On the 24th, the domestic stock market plunged as the KOSPI surrendered the 6,700 level. The vast majority of top market capitalization stocks suffered steep declines, and investors' attention is now focused on whether a rebound will materialize on the first trading day of the new week or if volatility will persist.

KOSPI Closes at the 6,690 Level Amid Combined Selling by Foreigners and Institutions

According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 6,690.62 on the 24th, plunging 406.27 points (5.72%) from the previous trading day. During the session, the index was pushed down to the 6,650 level, significantly dampening investor sentiment, as combined selling by foreign and institutional investors led the market decline.

Only Samsung Biologics Shows Strength Among Top 10 Market Cap Stocks

Most of the top 10 stocks by market capitalization also failed to avoid a bearish trend. Market bellwether Samsung Electronics closed at 249,500 won, down 7.59%, while SK Hynix finished at 1,759,000 won, down 8.34%. SK Square (-9.17%), Samsung Electronics Preferred (-7.33%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-8.43%), Hyundai Motor (-7.18%), LG Energy Solution (-5.32%), Samsung Life Insurance (-3.49%), and KB Financial (-2.72%) all declined across the board.

In contrast, Samsung Biologics closed at 1,518,000 won, up 10.08%, displaying the only notable strength among the top market cap stocks.

Risk Asset Aversion Driven by AI Profitability Concerns and Middle East Risks

Selling pressure in the domestic market on this day was concentrated on major leading sectors. This is interpreted as the result of shrinking risk appetite, driven by growing concerns over the profitability of artificial intelligence (AI) investments following earnings announcements from major U.S. tech companies, compounded by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Key Variables This Week: Fed Monetary Policy, Q2 Earnings, and Major Indicators

The market is closely watching the possibility that volatility may persist into the first trading day of the new week, depending on external variables. However, some forecasts suggest that if bargain-hunting inflows center around recently beaten-down semiconductor and large-cap tech stocks, the index may attempt a rebound.

This week's schedule includes the U.S. Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy updates, major economic indicators, and Q2 earnings reports from key domestic companies, all of which are expected to have a significant impact on investor sentiment. In particular, the earnings results and forward-looking business outlooks of top market capitalization companies are cited as the key variables that will determine the direction of the stock market in the new week.

[This article is provided as reference material for investment decisions and does not recommend the purchase or sale of any specific stocks.]