Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both closed lower on the 30th, the last trading day of October. The simultaneous decline of the two large-cap semiconductor stocks that represent the Korean stock market pushed the KOSPI's loss beyond 3%, and market attention is now focused on the first trading day of November following the weekend.

On the 30th, the KOSPI finished at 5,730.74, down 206.92 points (-3.48%) from the previous trading day. While the index managed to hold the 5,700 level, the steep drop left a considerable burden on investor sentiment.

Individual stocks also fared poorly. Samsung Electronics closed its final October trading at 225,500 won, down 4.96%, while SK Hynix finished at 1,391,000 won, down 8.85%. The simultaneous weakness of the two stocks draws particular attention, as they are major large caps that influence not only the domestic semiconductor sector but the KOSPI as a whole.

The weakness in semiconductor stocks on the day is interpreted as being influenced by concerns over the decline in U.S. tech stocks. As worries about investments by U.S. Big Tech companies came to the fore, selling pressure continued to weigh on domestic large-cap semiconductor stocks. During the session, the KOSPI widened its losses, triggering a sell-side sidecar.

Attention now turns to November 2, the first trading day after the weekend. The key question is whether Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will rebound or whether the weakness at the end of October will continue. In particular, the trend in U.S. tech stocks, investor sentiment toward the semiconductor sector, and changes in foreign investor supply and demand could act as major variables for the domestic stock market in early November.

With the KOSPI defending the 5,700 level, all eyes are on how Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will move on the first trading day of November. However, given the recent expansion in market volatility, it is necessary to watch not only the possibility of a short-term rebound but also the overall flow of supply and demand.

[This article is for informational purposes only regarding investment; investment decisions and any resulting responsibility rest with the investor.]