Why did the KOSPI fall late Monday morning despite institutional buying?

The decline followed a technology-led sell-off on Wall Street that raised concerns about heavy spending on artificial-intelligence infrastructure. Investors were also cautious ahead of major company earnings reports, the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections and continued uncertainty over interest rates.

How much did foreign investors, individuals and institutions trade on the Seoul stock market Monday morning?

Institutions bought a net 377.27 billion won worth of stocks. Foreign investors sold a net 84.13 billion won, while individuals sold a net 555.03 billion won.

Which Korean stocks gained and declined as the KOSPI remained under pressure?

Samsung Electronics fell 0.23 percent and SK hynix declined 3.14 percent, while SK Telecom and HD Hyundai Electric also lost ground. Hyundai Motor rose 3.85 percent and Korean Air gained 2.66 percent.

Seoul shares narrow losses late Monday morning on institutional buying

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Summary

Seoul shares narrowed their losses in Seoul late Monday morning after a technology-led Wall Street sell-off raised concerns about heavy artificial-intelligence infrastructure spending. The KOSPI was down 0.26 percent at 5,653.25 as of 11:20 a.m., after opening 3.17 percent lower. Institutional buying supported the market, while tech stocks led declines and Hyundai Motor and Korean Air gained. The Korean won strengthened to 1,329.80 won per U.S. dollar.

Key Facts

Institutions bought a net 377.27 billion won worth of stocks, while foreigners and individuals sold a net 84.13 billion won and 555.03 billion won, respectively.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.34 percent and the Nasdaq Composite plunged 2.14 percent on Friday in the United States.
SK hynix declined 3.14 percent, while Samsung Electronics fell 0.23 percent, SK Telecom dropped 0.38 percent and HD Hyundai Electric shed 1.94 percent.
Hyundai Motor rose 3.85 percent and Korean Air climbed 2.66 percent.
Investors remained cautious ahead of earnings reports from Tesla and Meta Platforms and the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections amid uncertainty over the interest rate outlook.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 19, 2026 9:19 am KST
Updated Oct 19, 2026 12:59 pm KST

The KOSPI index is displayed at a dealing room of Hana Bank in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Seoul shares narrowed their losses late Monday morning helped by institutional buying after a technology-led sell-off on Wall Street raised speculation over heavy spending in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

After opening a sharp 3.17 percent lower, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) was down 14.8 points, or 0.26 percent, from the previous session to 5,653.25 as of 11:20 a.m.

On Friday (U.S. time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.34 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite plunged 2.14 percent.

Institutions bought a net 377.27 billion won ($284 million) worth of stocks, while foreigners and individuals sold a net 84.13 billion won and 555.03 billion won, respectively.

Investors also remain cautious ahead of earnings reports from major companies, including Tesla and Meta Platforms, due this week, as well as the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections, amid continued uncertainty over the interest rate outlook, analysts said.

In Seoul, tech stocks led the decline.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 0.23 percent, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix declined 3.14 percent.

SK Telecom, the leading wireless services provider, dropped 0.38 percent, and HD Hyundai Electric shed 1.94 percent.

Among gainers, top carmaker Hyundai Motor rose 3.85 percent, and national flag carrier Korean Air climbed 2.66 percent.

The Korean won was trading at 1,329.80 won against the U.S. dollar as of 11:20 a.m., up 6.7 won from the close of the previous stock trading session.

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