Stocks in Seoul close with a gain, driven by minimal impetus

The Korean stock market saw a rise on Tuesday, with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) closing at 3,184.42, an increase of 12.07 points or 0.38%. This marks a new record high for the index, supported by gains in the technology sector.

The most significant companies gaining on Tuesday were SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, both belonging to the technology and semiconductor industry. SK Hynix increased by 0.77 percent to 262,500 won, while Samsung Electronics rose by 1.01 percent to 69,800 won.

Trade volume was moderate, with 321.7 million shares worth 8.6 trillion won ($6.2 billion) exchanging hands. However, institutional investors sold off a net 375.6 billion won, while foreigners were net buyers for a second consecutive session, purchasing 435 billion won. Retail investors offloaded a net 154.6 billion won.

The rise in the Kospi was limited due to a wait-and-see approach amid tariff-related uncertainties and the upcoming US August employment data, according to Lee Kyoung-min, an analyst at Daishin Securities.

Other notable gainers included Samsung Biologics, which increased by 1.5 percent to 1,012,000 won. On the other hand, shipbuilding shares lost ground due to profit-taking, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries decreasing by 1.75 percent to 505,000 won and Hanwha Ocean decreasing by 4.46 percent to 117,700 won.

The US August employment data is set to be released on Friday (US time). As for the Korean won, it fell against the US dollar, with the won quoted at 1,392.3 against the US dollar at 3:30 p.m., a decrease of 1.3 won from the previous session's close.

In terms of sector performance, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and nuclear shares led the gains, while shipbuilding shares saw losses. Winners outnumbered losers 502 to 370.