KOSPI Closes Above 6000 for First Time in History

The KOSPI closed above the 6,000 mark for the first time in its history.

On the 25th, the KOSPI index closed at 6,083.86, up 1.91% from the previous trading day. This marks the first time the KOSPI has closed above 6,000 since the index was first calculated.

The index opened at 6,022.70, up 0.89% from the previous close, crossing the 6,000 threshold at the market open. Early gains weakened briefly, pushing the index below 6,000, but buying pressure soon returned and extended the rally. The index surged to an intraday high of 6,144.71, setting a new all-time record.

Individual and institutional investors drove the day's gains with concurrent buying. Foreign investors took profits aggressively, recording net sales exceeding 1.2 trillion won. Top KOSPI stocks by market capitalization rallied across the board, lifting the index. Capital inflows concentrated particularly in leading sectors including semiconductors and automobiles.

Samsung Electronics closed at 203,500 won, up 1.75%, while SK Hynix gained 1.29% to finish at 1,018,000 won. The automobile sector posted even stronger gains than semiconductors. Hyundai Motor surged 9.16% and Kia jumped 12.7%, with major Hyundai Motor Group affiliates rallying sharply in unison.

The KOSPI breached 5,000 at close on the 27th of last month and reached 6,000 just 29 trading days later. After touching 5,000 intraday on the 22nd of last month, it took three trading days to close above that level. This time, the index not only broke through 6,000 but charged past 6,100 intraday, demonstrating remarkable strength.

The KOSDAQ, meanwhile, finished flat. The index closed at 1,165.25, up 0.02% from the previous day. As capital concentrated on the large-cap KOSPI market, the KOSDAQ fluctuated throughout the session, briefly turning negative before ending with minimal gains. Individual investors were net buyers of 392.9 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors were net sellers.

"Earnings momentum centered on the semiconductor sector is driving the KOSPI's rise," said Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities. "Valuation appeal will be maintained as earnings forecasts continue to improve."