Following OpenAI's release of GPT-6 Astra, the market revised its expectations for AI computing power and high-performance storage demand upwards, driving a net inflow of approximately 5.2 trillion won from foreign investors and institutions. Simultaneously, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix continued large-scale share buybacks, further absorbing selling pressure with corporate buying. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rose by approximately 5.7% and 8.3% respectively on September 7th. Although individual investors saw a net outflow of approximately 6.8 trillion won in a single day, the second-highest in history, this selling pressure was absorbed by increased holdings by foreign institutions driven by AI expectations, along with corporate buybacks, resulting in a significant rise in the index. This indicates that the marginal pricing power in the South Korean stock market is currently mainly in the hands of foreign investors, institutions, and listed companies.
