.

Some market analysts attribute the significant contraction in investor sentiment to the expanding geopolitical risks surrounding the U.S. and Iran. Concerns that rising tensions in the Middle East could drive up international oil prices and reignite inflation fears are also cited as downward pressures on the stock market. In addition, profit-taking sell-offs, centered on large-cap stocks, have widened the index's decline. Furthermore, shifts in supply and demand from foreign and institutional investors are acting as key factors amplifying market volatility.

The future direction of the domestic stock market is expected to be determined in the near term by variables such as changes in the Middle East situation, international oil price trends, U.S. interest rate outlooks, and earnings announcements from major companies. In particular, ahead of the weekend, investors are on high alert over whether the U.S.-Iran geopolitical risks will escalate further and whether the fallen KOSPI can reclaim the 7,000 mark.