The KOSPI rose more than 2% on the 18th, closing in on the 6,900 level. Among top market-cap stocks, SK Hynix and SK Square surged more than 6%, with semiconductor-related stocks standing out in particular.

KOSPI Breaches 6,000s 6,900 Level Intraday but Fails to Close Above It

According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished the day at 6,894.23, up 178.82 points (2.66%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,885.70 and briefly slipped to 6,830.95 during the session before expanding gains and staging a rebound. The intraday high reached 6,914.08, breaching the 6,900 level, but the index failed to settle above it at the close.

Of the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, seven rose and three declined.

Top Market-Cap Stocks: Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Gain Ground

• *Rising stocks**
• Samsung Electronics: closed at 261,000 won, up 8,500 won (3.37%) from the previous trading day
• SK Hynix: rose 112,000 won (6.42%) to 1,857,000 won
• Samsung Electronics preferred shares: up 2,800 won (1.45%) to 196,100 won
• SK Square: rose 71,000 won (7.04%) to 1,079,000 won
• Samsung Electro-Mechanics: up 58,000 won (4.36%) to 1,388,000 won
• Hyundai Motor: up 2,000 won (0.55%) to 365,000 won
• Samsung Biologics: rose 2,000 won (0.14%) to 1,398,000 won

• *Declining stocks**
• LG Energy Solution: fell 1,000 won (0.27%) to 364,000 won
• KB Financial Group: down 4,300 won (2.40%) to 174,900 won
• Samsung C&T: fell 4,500 won (1.27%) to 351,000 won

Next Week's Focus: Whether the KOSPI Can Close Above 6,900

With the KOSPI breaching the 6,900 level intraday, market attention is expected to turn to next week's trading. Key points to watch include whether the index can sustain its upward momentum and settle above 6,900 at the close, or whether a consolidation phase will follow the sharp short-term rally. Investors are also focused on whether large-cap semiconductor stocks can maintain their upward trend and whether rotational buying will continue among top market-cap stocks.

However, volatility could expand depending on domestic and international interest rates, exchange rates, and global market trends, requiring a cautious approach.

[※ This article is for investment reference purposes only; investment decisions and responsibilities rest with the investor.]