HLB group stocks showed clear polarization across individual stocks during the regular trading session on the 24th. Even as the domestic stock market plunged amid escalating U.S.-Iran military tensions, bio affiliates continued to show strength, demonstrating their defensive resilience.

■ HLB and HLB Pharmaceutical Lead Bio Stocks Higher On this day, HLB closed at 30,750 won, up 750 won (2.50%) from the previous trading day. HLB Life Sciences recorded a notable gain, rising 160 won (7.83%) to 2,205 won, while HLB Pharmaceutical surged 590 won (7.31%) to close at 8,660 won. HLB Biostep also finished the session at 1,890 won, up 81 won (4.48%).

However, some stocks declined. HLB Innovation fell 210 won (2.40%) to 8,540 won, HLB Panagine dropped 0.38% to 1,057 won, and HLB Therapeutics closed down 0.29% at 1,731 won, all ending in weaker territory. HLB Global rose 0.83% to 1,221 won, HLB Genex gained 1.69% to 1,685 won, and HLB Pep climbed 0.77% to 3,915 won, but only managed modest gains.

■ KOSPI Plunges 5.72%... Middle East Risk Shrinks Investor Sentiment On the same day, the domestic stock market underwent a sharp correction as investor sentiment rapidly contracted due to geopolitical risks stemming from the Middle East. The KOSPI closed at 6,690.62, down 406.27 points (5.72%) from the previous trading day, while the KOSDAQ finished at 748.22, down 42.06 points (5.32%).

■ Continuity of Upward Trend on 'New Monday' Is Key Variable Investors' attention is now turning to the new Monday, the first trading day of the last week of July. The key focal point is whether the upward momentum of HLB group stocks will continue, or whether profit-taking sell-offs will emerge and deepen differentiation among individual stocks. In particular, changes in supply and demand for the group's bio affiliates and whether overall market investor sentiment recovers are cited as the key variables that will determine the short-term direction of share prices.

[This article is not intended to solicit investment. Investment decisions are the sole responsibility of the investor, and final decisions should be made carefully at one's own discretion.]