The KOSDAQ index closed higher on the 18th. Although it rose to the 833 level during the session before giving back part of its gains, it stayed in positive territory, while top market-cap stocks showed mixed movements.

■ Index Movement... Opened at 832.72, Hit Intraday High of 833.57, Closed Higher

The KOSDAQ index finished the day at 827.12, up 4.94 points (0.60%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 832.72 and rose to 833.57 intraday before slipping to as low as 824.73. With the close coming in below both the opening price and the high, the early-session upward momentum somewhat lost steam.

■ Top 10 Market-Cap Stocks Split 5 Up, 5 Down... Rino Industrial Posts Biggest Gain at 4.82%

Among the top 10 stocks by market capitalization, five rose and five fell.

On the upside, EcoPro BM closed at 104,900 won, up 2,200 won (2.14%) from the previous session. Psung Engineering rose 1,500 won (0.74%) to 205,500 won, while Rainbow Robotics climbed 7,500 won (1.75%) to 436,000 won. Wonik IPS finished 3,500 won (2.97%) higher at 121,500 won. Rino Industrial recorded the largest gain among the top stocks, rising 3,200 won (4.82%) to 69,600 won.

On the downside, Alteogen closed 500 won (0.20%) lower at 253,500 won. EcoPro fell 1,200 won (1.46%) to 81,100 won, while Eotech Technics dropped 9,000 won (1.95%) to 453,500 won. Simmtech declined 2,500 won (1.95%) to 125,700 won, and Robtiz ended 3,500 won (1.13%) lower at 306,500 won.

■ Outlook... Focus on Whether the Index Can Settle Back Above the 830 Level

With the KOSDAQ extending its gains, attention is turning to whether the index can settle back above the 830 level in the coming week's market. Whether buying interest continues, along with the stock-by-stock trends of major growth stocks such as semiconductors, robotics, and secondary batteries, are expected to be key points to watch.

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